Wine Blogger Press Pass

Whatever country you are in, I’m guessing there is a local wine exhibition where producers and importers gather to show their wines and generate business. The question is, how many of these treat wine bloggers like you and me as a fully-fledged member of that “elite” visitor entitled to the badge that says “Press”?

“Press” badges mean that producers and importers treat you differently – after all you must have the power to influence, to share your thoughts with potential buyers, to help or hinder their own marketing plans. It also often entitles you to some extra benefits; a Press Centre with press packs, facilities to make your visit more effective such as itineraries, desks to work at, and maybe even wifi. Not exactly free limos and free-flowing champagne, but privileges nonetheless.

Journalists who write for magazines, newsletters and newspapers have enjoyed this for a long time, but bloggers have not always had the same reception (although if you were lucky, they might not notice or check credentials).

So it was a pleasant surprise that, after a brief conversation with the lovely people at the PR company that looks after the communications for the London International Wine Fair (LIWF), I got an email saying that we (wine bloggers) were being encouraged to register as Press for the event happening next week – 12-14 May 2009.

I do believe that they want to see what effect the wine blogging community could have in picking up on news stories and sharing information. Their main worry concerning allowing access to bloggers is not to allow in consumers who would possibly abuse the “free” nature of the tasting, … and having seen what can happen to people at these events, I’m not surprised. However, I believe that they have a very inclusive view of what does make a blogger, so they are really trying to take the first steps to engage with the community.

If you are in the UK or can make it over, and you are interested in coming along, leave me a comment here and I can give you contact details. If you do come along, come to the ViniPortugal stand at B20 as they have generously arranged for the European Wine Bloggers Conference (EWBC) to have a space to talk to anyone interested in the conference.

If you are not in the UK, why not get in touch with your local equivalent event and ask them if they are doing the same – you never know.

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• Wine Blogs Spotlight (wannabewino.com)
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