Deadline: February 29, 2012

Creative Nonfiction (www.creativenonfiction.org), in association with Tashmadada (www.tashmadada.com), seeks new essays for a special Australia issue. We¹re looking for a variety of perspectives‹from locals, expats, tourists, or anyone else‹and will consider essays of all forms and focuses as long as Australia¹s landscape, people, and/or culture are prominently featured; the stories are true; and submissions are previously unpublished. Essays must be vivid and dramatic. Writing should combine a strong and compelling narrative with a significant element of research or information, and reach for some universal or deeper meaning. We¹re looking for well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice. Essays must be 4,000 words maximum and submitted by February 29, 2012. All submissions will be judged by Lee Gutkind (USA) and Leah Kaminsky (AUS), and The Writers Conversation is sponsoring two cash prizes: $6,500 (AUD) for Best Essay -and- $2,500 (AUD) for Best Essay by an Australian Writer There will be only two contest winners, but all submissions will be considered by the judges for inclusion in Creative Nonfiction #46: Australia, which will be launched at the 2012 Melbourne Writers Festival (www.mwf.com.au). For this contest, we are accepting electronic submissions only. To submit, visit: www.creativenonfiction.org

submitted by: John Lamkin Travel Journalist & Photographer Board Member & Global Membership Chair of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and member of NATJA, ISTW & ITWA
His blog: http://food-wine-travel-writing-gear.com/
His website: http://TravelWritingAndPhotography.com

February 17 – Melbourne, Australia – Melbourne has further cemented its reputation as Australia’s Convention Capital, with the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) announcing they will hold their annual conference in the city in 2013.
 
Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Melbourne Visitors + Convention Bureau (MCVB), which secured the bid, said the win emphasised Melbourne’s exceptional convention facilities, as well as its world-renowned culinary and wine culture. 
 
“This Conference is being held outside of the United States for the first time. We are delighted that it will be held in Melbourne, Australia’s undisputed home of fine dining,” Ms Chipchase said. 

IFWTWA, which last night announced the establishment of an Australasian division headquartered in Melbourne, is an industry-leading, global network of journalists engaged in the food, wine and travel industries.
 
Some of the world’s leading food and wine journalists, from esteemed publications such as The New York Times, will converge on Melbourne in 2013 and reinforce our reputation as Australia’s first choice for conferences and Business Events. 
 
Maralyn Hill, President of IFWTWA and a leading author, broadcaster and journalist, said the Conference will reflect Australia’s love of quality food and wine, as well as the growing status of the Association.  
 
“We are delighted to launch our Australian division of IFWTWA and see Melbourne, Australia’s culinary home, as the perfect destination to bring delegates from around the world to celebrate food and wine through writing,” she said. 
 
“The exposure that Australian writer members will have to international media outlets and the networking opportunities that the conference will provide are boundless.”

Australian journalist Kevin Moloney, who was appointed Chair of the new Australasian branch, said that given the surge in local membership, it was only fitting that the 2013 conference should be held in Melbourne. 
 
“The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), is the ideal place for our members to enhance their professional development and exchange ideas with their international counterparts, who include some of the eminent food and travel writers in the world,” he said. 
 
Leigh Harry, CEO of MCEC, which will host the conference, said they are delighted to be hosting the event.
 
“The conference will provide association members with an invaluable opportunity to meet and share knowledge with leading food and wine writers from around the world,” he said.

Contact: Rebecca Elliott, Communications Manager, MCVB, telephone +61 3 9693 3317, or email: rebecca.elliott@mcvb.com.au

Membership of the IFWTWA has experienced a sudden growth surge in Australia. New members are now located across the width of the continent and have joined the association, looking for the strength and support the international profile provides.

Recent discussion at board level in California has ratified the establishment of the newly-formed group and agreed on a special division to be known as IFWTWA – Australasia.

Kevin Moloney, the chair of the new Australasian group, believes membership will swell to significant levels over the coming months and years. “The Association provides so much more than what has been professionally available to writers in Australia. Travel writers will now have the opportunity to interact with food and wine writers in the same association, giving us all greater scope and professional leverage” he said. “I’m sure when assessing the value of membership, new members will be impressed with the level of support and development they receive from the IFWTWA. We’re expecting to do great things in our region while being a part of an international association” he added.

Plans for the development of the Australasian group include the establishment of particular interest groups which focus on specialist writer market segments such as Business Events. The new group will provide a forum for business events/travel writers to exchange issues. As a special interest group it will be the model for establishing additional sub groups in the Australasian space.

Australian and New Zealand writers who are interested in joining the Association are welcome to contact either Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo who are more than willing to talk about the benefits of membership and the plans to develop the presence in the region.

Further details – Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo

kevinmoloney@iinet.net.au

gkemlo@gmail.com

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