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http://www.wendycrispellwine.com wendyc
Robbin Gheesling
A graduate of New York University with a master’s degree in Music Technology, Robbin worked for more than a decade as a recording and mastering engineer on major label albums before receiving the Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from the International Wine Center and progressing to the Diploma program. She is an active member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the Society of Wine Educators.
Share YOUR Strength
New York Times Travel Show
The New York Times Travel Show wasn’t exactly what I expected! One thing thats not quite clear in the literature is that “trade day” is really meant for travel agents, not operators. I went to a couple of workshops and I picked up a few tidbits of information but everything was focused on how to make your travel agency a better business. (Even worse, a WRITING workshop ended up being a junket in a slideshow.) On the positive side, I did meet a few nice agents who are interested in culinary and wine options in the future.
I got a much better perspective on the travel industry from the consumer days. I observed how destinations where marketed and attended a few more consumer oriented workshops that seemed much more relevant than anything I heard on trade day!
Of course I had to stop by to see what Samantha Brown had to say. The questions from the audience were quite interesting. They weren’t really about her or the show but asking her about destinations like she was just a really famous travel agent! One thing I didn’t realize is that she has been on the Travel Channel for 10 years now! She certainly does know a thing or two about travel at this point and graciously gave advice on the places she’s been. Considering I want to be a hybrid of her, Andrea Immer Robinson and Nigella Lawson, I’ve started looking for acting classes after she said she got the job as a “regular” audition as an actress. (And an amusing story about chasing down a plane!)
I also attended a workshop on solo & women travel. I’m actually quite surprised at the number of women in the audience who said they’d never traveled alone when its all I’ve ever done. The few times I have traveled with others, I start to get frustrated that I’ve lost the freedom to change my mind and do something different.
The afternoon Travel Writing 201 workshop was the most beneficial. Not necessarily in how to get published but more on tips and tricks on traveling with technology and gathering web 2.0 fans.
I connected with Katie Parla on Twitter before the weekend started and she told me all about what she does in Rome and working with Context Travel. I hope I can work with both of them soon.