Associations
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
Erin is the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Belize, Central America Regional Membership Coordinator for IFWTWA. The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association is a global network of journalists who cover topics related to the hospitality and lifestyle fields. Other members include persons/organizations who support those fields as well.
If you are a journalist who would be a good candidate for the IFWTWA, please use Erin’s contact page to find out more information.
If you are a PR or special media rep, tourist board, restaurant, hotel, winery, etc., Erin is always on the look out for potential networking opportunities — especially in Asia. Areas of need would include planning local events with other journalists and the coordination of press trips that would be of interest to members of the IFWTWA.
Erin’s profile on IFWTWA: http://www.ifwtwa.org/public_profiles/erin_de_santiago/
TravelWriters.com
TravelWriters.com is a professional network of travel writers, editors, and members of the PR community.
Erin’s profile on TravelWriters.com: http://www.travelwriters.com/writer/39994
Tripatini
The Facebook networking site for Travel Writers. Erin’s profile on Tripatini: http://www.tripatini.com/profile/ErinDeSantiago
International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO)
Erin is a member of the IFPO, which helps grant press credentials to freelance photographers.
Media Access
Erin has approved media access to a number of online sites, and organizations including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Hong Kong Disneyland, TravMedia.com and Food4Media.com.
Education
MatadorU from Matador Network
Currently enrolled in both the Travel Writing and Photography programs
New York Institute of Photography
Currently enrolled in NYIP’s intensive professional photographer progam
Society of Wine Educators – SWE Wine Academy
The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) offers a full Wine Academy as preparation for the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) exam. It is the first online educational program that is officially tied to an international certification program in wine. Erin has recently enrolled in this program and plans to sit for the CSW exam in 2013.
Wine Spectator – Wine Spectator School
Wine Spectator also offers several wine courses through their Wine Spectator School — some geared towards wine lovers and others designed for wine professionals. Erin is also currently enrolled in several classes under this program.
Other Degrees/Certifications:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- A.S. in Legal Studies
- CP – Certified Paralegal, Specialist in Discovery
- AIC – Associate in Claims