(New York – October 13, 2015) – The venerable Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) has changed its longtime awards dinner to an expanded daylong format with a new seminar and luncheon awards banquet. The full day of events will be held Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City prior to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
“The New Journalism of Dog Writing – How to Get Yourself Published in the 21st Century” seminar will be held from 8:00 a.m. to noon followed by the ever-popular scheduled editor/agent appointments. The luncheon begins at 1:00 p.m. with the awards ceremony starting at 2:00 p.m. Attendees may attend all or individual events.
General and member admission to attend all events is $125 before January 15th, Editor /agent appointments are $10 each for members and nonmembers. Admission to attend the luncheon/awards banquet only is $90 for both members and nonmembers. For more information visit www.dogwriters.org.
Presenters for the seminar include multi-award-winning writer & longtime Seattle Times columnist Ranny Green, award-winning writer & American Kennel Club editor Mara Bovsun, Dogwise publishers Larry and Charlene Woodward and BlogPaws PR Manager & Fidose of Reality writer/blogger Carol Bryant.
Editor/agent appointments can be made with Editor & Publisher Lea-Ann Germinder of Goodnewsforpets.com, Stephanie Fornino, Associate Publisher of TFH Publications and Amy Dupatato and Chris Reggio of i-5 Publishing. Check for updated listings of editor/agent appointments at www.dogwriters.org.
“Interest has been high since we announced the change from a dinner to lunch awards format and added the morning seminar. The line-up of speakers is strong, the editor/agent appointments are filling up fast, and we look forward to the excitement of the awards banquet luncheon,” said Ida Estep, DWAA president.
The awards luncheon will feature winners of the DWAA contest. Finalists are announced in December 2015. The contest is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories. Nominees in the regular and special categories receive certificates. Winners of regular categories receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late AKC judge Maxwell Riddle.
Winners of special categories receive cash awards. Special Awards are made possible through the generosity of sponsors and consist of cash grants. To be considered for a sponsorship of an award or to sponsor the awards event, companies, associations and individuals may contact DWAA Vice President & Contest Chair Elaine Gewirtz at egewirtz@west.net.
About the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA)
The Dog Writers Association of America is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. Founded on February 13th, 1935 by a group of editors and publishers invited to the Westminster Kennel Club, the DWAA now includes over 500 members. DWAA encompasses all aspects of the world of dog writing and publishing –showing, performance, behavior, training, health, and the human animal bond. For 80 years, DWAA has helped members share ideas for articles, helped with interviews and discussed fees and contracts. For editors and publishers, DWAA recommends members, helps with topics for articles, and suggests sources and interview subjects. For more information visit the newly relaunched web site www.dogwriters.org , follow us on Facebook at Dog Writers Association of America or on twitter at @DWAA_US.