Jett Britnell inspired the crowd with his slide show on underwater photography and dive travel writing. He addressed issues of composition (such as how to shoot a potential cover photo), using models in your shots, what editors expect of him and the usefulness of using online social media to create a presence for yourself on the web. Of particular interest was his explanation of how he packages his material in order to be the most useful for magazines.

Jayne Lloyd Jones of Spectacular Ink spoke from the Industry side, talking about how she works with travel writers to ensure the writers and her clients come away with win-win situations. Jayne underlined the helpfulness of writers being able to provide as much coverage in a wide variety of media as possible. For example, writing a print article is great, but if you’re competing for the last spot on a fam tour, you might lose out to someone who promises to write a print article, blog about the event, upload photos or video to the web and tweet about the trip while they’re still travelling. The more presence you can create, the more attractive you become as a writer.

Ruth Kozak talked about memoir writing and the specific ways it differs from other types of travel writing. She was particularly helpful in explaining how to keep notes or use photos to jog your memory when you’re trying to write the memoir perhaps months after you’ve come back from a trip, and she elaborated on the type content and style of writing that can really draw a reader in and bring them in their imagination to the place you are writing about. Memoir writing is part diary, part reportage, part fiction and all interesting.

Although Carolyn Walton was unable to attend, she provided a comprehensive written explanation of travel blogging tips and traps. In it she talked about where to set up a blog, how to make money from it and how a blog can help you as a writer get assignments or media trips.

The speakers were well received and took time to participate in a lively question and answer period.

Once again, The Listel Hotel did not disappoint.

Here’s what some satisfied attendees had to say:

Just wanted to say thanks to all of the Symposium committee for putting on a great afternoon. I came away with a few new perspectives ˆand may very well take up blogging, memoir writing, or scuba! Thanks again
-Jane Cassie

Yes bravo everyone! It was really a success and everyone worked hard to make it that way. Thanks for the inspiring day.
-Ruth Kozak

I really enjoyed the afternoon. This was my third conference and I always think they’re excellent value for money.
-Suzanne Morphet

I always look forward to learning from the speakers. Their experience is priceless and I am so excited to have not come home prizeless!

-Randi Winter