2024 has truly been a whirlwind! We have accomplished a lot this year and want to share just a few highlights. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to join us at our annual holiday party! The deadline to register is December 2. Details below.
* Membership Survey
The survey gave us great information to share with prospective corporate members and sponsors. Here is the top line:
Over 80% of our members have 10 or more years of experience
Almost 80% are primarily writing articles
Over 50% are writing 5-10 articles a year or more, for paid outlets
45% are writing primarily about California
41% writing primarily about international destinations
* Programming
Our programs committee, Ginny Prior, Ruth Carlson, Molly Blaisdell, and Erin Deinzer, was led by board member Laurie Gossy Armstrong. The committee put together a terrific series of events and was incredibly responsive to members. Laurie would like to acknowledge the following members who made programs possible this year: Ginny Prior, Andrew Freeman, Brandy Collins, Ed Walsh, Lina Broydo, Marybeth Bond, Ruth Carlson, Elaine Lee, Teri Bayus, Jennifer Sweeney, Edward Hasbrouck, Amy Sherman, Whitney Phaneuf and David Perry.
* Networking Events
While we have moved to a hybrid model of online and in-person events, we recognize the need to socialize and network in person. This year we launched a quarterly program of happy hours in San Francisco, the East Bay and North Bay. These free events were well attended, and we look forward to more in 2025.
* Volunteering
John Compisi took charge of our new volunteering initiative, finding and coordinating the efforts of members to provide new member introductions and greetings via social media, in person and at online Zoom events, as well as finding event volunteers who provide summaries of events and event photographs. Last but not least, John coordinated volunteers to take charge of organizing our new networking events (see above).
Our thanks to the volunteers who helped with programs this year, Lisa Alpine, M.J. Pramik, Ginny Prior, Madeleine Adkins, Barbara Barrielle, Edward Hasbrouck and John Compisi.
* Holiday Party
We hope you can join us at The Marker Union Square for our annual holiday party. There will be a no-host bar, plenty of nibbles and bites, a white elephant exchange (please limit your wrapped gift to $20 or less) and tickets are only $10 for members and their guests. Tickets are going fast! The deadline to register is December 2 (end of day). Check out How to Celebrate the Holidays in San Francisco from SF Travel and if you decide you’d like to stay the night after the party, The Marker is offering a $139 rate for attendees.
– Your BATW co-presidents, Amy Sherman & Ruth Carlson