Professional Development

Introducing our Keynote Speakers:

Travel as a force for good, with Aziz Abu Sarah, co-founder of MEJDI Tours, and Maoz Inon, tourism entrepreneur, with SATW President Lydia Schrandt.

Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian whose brother was killed by the Israeli army, and Maoz Inon, an Israeli whose parents were killed in the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, are leading advocates for peacebuilding. One of the most effective tools for understanding, they argue, is tourism. They have been invited to share their powerful message with media across the globe, TED talks, Congressional Leaders, the Pope — and now SATW.

Everything you want to know about AI

Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer for the Local Media Association and a former travel writer, will present three practical, inspirational sessions for content creators and Associates in the AI age.

What You Can Do that AI Can’t: Why publications and destinations still need top-notch content created by humans, and how to AI-proof your work.
Chatbots 101: A hands-on session on using Chat GPT and other bots effectively
AI Tips and Tricks: A hands-on session on AI tools beyond chatbots.

Our Nature, Our Future

Biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin shares his appreciation of nature and lessons from a lifetime of travel.

2024 ISTANBUL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

*As of Oct. 9, 2024. Schedule subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

9:30—10:30 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Travel as a Force for Good. Aziz Abu Sarah, co-founder of MEJDI Tours, and Maoz Inon, tourism entrepreneur, with SATW President Lydia Schrandt.

Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian whose brother was killed by the Israeli army, and Maoz Inon, an Israeli whose parents were killed in the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, are leading advocates for peacebuilding. One of the most effective tools for understanding, they argue, is tourism. They have been invited to share this powerful message with media across the globe, TED Talk audiences, congressional leaders, the Pope — and now SATW.

10:45—11:30 a.m. PD SESSIONS

AI for Storytellers: What you can do that AI can’t: Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer for the Local Media Association and a former travel writer, explains why publications and destinations still need top-notch content created by humans, and how writers can AI-proof their work.

Photo Feedback: Can your best images be even better? Pro photographers review submitted images and offer suggestions. Reviewers include SATW photographers Eric Lindberg and Kerrick James.

Marketing to Diverse Audiences: Destinations increasingly are targeting niche audiences to expand beyond their general tourist base. But reaching them requires intentional messages of welcome and appeal. Three SATW Associates share case studies and what they learned: Aviva Kohen of Calgary, Kourtney Jones of Charleston, S.C., and Suzie Sponder of Miami; moderated by Cory Lee.

Grow Your Brand with TV Appearances: SATW Active Sheeka Sanahori explains how to prep yourself for TV appearances, and how to pitch local and national broadcast outlets as an expert.

Meet the Editors—Session I: (Participants have already been selected; Actives only.) One-on-one pre-scheduled appointments with assigning editors.

THURSDAY, NOV. 14

7:30—8:30 a.m. MORNING SESSIONS

What Editors are Buying Now: Moderated by Jane Wooldridge. Editors from Afar, Condé Nast Traveler, South China Morning News, Wanderlust, AAA Explorer/Westways, and branded content sites talk about their needs in the age of AI and how your pitches can stand out. Editors include:

Jacqui Agate, Wanderlust Magazine
Michelle Baran, AFAR
Jim Benning, AAA Explorer/Westways
David DeVoss, East-West News Service
Mark Footer, South China Morning/PostMag
Catharine Hamm, Silversea
Beverly Hurley, Garden Destinations
Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler
Veronica Stoddart, VS Content Strategies

Photographers’ Meetup: A casual breakfast to exchange tips and experiences. Conversation led by Eric Lindberg.

DPC Meetup: A casual breakfast to exchange tips and experiences. Conversation led by Lindsay Nieminen.

Guests/Spouses Meetup: A casual breakfast to get to know other attendees. Conversation led by Bill Gossy.

8:45—9:35 a.m. PD SESSIONS

AI Tools for Storytellers (Part 1: Basics): Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer for the Local Media Association, presents a hands-on, how-to session on using ChatGPT and other chatbots to speed your research and other tasks. (Hint: It’s all in the prompt.) Suitable for both AI newbies and those with experience. Laptop advised.

Adding Value with Video, Part 1: Video has become a key tool for publishers and marketers seeking to broaden audiences and increase time on-site. In this session, Andrea Johnson will discuss when video is the best medium for communicating a message, how to integrate video with writing and photography, and practical tips for shooting, editing, and delivering video using smartphones, DSLR cameras and drones. The focus will be on easy, practical ways to create effective video. Suitable for all levels of expertise.

Working with Independent Content Creators (The Inside Scoop): Three successful content creators (Cory Lee, Lindsay Nieminen and Kimberly Tate) talk about how marketers and destinations can best work with them in mutually satisfying partnerships in a constantly changing media landscape. Moderated by Mary Jo Manzanares.

Travel and Climate Change: In the race to protect the planet, travel suppliers have announced ambitious plans to reduce environmental impact. Representatives from the cruise, destination management and tour industries share their strategies and progress. Moderated by Jennifer Broome, environmental journalist. Speakers: Figen Ayan, Chief Port Officer at Galataport İstanbul and President at MedCruise; Esra Güler Özcan, MICE Director, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency; and Richard Edwards of UnTours.

Meet the Editors—Session II: (Participants have already been selected; Actives only.) One-on-one pre-scheduled appointments with assigning editors.

9:45—10:35 a.m. PD SESSIONS

AI Tools for Storytellers (Part 2: Advanced): Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer for the Local Media Association, presents a hands-on, how-to session, Beyond Chatbots, focusing on other AI tools that can speed your work while you maintain control.

Adding Value with Video, Part 2: Video has become a key tool for publishers and marketers seeking to broaden audiences and increase time on-site. In this session, Andrea Johnson will discuss when video is the best medium for communicating a message, how to integrate video with writing and photography, and practical tips for shooting, editing, and delivering video using smartphones, DSLR cameras and drones. The focus will be on easy, practical ways to create effective video. Suitable for all levels of expertise.

How to Get—And Give—Good Quote: Many reporters lean on email for interviews, resulting in colorless quotes that leave the editor (and reader) cold. Long-time editor Jennifer Barger and PR pro Angela Berardino discuss what constitutes a strong quote, how a writer can encourage better quotes, and how PR pros can help get clients up to the task.

Show Me the $$$: Three SATW Actives (Juliana Broste, Jennifer Dore Dallas and Kevin Wagar) reveal their business models for diversifying revenue streams. They will explain how they value ROI on their time, and how they are planning for an ever-shifting media marketplace. Moderated by Jane Wooldridge.

Turn Your Photography Into a Self-Published Book: Photographers have a rich trove of images that may never see publication. Is a self-published book the answer? SATW members Robert Holmes and Douglas Peebles offer an in-depth look at the world of self-publishing illustrated coffee-table books through both sponsorship and Kickstarter campaigns. This presentation will include costs, timelines and potential pitfalls.

Meet the Editors—Session III: (Participants have already been selected; Actives only.) One-on-one pre-scheduled appointments with assigning editors.

10:45 a.m.—1 p.m. LUNCH & KEYNOTES

11 a.m.—12 p.m. Traveling in Changing Times: Military conflicts, natural disasters and changing politics have created a world of uncertainty for travelers and marketers. How can journalists, influencers and destinations navigate an uncertain world? Speakers: Daniel Durazo, Allianz Partners Insurance; Aziz Abu Sarah, MEJDI Tours; Michelle Baran, AFAR; and long-time publicist Geoffrey Weill. Moderated by Fran Golden.

12 p.m. —1 p.m. Our Nature, Our Future: Biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin shares his appreciation of nature and lessons from a lifetime of travel.