Members of the ASTW are unanimous in their view that the major benefit of belonging to the Society lies in the networking opportunities afforded by the opportunity to meet and network with other members, both writers and PR members.
Networking opportunities are provided through regular ASTW lunches and other social functions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and, occasionally, Adelaide. In Sydney and Melbourne functions occur monthly, while in Brisbane they are held every two months. Attendance at these functions is usually at a reduced price for ASTW members, with guests paying slightly more.
Highlights on the ASTW calendar are the Annual General Meeting and the annual ASTW Travel Journalism & Travel Communicator of the Year Awards held in August, September or October (with heavily subsidised travel opportunities for all members)
The annual Travel Trivia Night is held in Sydney mid-year and, since 2002, Melbourne has hosted the ASTW Wine & Wickets cricket challenge between Writers and PRs. In addition, the Society runs professional development seminars for its members from time to time.
Members also qualify for more tangible benefits in the form of industry discounts and deals, as outlined below. In addition, many companies occasionally offer one-off deals to ASTW members and these are publicised in the Society Newsletter.
Awards
The annual ASTW Awards night is held in late October or early November, either in Sydney or in a host country in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting. Full and Associate Writer Members are eligible to enter the Travel Journalism Awards, with prizes in Destination, Trade & Photography categories. PR Members are eligible for the ASTW Communicator of the Year Award, chosen by vote by the writer members, for outstanding professional service to ASTW members. Currently, there are seventeen awards.
It has become traditional for the host of the annual AGM to also offer a travel writing prize for stories (and sometimes photographs) published about the host destination. This award is usually presented about a year after the AGM.
Banking and Finance
The ASTW has organised for all members and their families to join the Qantas Staff Credit Union. Accounts have no monthly account keeping fees and a competitive fee structure that provides an opportunity to avoid or reduce transaction fees. You can set up your account by ordering a new membership kit by phoning 1300 747 747 and ask to speak to Business Development Officer, Paul Douglas.
Breakaway Travel Club
All writer members of the ASTW are now automatically members of the Breakaway Travel Club in the new Category M (for Media). The Breakaway Travel Club offers significant discounts for leisure purposes on travel product around the world, including airfares, accommodation, insurance, car rental, tours, cruises and more. Members receive regular e-mail updates on discounts that are relevant to their particular category of membership.
In addition to the above, Breakway Travelclub can offer members a reasonable discount on most worldwide airlines. If an industry fare does not exist, Breakaway can still offer a discount on current advertised retail airfares or published packages.
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet offers ASTW members, on request, reference copies of Lonely Planet travel guides for confirmed assignments.
Car hire
Europcar offers members discounted car hire rates in Australia and New Zealand.
Insurance
Travel insurance deals are available through the Breakaway Club for Full Members.
Travel insurance is also available to ASTW members from QBE and Travel Insurance Direct
Lunches
Monthly lunches are held in Sydney and Melbourne. In Brisbane, lunches are held every two months. Lunches are also held in Adelaide. PR members have the opportunity to sponsor lunches on behalf of their company or clients to showcase their product. There is often – but not always – a guest speaker on a relevant topic. From time to time the lunches may be replaced by other events, such as a cocktail party, dinner or a weekend away. Lunches are subsidised by the sponsors
Membership list
ASTW members have access to the full membership list through the ASTW website. This list is not available to non-members because of privacy legislation.
Newsletter
The ASTW newsletter is produced after each committee meeting – usually about 6-8 times a year. The newsletter keeps members in touch with coming events, awards and other items of interest.
Bulletin Board
The ASTW website allows information posted by members to be published on the Bulletin Board. Information includes market news, tips, and other relevant information.
ASTW Yahoo Group
The ASTW Yahoo Group is an instant communication option which allows members to pass on information and ask for advice in real time. This is rapidly becoming a major plus point.
Seminars
From time to time, the ASTW runs professional development seminars covering topics of interest to both writers and PR members. Issues covered have included copyright, ethics, photography, technology, tax, famil guidelines, and more. These seminars are usually open to non-members, with a reduced registration fee for members. Members also have the opportunity at times to be speakers and presenters at these seminars.
TravMedia
All ASTW Members receive a complimentary subscription to TravMedia.com, offering the latest deals and travel industry information, including regular email news alerts. Members can download the latest media releases, photographs and industry-specific contact information from anywhere in the world.
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