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 talentsIFWTWA 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:
A Carless Tour of the Top Santa Fe, New Mexico City Gems
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:
Media Placements Snapshot >>IFWTWA extends a special thanks to both our sponsors and exhibitors who contributed so much to this conference: Sponsors:
Exhibitors:
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 Casa Sena: Santa Fe, New Mexico by Amy Piper A Touch of New Mexico by Kathleen Walls
La Fonda On The Plaza: Magical Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico by Kurt Jacobson
Tapestry of Life: The Ancient Art of Zapotec Weaving by Noreen Kompanik
La Fonda on the Plaza, Pueblo-Inspired Architecture and Contemporary Luxury by Linda Milks Outlets added as they become available IFWTWA: Submit your clip here >>
IFWTWA Writers in Attendance:
Santa Fe, New Mexico at Sunset © 2019 Tom Plant
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