America's restaurants need our help! The coronavirus poses a significant threat to the future of an industry that employs more than 15 million Americans. That’s why a coalition of restaurants is asking for help. On March 24, we’re asking everyone in America to show their support for the restaurant industry by joining #TheGreatAmericanTakeout. Consider ordering at least one delivery or pick-up meal. 

Learn from our seasoned experiential story tellers chat about how and when to visit destinations around the world. See our calendar for upcoming LIVE segments, or listen anytime here to fun and fact-filled podcasts created by our esteemed members. 

On this episode: February 28, 2020—Focusing on spring city destinations across North America, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Deborah Wakefield of CityPASS and Douglas MacKenzie of Visit Phoenix. 

Chesapeake Culinary Center in Denton, Maryland wins IFWTWA's 2019 Hospitality Scholarship Award. As part of Caroline Culinary Arts, this organization provides high school students and community members an introduction to the foodservice and hospitality industry in preparation for future culinary careers. The program targets displaced youth between the ages of 16 and 21 but is open to all adults seeking a career in the hospitality industry, giving them valuable job skill for future success.

It’s human nature to want to feel a part of something. That’s one of the main reasons people join clubs and organizations. When I made the transition from full-time nursing to full-time freelance travel writing, I realized that as exciting as my new life was, I wasn’t part of a team like I had been at the hospital. Much of the work I was producing was now being done in my home office, practically in solitude.

IFWTWA is the acronym for the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. Our members make up a global network of storytelling content creators: writers, bloggers, travel journalists, photojournalists, podcasters, videographers, radio and television hosts, who report on the travel and hospitality industry. Many specialize solely in one area of food, wine, or travel reporting. Others pursue niches publishing on communications, historical, cultural or other specialty topical areas of interest to the public. Industry professionals join with us to promote their venues. They run hotels, public relations firms, theme attractions, convention and visitors bureaus, destination management organizations, and tourism boards. They contribute the regional and local area knowledge and expertise so vital to fulfilling the mission of our Association. 

When you are a guest in someone’s home, you try to be respectful. When you’re in the distinguished James Beard’s House, you are very respectful. It was nearly 7 p.m. and we were led into a plain brownstone with a simple plaque at the entrance stating it was the James Beard House.