There are many benefits of being a Bay Area Travel Writers credentialed member. Once approved, you receive a Press Pass good for a 2-year period, your photo and name on BATW’s website list of credentialed journalists, and acknowledgment of your status as an active travel journalist/photographer. New members qualify automatically for a 2-year credential because they meet the membership requirements as outlined on the BATW website.
Partially in recognition of the difficult and rapidly evolving market for our work, BATW no longer requires existing members to re-qualify for membership each year. Membership continues indefinitely with payment of dues. With approval of BATW Bylaws in 2012, press pass credentials expire after two years and may be renewed if the member applies and re-qualifies.
Starting this year, the credentialing process will occur just once each year instead of twice. The application process will open in November 2016 and those who meet the requirements will be credentialed and issued their passes good through December 2018. Instructions and requirements can be found in the members-only section of the BATW website under Press Pass/Credential.
Credentialed members are recognized on our website with a link directed to each member’s professional website or email. This recognition may result in FAM trips and other invitations from Corporate members and industry representatives.
To obtain or renew credentialed status, a member must provide, for each publication or broadcast listed to fulfill the membership requirements, the title/date the photo(s) and/or written material and when it appeared, the nature of the publication, circulation figures for the publication, approximate number of words and the editor’s name and contact information. Members also must renew the pledge to abide by BATW Professional Conduct Guidelines. You are encouraged to contact me if you have questions or comments regarding credentialing.
—Janet Wilson, Credential Coordinator