Sorry for the short notice, but if any of you happen to be in the LA area this weekend, check out the 2009 Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show. As always, there will be exhibitors aplenty, prizes to be won, and discounted travel-related items.
But the reason I go is to attend the panels and fawn over travel writers old and new (not a remark on age but merely a comment on people I have or haven’t met). In attendance this year will be:
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Jen Leo and Rolf Potts, the first two travel writers I met when I decided to enter the field (haven’t seen them at the same time since we met)
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Pauline Frommer, who I’ve met several times before, and her father Arthur (one of those guys who started it all), who I haven’t yet but am excited to
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Rick Steves, a guy and a travel empire who I hope to corner at some point
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Samantha Brown, a Travel Channel veteran with numerous shows under her belt who might offer tips on getting one’s own show
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Catherine Hamm, travel editor for the LA Times (took a class with her—very nice woman)
and several others as well. There will be several panels to attend, and I’m looking forward to picking some brains, getting free stuff, and blowing money on travel books I don’t need. Old habits die hard. If you go, look for the loud obnoxious guy asking all the questions. That will most likely be me.
Envision yourself meeting Pauline. She will be so taken by your wit and sensitivity that she will invite you to an after hours cocktail parter. You'll meet her dad AND Rick Steeves and they will get in an argument and YOU will referee--they'll like your style and your resolution techniques and agree that you are the exception to the rule and can write for BOTH of them.
How's that for a vision?
Looking forward to hearing about the Adventure show.
Posted by: Ezra Mama | February 13, 2009 at 10:19 PM