2010 Conference &

Annual General Meeting

Australian Society of Travel Writers
Conference Sponsor

19 - 21 November 2010
 Conference Sponsor
Dear ASTW colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that for the first time

in three years, our Annual General
Meeting and associated conference will be held
on home turf in Sydney, Australia.
American Express is a leading global
Inside this brochure you will find the payments, network and travel company
information you need to help you plan for the backed by one of the world’s most
weekend. recognised brands. American Express
operates the world’s largest travel network
In conjunction with the AGM, the committee serving consumers and businesses. For
has planned an exciting range of events for all more than a century the company has
members, including a conference program of provided innovative payment solutions for
seminars and workshops on the Sunday travellers, first through the American Express
following the AGM; social events and the Travellers Cheque and now through the
launch of the Society’s long-awaited second American Express GlobalTravel Card – the
anthology of travel stories by our members; first prepaid travel card from American
Express, now available in Australia.
and our annual ‘Night of Nights’, the 2010
Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence.
Tourism New South Wales has also generously
offered to host writer members on post-event
familiarisations throughout the state.
Post-Event Tours
All in all it promises to be a huge weekend,
with a mix of fun and serious business, as well
as a wonderful opportunity to catch up with
colleagues and old and new friends.

To assist us with planning arrangements for

these events we ask that you return the
enclosed registration form as early as possible
and start booking your flights and
accommodation so you don’t miss out.
I look forward to welcoming as many of you as
possible to Sydney in November.
Yours sincerely
Kris Madden
President
Australian Society of Travel Writers
Tourism NSW has generously offered to
provide a range of post-event touring
options to ASTW writer members
attending the AGM and Conference.
Numbers are limited and priority will be
given to those with a confirmed story
commission or outlet. For further details
contact Kate Campbell at Tourism New South
Wales to register your interest.
Email: kate.campbell@tourism.nsw.gov.au
 Program of Events

Welcome Cocktail Party & ASTW Book Launch

Friday 19 November, 7pm - 10pm
The Waterfront Restaurant, 27 Circular Quay West, the Rocks, Sydney
Join us for cocktails against the sparkling backdrop of Sydney Harbour to celebrate the launch of the ASTW’s latest book, an
anthology of travel stories about Australia written by ASTW members. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the
book.

ASTW Annual General Meeting

Saturday 20 November, 9am - 1pm
Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney
The 34th Annual General Meeting of the Australian Society of Travel Writers.

ASTW Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence 2010 Dinner

Saturday 20 November, 7pm - 11pm
Ballroom, The Ivy, 320 George Street, Sydney
Join us for the ASTW’s ‘Night of Nights’ at a gala dinner in celebration of outstanding travel writing, photography and
tourism communications and the announcement of the winners of this year’s awards.

Conference: 2020 Vision: The Future of Travel Writing

Sunday 21 November, 9am - 5pm
Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney Conference Sponsor

Join our conference program of international class speakers who will share all you need to know to survive in the
brave new world of mass media.
Conference Program
Conference Sponsor

2020 Vision: The Future of Travel Writing

9:00am Arrival & Registration

9:15am Welcome & Introductions

9:30am Panel Discussion

How did it happen so fast? We blinked, and many of our print markets seemed to vanish overnight. Many
travel writers and photographers are in a state of future shock. Join our panel of experts as they unravel the brave
new world of media and what it means for the future of travel writing.

• Moderator: Kim McKay, Director, Klick Communications

• Laurel Papworth, Social Media Strategist
• Tony Wheeler, Co-Founder, Lonely Planet
• Jeremy Storer, Media Lawyer, Storers Legal
• Melissa Sweet, Public Interest Journalism Foundation

11:00am Morning Tea

11:30am Guest Speaker: Robert Dessaix, Writer, Translator & Broadcaster

12:30pm Lunch

2:00pm Concurrent Workshop Sessions

Public Relations Stream: Embracing New Media

We’ve all heard about FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media tools. But how is the tourism industry
actually using online media? What works and what doesn’t? Join our presenters as they share their case studies and
examples of the promises and pitfalls of the world of new media.

• Moderator: Lisa Phillips, Director of Marketing, Toga Hospitality

• Kerry I’Anson, Manager Global Public Relations, Tourism Australia
• Bruce Wallace, Director Communications & Publicity, Tourism Queensland
• Kim McKay, Director, Klick Communications
• Laurel Papworth, Social Media Strategist

Writers, Broadcasters & Photographers Stream: Embracing New Markets

We are told we must be more entrepreneurial, sell differently, create a website, start a blog – do something! But how
exactly? Our panel of experts will offer ideas and practical solutions for surviving in today’s rapidly changing media
environment.

• Moderator: Tiana Templeman, Freelance Travel Writer

• Kylie Davis, National Editor, News Limited
• Joshua Crouthamel, Acting Senior Travel Producer, ninemsn
• Maggie Walsh, Director Post Grad. Public Relations, RMIT
• David Schloeffel, Business Adviser, Enterprise Connect

3:30pm Afternoon Tea

4:00pm Guest Speaker: Tony Wheeler: Co-Founder, Lonely Planet

5:00pm Conference Close

*Speakers confirmed at time of publication, however the ASTW reserves the right to substitute speakers at its discretion.
 Keynote Speakers
Joshua Crouthamel
Acting Senior Travel Producer
ninemsn
As a senior travel producer at ninemsn, Australia’s largest
web portal, Joshua receives more than five million page
views from 750,000 unique browsers every month. He
commissions, produces and promotes content across
a variety of sites, including Channel 9’s Getaway, and
incorporates mobile and social networking strategies.
Kylie Davis
National Editor
News Limited
Formerly Chief of Staff at the Sun-Herald, Kylie works
with News Ltd as a national editor. She blogs regularly
for the International News Media Association; is listed in
the Who’s Who of Australian Women; and was runner up
in the 1999 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Awards
(Young Women’s Award).
Robert Dessaix
Writer, Translator & Broadcaster
Robert is a writer, translator and broadcaster whose
best-known books are the autobiography A Mother’s
Disgrace, the novels Night Letters and Corfu, and the
travel memoirs Twilight of Love and Arabesques.
Kerry I’Anson
Manager, Global Public Relations
Tourism Australia
Kerry is responsible for Tourism Australia’s strategic
direction for public relations across the organisation’s
global public relations network. Since commencing with
Tourism Australia, Kerry has overseen the introduction of
new ways to promote Brand Australia through traditional,
new media and word of mouth channels.
Kim McKay
Director
Klick Communications
With more than 15 years experience in media and
marketing, Kim is a marketing communications specialist
with a strategic and visionary approach. Through
corporate marketing and PR, Kim helps businesses
develop a platform for future growth and brand
evolvement.
Laurel Papworth
Social Media Strategist
Laurel is one of Australia’s top social media strategists
and respected thought leaders on social media. She is
in the Power150 Media and Marketing blogs globally
(Advertising Age) and # 3 Media Marketing blogger in
Australia (B&T Magazine).
Jeremy Storer
Media Lawyer
Storers Legal
Jeremy is a lawyer specialising in entertainment, media,
technology, intellectual property, communications and
privacy law. Originally from Adelaide, Jeremy has
worked in London, Sydney and Canberra. He has a
particular interest in the regulation of new media
platforms.
Melissa Sweet
Freelance Health Journalist
Melissa is a freelance health journalist and author, who
moderates Crikey’s health blog, Croakey, and is
Secretary of the Public Interest Journalism Foundation,
based at Swinburne University in Melbourne.
Bruce Wallace
Director Communication & Publicity
Tourism Queensland
Bruce and his team were responsible for the media
management and publicity for The Best Job in the World
global campaign, now recognised as one of the most
successful marketing campaigns of all time.
Maggie Walsh
Director Post Grad. Public Relations RMIT
Maggie is best-known for her roles as a journalist,
communication professional and university educator. In
2009 she contributed to a chapter on New Media in an
Australian e-book Travel Writing and Photography –
From Dreams to Reality, with colleague David Schloeffel.
David Schloeffel
Business Advisor Dept Innovation
Industry Science & Research
Enterprise Connect
With more than 30 years’ experience in creative
industries, David is a digital pioneer. He set up one of the
web’s first email marketing websites, ecommerce
websites and an early incarnation of YouTube. With
colleague Maggie Walsh, David co-authored the chapter
‘Writing for the Internet’ in the e-book Travel Writing and
Photography – From Dreams to Reality.
Tony Wheeler
Co-Founder
Lonely Planet
Tony and Maureen Wheeler’s Lonely Planet
Publications have grown to become the world’s largest
independent guidebook publisher; one of the world’s
most popular travel websites; a fully digital photo image
library; and a television production company. According
to the New York Times Tony is ‘the trailblazing patron
saint of the world’s backpackers and adventure travelers.’
 Accommodation
The following accommodation deals have been offered by ASTW PR members to delegates wishing to attend the conference
and AGM. To take advantage of these discounted rates quote ‘ASTW Conference’ when booking. Book early to avoid
disappointment!
Sydney Harbour YHA
110 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02) 8272 0900 W: www.yha.com.au
Double room per night $99.75 (YHA members)
$111 (non YHA members)
Double room with view per night $111 (YHA members)
$123.75 (Non YHA members)
Family room $123.75 (YHA members)
$138 (Non YHA members)
Contact: Silke Kerwick silke@yhansw.org.au
Medina Grand Sydney
511 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
W: www.medina.com.au
Studio apartment $120.00 per night
One bedroom apartment $135.00 per night
Medina Grand Harbourside
55 Shelley Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW 2000
W: www.medina.com.au
Studio apartment $200 per night
One bedroom apartment $240 per night
Adina on Crown
359 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
W: www.adinahotels.com.au
One bedroom apartment $175 per night
Vibe Sydney
111 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
W: www.vibehotels.com.au
$125 per room per night
Vibe Rushcutters Sydney
100 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay, NSW 2011
$150 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Contact: Tessa Anderssen tanderssen@toga.com.au
PH: (02) 9356 1005
www.vibehotels.com.au www.medina.com.au
www.adinahotels.com.au
Best Western Stellar Hotel Sydney
4 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02) 9264 9754
W: www.hotelstellar.bestwestern.com.au
$125 per night for standard twin or queen room (room only)
$140 per night for deluxe room (room only) Email hotel reservations at: reservations@interconsydney.com
Contact: Hansni Bhagani
hbhagani@bestwesternaustralia.com.au
Sydney Harbour Marriott
30 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02)9259 7000 W: www.marriott.com.au
$309 per room per night
Sydney Marriott Hotel
36 College Street (opp Hyde Park), Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: 0439 881 148 W: www.marriott.com.au
$289.00 per night for deluxe room (incl. breakfast for one)
Contact: Laura Speirs laura@8thday.com.au
Ibis Darling Harbour
PH: (02) 9563 0888 W: www.ibishotels.com.au
70 Murray Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009
$174 per room per night (incl. breakfast)
Ibis King St Wharf
22 Shelley Street, King Street Wharf, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02) 82430700 W: www.ibishotels.com.au
$174 per room per night (incl. breakfast)
Ibis World Square
382-384 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02) 8267 3111 W: www.ibishotels.com.au
$180 per room per night (incl. breakfast)
Mercure Sydney
818-820 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
PH: (02) 9217 6666 W: www.mercuresydney.com.au
$210 per room per night (incl. breakfast)
Novotel Darling Harbour
100 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW 2000 Australia
PH: (02) 9934 0000
W: www.novoteldarlingharbour.com.au
$269 per room per night (incl. breakfast)
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000.
PH: (02) 9228 9188 W: www.accorhotels.com
$275 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Contact: Gaynor Reid Gaynor.Reid@accor.com
Fraser Suites Sydney
488 Kent St, Sydney, NSW 2000
PH: (02) 8823 8888 W: http://sydney.frasershospitality.com
One bedroom deluxe suite $176 per night
(includes fruit plate & champagne on arrival)
Contact: Penny Shaw, Reservations Manager
penny.shaw@frasershospitality.com
InterContinental Sydney
117 Macquarie Street (Cnr Bridge and Phillip St) Sydney, NSW,
2000
PH: (02) 9253 9000
W: www.sydney.intercontinental.com
From $220 per room per night (room only) (Breakfast $20 pp)
Contact: Jasmine Cook jasmine@starrpr.com.au or Luke Starr
luke@starrpr.com.au
Getting to Sydney
Members will need to arrange their own flights to Sydney to
attend the conference and AGM. Check the following airline
sites for the latest deals.
Jetstar Airways: PH: 13 15 38 W: www.jetstar.com
Qantas Airways: PH: 13 13 13 W: www.qantas.com.au
Tiger Airways: PH: (03) 9335 3033 W: www.tigerairways.com.au
Virgin Blue: PH: 13 67 89 W: www.virginblue.com.au
 Australian Society of Travel Writers
2010 Conference &
Annual General Meeting
Registration Details

Registration Details

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

ASTW Membership Category____________________________________________________________________________________

Guest Name (if any)____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amount Paid_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Payment Method (please also complete details overleaf )

Please circle Cheque Direct Deposit Credit Card

If Direct Deposit, please provide the reference number used on your payment_________________________________________

Please circle:
I will will not be attending the ASTW 2010 Annual General Meeting.

Please return Registration Form with payment details to:

Secretariat
ASTW
PO BOX R379
ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225
secretariat@astw.org.au

Registrations close Friday 29 October

 Payment Details
Package Rate
An all-inclusive conference package of $250 (incl GST) per member includes:

• Friday Night Welcome Function and Book Launch

• Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence Dinner
• Conference Registration Fee
• Copy of ASTW Anthology

Please find enclosed my payment of $___________________ for an all-inclusive package ticket.

Itemised Rate
I wish to attend only part of the ASTW Conference Weekend.
Place a tick below next to the event you are attending.

Tick here Member (incl GST) Number of tickets Non-Member (incl GST) Number of tickets TOTAL
Welcome Function $85.00 $85.00
Awards Dinner $150.00 $150.00
Conference $120.00 $120.00

Please find enclosed total payment of $________________________________________________________________________

Payment Options
Payment can be made by cheque, direct deposit or credit card. Cheques should be made out to the ASTW.
For Direct Deposit, please make sure you use your first initial and surname as a reference. The ASTW Bank Account details are:

WESTPAC
BSB 032 280
A/C 218907

Payment by Credit Card (a merchant fee of 3% will be applied to all credit card transactions)
Name as it appears on your Credit Card_______________________________________________________________________
Card Number____________________________________________________________________________________________
Expiry date_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Security Number (MC and Visa 3 digits on back of card, AMEX 4 numbers on front)___________________________________
Type of card (please circle) AMEX / Master Card / VISA
Amount to be charged_____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Fax Credit Card details above to: (02) 9113 0819 OR Post to:
PO BOX R379, ROYAL EXCHANGE, NSW 1225