Frequently Asked Questions (Travel Writers & Photographers Conference)

TWPC 2023 Conference - Frequently Asked Questions

 

What meals are included in the conference?

The following meals are included in the price of the conference:

Thursday – Opening Night Dinner

Friday – Breakfast, lunch & dinner buffets

Saturday – Breakfast & lunch buffets

Sunday – Breakfast & lunch buffets and closing reception

All the meals included in the conference include a vegetarian option. If you have any other dietary restrictions, please inform us at registration.

We additionally provide coffee and tea on the patio throughout the morning, and water and ice tea on the patio throughout the afternoon. 

Can you attend only part of the conference and/or is there a prorated option?

Participants are welcome to attend as much or as little of the conference as desired. We are unfortunately not able to offer a prorated rate or single day rates.

 

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Is there a scholarship option to attend?

Long-time faculty member Paul Lasley never met a stranger.

After Paul’s death last year, we heard that repeatedly from those who knew him and all those (which was everybody) who benefited from his warmth and his willingness to share his knowledge.

Besides originating hundreds of radio shows, Paul was active in SATW (Society of American Travel Writers), serving as its president 2015-16; the SATW Foundation (the philanthropic arm of SATW) as a board member; and as a faculty member with his wife, Elizabeth, at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference in Corte Madera, California. 

 SATW members and others who knew Paul were generous in their donations to the SATW Foundation in his memory. With the approval of the SATW Foundation Board and with the help of Book Passage’s Don George and Kathryn Petrocelli, we are pleased to announce the first SATW Foundation Paul Lasley Scholarship for tuition to Book Passage for the August conference.

 

Who is eligible to apply?

This scholarship is open to:

1. Anyone trying to break into the craft, who has spent less than two years working on the craft and who has fewer than five published paying pieces or photos.

Notes: A personal blog, owned by the writer and for which the writer receives no compensation and is not supported by advertising or other revenue, does not count against that total.

2. Students who have never attended Book Passage or who have studied at BP not more than once may apply.

3. Anybody who meets these criteria may apply. You need not be a member of SATW to apply.

How to apply for the scholarship

Please explain in 500 words or fewer, why travel matters to you and to the world and how your mastery of the craft can help inspire travel.

Please also write a paragraph of 100 words or fewer explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this scholarship.

Email these to BookPassageLasleyScholarship@gmail.com. Please include your name, address, email address, and cell or other number. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. July 21 to be considered.

Judging

Entries will be judged by Book Passage staff and faculty. Work will be evaluated on the applicant's clarity of thought and potential. The winner will be announced by July 25.

This scholarship is designed for all who have a thirst to meet other like-minded journalists and learn from experienced editors and photographers and for those determined to succeed and pay their success forward as Paul did.

We encourage you to apply for this outstanding opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

*Please note this scholarship is for the conference only. It does not include airfare or accommodations.


Are the evening events open to the public?

Yes, the evening events are open to the public, with a nominal ticket price.
 

Are there hotels near Book Passage?
Yes, there are two hotels located on the same block as Book Passage. Both are within walking distance and offer conference participants a discounted rate.  

 

Marin Suites - Click Here for Discounted Reservations

Best Western Corte Madera Inn -  Please call the hotel directly, as discounted rates are not available via online booking.

 

 

Is there a suggested dress code?

No, there is no suggested dress for any of our conferences. Please dress as comfortably and as casually as you would like. The weather is generally beautiful during the day, though you will likely want a sweater or jacket for the evening hours.

Is the conference appropriate for me if I'm a beginner in the field?

Yes, the conference is designed to meet the needs and goals for participants at all levels. We have different offerings geared towards writers who are at different stages in the process. You will find classes and panels at every level to challenge and inspire you.