ALONG COMES MARY

Being a blogger, you can get a lot of emails from networks vying for you to join them as they are surely THE place to be if you want to be successful. While several of these organizations and groups are worth your time, it can be difficult to navigate to the good ones. Especially, when there is a fee.

Will this be worth my time? Where is my money going? Will I just get an html code to stick a badge on my page?! These are all concerns that go through my mind when I want to join a new group. I definitely thought that when I decided to apply, and, hopefully,  join The International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

Little did I know that when I was approved into IFWTWA, it would easily become one of the best things to happen for Along Comes Mary. With IFWTWA, I have met countless like-minded professionals who are living dreams similar to my own: traveling, learning about cultures, experiencing different cuisines, discovering wines in parts of the world you may not realize are thriving wine industries (IFWTWA went to Jordan this past Spring….and yep, there is  wine region!)

Personally, I know IFWTWA has opened doors for my professional growth as a travel blogger. Not only have I been on press trips with my “IFWTWA peeps” (as I affectionately call them on social media) but, adding the title of being a proud member onto my media kit has suddenly made dreams come true as I find myself getting more fabulous invites and offers that are furthering my career.

Remember when I had a margarita with a fried cricket as garnish at Mexicano LA? How about that hilarious night at Piano Piano Bar in Claremont, singing YMCA with friends? Or, my week in Oregon experiencing everything from a century old cemetery to a wheat flour mill?! That was all, thanks to IFWTWA.

What makes IFWTWA unique is how above and beyond the association goes. When I am not waiting to hear if I was approved for a FAM they have organized, I am getting referrals from members and intros to great PR colleagues. They are the real deal and a must for anyone serious about joining the travel writing world.

2016 could easily be their best year yet, as we have, for the first time, opened up our annual IFWTWA Conference to non-members! That means if you are NOT a member, even if you are brand new to the travel writing world, YOU can join me at the conference this year, in stunning Coronado, California….you will literally be 5 steps from the beach, and minutes from San Diego and Mexico.

You may be tired of my saying IFWTWA is unique, but, they are, and that means their conference is, also. We know how to work and learn, yet, we also know how to have fun. That being said, the conference will also be part FAM trip for you to really see how fun the group is. Along with fantastic key-note speakers, workshops like my very own social media hour and wine speakers including Hilarie Larson, IFWTWA is also hosting pre and post trips for existing members as well as 4 glorious days in Coronado.

You will come away with a vast knowledge of the travel, food and wine world, and enough experiences in both Coronado and San Diego to have countless new content for your outlet. If you are a new blogger, this would be perfect for collecting an array of content to write on your page.

As I mentioned, IFWTWA has never opened up the conference to non-members. We have only a few spots left. You can get all the info you need HERE, or by contacting Hilarie Larson at 877-439-8929 or [email protected]. (*Office hours are 11 am to 4 PM PDT Monday – Friday).

Be sure to mention my name (Mary Lansing) when you register, and feel free to email me at mary @ifwtwa.org if you have any questions. I hope to see you this Fall at The IFWTWA Conference! xo