IFWTWA’s 2019 Professional Development Conference took place November 11-13 at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza hotel in Santa Fe, the City Different. Members were immersed in a choice of six workshop presentations, including ones on social media, maximizing the potential of the iPhone and Android phone, pitching brands, food and wine photography, and video storytelling. A much anticipated Tourism Marketplace, comprised of representatives from sought after destinations, allowed members to engage with area representatives for future food, wine, and travel focused stories.

Judith Fein and Paul Ross, our keynote speakers, encouraged members to think beyond the commercial story when approaching their writing, and to speak from their unique interests and experiences. A Culinary Panel comprised of local specialists, including acclaimed restaurant chefs, a cattle rancher who uses regenerative land management practices, and a founder of a social enterprise serving farmers by distributing their farm produce and who also grows a variety of crops using organic practices. 

Keynote Speakers / Culinary Panel >>

Culinary opportunities were everywhere at this conference. La Fonda treated us to an iconic “Land of Enchantment” reception showcasing the area’s cuisine. The New Mexico Wine Growers “Viva Vino” treated our members and guests to the opportunity to learn about some of the spectacular wines of the region produced by Gruet, Noisy Water, and Vivac wineries. The following day, La Fonda showcased a BBQ lunch buffet with all the trimmings.

A highlight planned by Santa Fe Tourism was “A Taste of Santa Fe” held at the convention center where members could sample specialties from some of the best restaurants, chocolate makers, a spirits producer, and local wineries. 

Many members found our evening at the Santa Fe School of Cooking to be their personal favorite where guests of the school witnessed a cooking demonstration of local cuisine, including the Hatch chile, and then were invited to partake in a delicious dinner. 

There was time set aside to experience the beauty of Santa Fe and its myriad of shops and historic buildings, as well as memorable visits to museums, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the spectacular and creative Meow Wolf, and the amazing collections found at the Museums on the Hill. 

2019 Conference Schedule >>

Thank you to all who contributed their time and talents

IFWTWA extends its sincere appreciation to the IFWTWA Conference Committee, and to the Sponsor and Host organizations and businesses who participated in, and supported our Conference. 

Conference Committee: 

• Chair – Linda Milks - https://toastingfoodwinetravel.com/
• Deirdre Michalski - https://tastesandtravel.com/
• Allen Cox - https://www.allencox.org/
• Sue Montgomery - http://life-uncorked.com/
• Mary Farah - http://www.alongcomesmaryblog.com/
• Cori Solomon - http://writtenpalette.com/

Keynote Speakers:

• Judith Fein and Paul Ross, Global Adventure

A Carless Tour of the Top Santa Fe, New Mexico City Gems

Chefs’ Panel Participants:

• Moderator: Andrew Harris, SoCal Restaurant Show
• Katharine Kagel, Founder/owner and executive chef of Café Pasqual’s
• Sllin Cruz, Executive chef at Geronimo Restaurant
• Nina Yozell-Epstein, Founder of Squash Blossom Local Food Inc. 
• Nancy Ranney, Manager at Ranney Ranch
• Danielle Leoni, Executive chef/owner of The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

Workshop Presenters:

• Christopher John Davies, American Photojournalist
• Mary Farah, Travel & Lifestyle Blogger
• Chris Cutler, Writer, Photographer, Editor, Guide, Teacher, Traveler
• Elaine J. Masters, Author & freelance writer
• Susan Lanier-Graham, Travel writer & speaker
• David Nershi, Writer & publisher
• Noreen O'Brien, Photographer & artist

Thank you to Mary Chong, Calculated Traveller Magazine, for preparing the 2019 Conference Booklet where you can find conference participant details. 

2019 Conference Booklet >>

Explore the Rich Culture of Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

A special thanks to our pre- and post-conference press trip coordinators/hosts:

• Breanna Moore, PR and Communications Mgr. for Visit Albuquerque
  "Albuquerque Soars" 
• Joanne Hudson, Public Relations Manager for Tourism Santa Fe
  "Native Flavors of Santa Fe"
• Marissa Le, Account Executive for the Waite Company; PR and Marketing Rep for Visit Taos
  "Taos: Fiesta de la Tierra"
• Anna Maria Gonzales, the Marketing & Communications Director for Ghost Ranch
  "Ghost Ranch – Home of Georgia O’Keeffe"

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Media Placements Snapshot >>

IFWTWA extends a special thanks to both our sponsors and exhibitors who contributed so much to this conference:

Sponsors:

• Tourism Santa Fe - https://santafe.org/
  
• Santa Fe Workshops - https://www.santafeworkshops.com/
  
• New Mexico Wines - https://nmwine.com/
  
• Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels - https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/
  
• Visit Omaha - https://www.visitomaha.com/
  
• Whidbey/Camano Islands - https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/
  
• Travel Costa Mesa - https://www.travelcostamesa.com/
  
• La Fonda On the Plaza - https://www.lafondasantafe.com/
  
• Discover Flagstaff - https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/
  
• Travel Paso - https://pasowine.com/and http://www.travelpaso.com/ 

Destinations and Writers Meet One-on-One
to discuss Travel in 2020

Exhibitors and Sponsors met with enthusiastic IFWTWA travel writers to discuss their promotional needs for 2020. This was a great opportunity for destinations across the county to share what makes their town special, stories they need about upcoming events and tourist experiences.

Personal introductions and one-on-one collaboration with our professionals, both in workshops and for FAM/press trips, is a key to satisfying our mutual goals.

Read a summary of participant takeaways here:

Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors >>

Exhibitors:

• Tourism Santa Fe - https://santafe.org/ 
• Visit Phoenix - https://www.visitphoenix.com/
• Travel Medford - https://www.travelmedford.org/
  
• Visit Albuquerque - https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/
  
• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance - https://pasowine.com/ and http://www.travelpaso.com/
  
• Greater Birmingham CVB - https://www.birminghamal.org/
  
• Memphis Travel - https://www.memphistravel.com/
  
• Discover Flagstaff - https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/
  
• Visit Park City - https://www.visitparkcity.com/ 

Social Media: 

IFWTWA members utilize Twitter, Instagram, Insta Stories, Facebook, Facebook Live and Facebook Stories in addition to social media promotion by IFWTWA and its website pages.

#IFWTWA2019  |  #SantaFeNM  |  #VisitSantaFe  |  @CityOfSantaFe  |  #NewMexicoTRue 

Expect the unexpected in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Media Placements:

Santa Fe, The City Different by Kathleen Walls
La Plazuela in Santa Fe, New Mexico by Amy Piper

La Casa Sena: Santa Fe, New Mexico by Amy Piper
Chiles Warm the Heart by Suzanne Corbett
Wine Women Wednesday: Meet Michele Padberg of Vivac Winery by Mary Farah

A Touch of New Mexico by Kathleen Walls
Susan's Travels, Tours + Trips by Susan Cohen
Santa Fe: Hub of Southwest Style And Culture by David Nershi

13 Great Spots to Get a Taste of Santa Fe by Linda Milks

Collin Keegan is the person to know if you are interested in local spirits. Santa Fe Spirits was founded by Collin in 2010 when the apple orchards on his property produced an abundance of apples. He turned apples into hard apple cider. From there, Collin followed his dream to become the pre-eminent artisan distillery in the Southwest. Santa Fe Spirits is home to small production gin, whiskey, and vodka. Image: Santa Fe Spirits © Linda Milks

La Fonda On The Plaza: Magical Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico by Kurt Jacobson
Getting Acquainted With Wines of New Mexico by Kurt Jacobson
Ranney Ranch: An Eco-Friendly Southwestern Cattle Ranch by Kurt Jacobson

Tapestry of Life: The Ancient Art of Zapotec Weaving by Noreen Kompanik
3 Magical Not-To-Be-Missed New Mexico Towns by Noreen Kompanik
Viva Vino New Mexico—America's First Wine Region by Pam Baker 

Giving Thanks for Three Sisters and the Potato by Suzanne Corbett 

The potato, a South America native, was taken by Spanish Conquistadors back to Europe. Unfortunately, it was a little late for the pilgrim’s feast. What was on the table? The Three Sisters, corn, beans and squash. Foods celebrated and featured at the Pueblo Cultural Center located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Image: Three Sisters Harvest © Suzanne Corbett

La Fonda on the Plaza, Pueblo-Inspired Architecture and Contemporary Luxury by Linda Milks 
Santa Fe, New Mexico ~ Three colorful and tasty days in the Land of Enchantment by Sue Frause
A First Time Visit to Santa Fe by Mary Farah

Outlets added as they become available

IFWTWA: Submit your clip here >>

IFWTWA Writers in Attendance:

Santa Fe, New Mexico at Sunset © 2019 Tom Plant