About the Symposium
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The 20th Symposium for Professional Food Writers will take place September 12-16, 2010 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Speakers and participants remain over the days, allowing ultimate interaction among authors of food and cookbooks, recipe developers, ghost writers, journalists and bloggers, as well as major magazine writers, newspaper food editors, renowned cookbook authors, literary agents, publishers, writing and other coaches and more.
Why is the Symposium revered?
Known as, “the granddaddy of all food writing conferences in the English language,” this multi-day program is excellent for kick-starting books, as well as networking with high-level professionals in the field. Since this symposium was launched, hundreds of books and thousands of articles, blogs, columns as well as TV and radio food shows have burst into life as result of the coaching and mentoring offered during the Symposium.
Is this conference for YOU?
Registration is open to all editorial writers, bloggers, editors, publishers and producers who work within the world of food interest. So, basically, if you take pen to paper, keyboard to computer or even tap twitter about food, you need to join this lively group of talented writers to move ahead in the field.
September 12-16, 2010
| What | The Symposium for Professional Food Writers |
| Who | Professional food writers and editors only, limited to 90 attendees |
| When | September 12-16, 2010 |
| Where | The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia |
2010 Speakers
Antonia Allegra
Rux Martin
Elissa Altman
Kirsty Melville
Carole Bidnick
James Peterson
Laurie Buckle
Rick Rodgers
Don Fry
Andrew Schloss
Christopher Hirscheimer
Anne Willan
Holly Hughes
Molly Wizenberg
David Joachim
Joe Yonan
Dorothy Kalins
The Symposium for Professional Food Writers has been a resource for professional writers and editors since its inception in 1989. It exists at The Greenbrier and is presented without sponsorship.
The conference offers writers an open forum where they can exchange thoughts on skills, trends, writing styles and themes prevalent in today's world of food writing. See what past attendees are saying on the Testimonials page.
Symposium Details
Conference Fees
Single occupancy - $1,880 plus resort fees and taxes
Double occupancy and double participation - $1,503 per person
Double occupancy and single participation - $2,335 per couple
Educational Tax Deduction
Confirm with your accountant to affirm that attendance at the Symposium for Professional Food Writers will qualify for an educational tax deduction. In all cases, you are investing in your career by attending the conference.
Open Readings
Two evenings include the option to read your work at our Open Readings. We encourage your participation and attendance and suggest readings of no more than eight minutes.
Library for Contemporary Cookbooks
In 1994, a library was initiated for the Symposium for Professional Food Writers. This library is maintained by The Greenbrier and books are displayed during the Symposium. Books may be sent to Lynn Swann, Symposium Coordinator.
Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are available for the 2010 Symposium. Please visit our Scholarship page for additional information and application.
Coaching Sessions
Coaching sessions with Antonia Allegra, Don Fry and Andrew Schloss are available with advance registration. Coaching sessions are limited to one per person and reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. Antonia will offer 20-minute one-on-one coaching sessions. Don's one-hour sessions are private group coaching sessions for up to 5 writers. Andrew's sessions, with an entrepreneurial focus, will be for one hour with a limit of 8 writers. For times, please see the registration form.
Travel Arrangements
For general assistance regarding travel arrangements, please contact Lynn Swann at 304-536-7857.
Air Service
Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB), located in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is only 15 minutes from The Greenbrier. Twice daily flights to/from Cleveland, OH via Continental are available. In addition, Delta Air Lines provides daily nonstop jet service from Atlanta and New York (LaGuardia). The Greenbrier offers shuttle service to and from Greenbrier Valley Airport. Reservations are not required for shuttles from the airport to the resort. The fee is $27 each way, inclusive of gratuity.
Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA), located in Roanoke, Virginia, is 80 miles from The Greenbrier and is served by Delta, United, Northwest and US Airways.
Get more information about air service to The Greenbrier at greenbrier.com.
Automobile
The Greenbrier is located just off I-64 at White Sulphur Springs. Complimentary self-parking is available. Valet parking is available for $20 per day. For more information about driving directions to The Greenbrier at greenbrier.com. If you are interested in sharing a ride with another attendee, please email Lynn Swann.
Train
AMTRAK provides convenient train service east and west on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday via Amtrak's Cardinal (Washington, DC to Chicago) route. Get more information about trains to The Greenbrier at greenbrier.com.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel, a complete refund is granted if notification is given before August 10, 2010.
