Food, Wine and Travel Writers: Why you Should Enter the IFWTWA Scholarship by July 31st

A quick note for all food, wine and travel writers: The deadline for IFWTWA (if-twa) scholarships is July 31st. IFWTWA – the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association – recognizes writers with its annual scholarship competition. I entered on a whim just a few days before last year’s deadline, and I was chosen as the grand prize winner for my story Cooking in Lahore: An American Woman in a Pakistani Kitchen.

The grand prize for this year will be different, but here’s what my prize included just to give you an idea.

  • Complimentary attendance at the IFWTWA Conference at Sea aboard Holland America’s ms Westerdam. The prize included a 7-day cruise from Seattle to Alaska. Check out some of my photos from Juneau.
  • One-year membership to IFWTWA ($200 value) – membership allows you to apply for IFWTWA press trips such as the upcoming 7-day trip to Phoenix or the Best of Seattle press trip I was able to attend earlier this month.
  • The opportunity to speak at IFWTWA’s annual conference
  • A certificate signed by the President of IFWTWA
  • The opportunity to interview with Big Blend Radio
  • Publication of the winning story in Global Writes, IFWTWA’s online magazine
  • This year there are two award categories: Professional and Emerging. Emerging writers are writers who have made less than $500 on food, wine and travel writing during the year prior to contest entry (not tax year). Professional writers are those who have made $500 or more during the year prior to contest entry. Money earned from page views or advertisement doesn’t count toward the total.

    Here are the details on this year’s prizes.

    Writing Scholarship Award Details


    Professional Journalism Scholarship Award

  • Certificate signed by the IFWTWA President and an Awards Committee member
  • One-year IFWTWA membership ($200 value – allows you to apply for IFWTWA press trips)
  • Complimentary participation in 2012 conference at the Venetian in Las Vegas; all hosted meals, activities and professional development sessions are included. This will be an excellent opportunity to network with other food, wine and travel writers.
  • Publication of winning story in Global Writes
  • Promotion on IFWTWA website landing page

  • Emerging Writer Scholarship Award

  • Certificate signed by the IFWTWA President and an Awards Committee member
  • One-year IFWTWA membership ($200 value)
  • Cash prize of $250
  • Publication in Global Writes

    There is a $15 entry fee for both categories. If you’re borderline, I’d suggest entering the Professional category because the prize (attendance at the Las Vegas conference) will be an awesome opportunity to meet other writers and attend the annual conference. Your story can be about food, wine OR travel or any combination of the three.

    TO ENTER: IFWTWA Scholarship Awards

    Photo: Wine tasting at Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington during the IFWTWA Best of Seattle press trip organized by Allen Cox, Chair of IFWTWA’s Excellence Awards Committee.

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