AHP Rides into History in 2012

The AHP Ride Into History Seminar is now a part of Colonial Williamsburg history, or at least its 21st century history.

Over 140 people attended the annual AHP event which was held May 31 to June 2 at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center located in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Attendees were not deterred from having a wonderful experience despite one very rainy day and poor cell phone service. Evaluation survey results show that 67% of the 78 respondents rated the overall seminar as excellent with 31% as good. Among the favorite experiences, networking was mentioned the most often. The welcome reception at the Colonial Williamsburg Stables was a clear favorite heading the top of the list along with the opportunity to visit Colonial Williamsburg. 

The two top ranking special events were the welcome reception with 4.6. (5 being the highest score) and the Awards Banquet and Presentations (4.56). However all of the events and activities received ratings above 4.0. 

Ratings were averaged based on actual attendance. The sessions on Friday and Saturday offered a wide variety of topics from analytics to social media, writing to design, and marketing to digital publishing. While attendees ranked all sessions 3.35 and higher, the top sessions were “Online Marketing Tools and How to Use Them” with Matt Bailey, SiteLogic Marketing (4.65) and “Better Story Crafting” with Jody Jaffe and John Muncie (4.55).

Whether you attended or wish you had, we have gathered many of the speaker handouts and posted them to the AHP website. VIEW LIST OF AVAILABLE SEMINAR SESSION HANDOUTS

One of the more interesting new additions to the seminar was the Yoga Break with Kim Fisher, Trot Magazine. Attendees took an afternoon break to stretch their muscles surrounded by bamboo and the soothing sounds of Ben Brown. 

And the most valued take-home item: the model of the American Cream Draft Horse donated by Breyer Animal Creations as awards banquet centerpieces.

Huzzah to the 2012 Award Winners!

ELCR recognized for its vision to preserve land for equestrian activities.

Photo Credit: Daniel K. Lew

Equine Land Conservation Resource is awarded the American Horse Publications (AHP) 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, on June 1, 2012 during the AHP Ride Into History Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. From left: Richard Jorgensen, ELCR founder; Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, ELCR founder; Deb Balliet, ELCR CEO; Kate Russo of Pfizer Animal Health; Melanie Heacock, ELCR founder; and Larry Byers, ELCR immediate past president.
READ ALL ABOUT IT

62 Members made equine publishing history.
A Colonial Fife and Drum heralded the start of the AHP annual awards presentations held on June 2, 2012. Participation in this year’s contest represented 90 AHP members and 686 entries. A total of 167 awards were presented to the finalists for first, second, third place or honorable mention. The 2012 Awards Program and the Awards PowerPoint Presentation are available online at www.americanhorsepubs.org under Awards. READ ALL ABOUT IT

Danielle Moritz won 2012 AHP Student Award.
Dani is a student at William Woods University majoring in Communications Journalism & Public Relations and Equine General Studies (Equine Media).

Kate Light, Sarah Jacobs and Dani Moritz
Photo Credit: Daniel K. Lew

“I came to Williamsburg as one of three student travel award winners expecting to meet some people and learn about the industry,” says Dani. “I not only left as the 2012 Student Award Winner, but also a young woman who understands the industry and is prepared to take it on.”

The other two finalists were Sarah Jacobs, who attends Rice University majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a double major in English, and Kate Light, a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, who also works full-time as content manager of EquiSearch.com.
READ ALL ABOUT IT

Lua Oas Southard, Robert Banner, and Stacy V. Bearse join AHP Circle of Champions.
The 2012 AHP Champion Award inductees were announced  on June 2, 2012, during the Special Awards Luncheon. To view the 2012 AHP Champion Presentation (movie mp4 file - 7:30 minutes) on YouTube. http://youtu.be/zTfckiMw4WY

Pat's got spirit. Yes, he does.

Pat Trowbridge was named the 2012 AHP Chris Brune Spirit Award Winner. There are few members who don’t know who Pat Trowbridge is. That’s not only because of the publishing titles he’s earned, but more for his enthusiasm for the horse publishing business, his willingness to assist wherever needed, and his friendliness to all. Pat joins the other previous AHP Chris Brune Spirit Award winners that include Chris Brune, Lua Oas Southard, Barrie Reightler, Ellen Kiser, Daniel Lew, Christy West, Becki Pitcher and Doug Hayes.

READ ALL ABOUT IT AND WATCH POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

 AHP celebrated horses and students with colonial flair.

AHP balladeers, Jean Abernethy and Ben Brown

In Colonial times people met in taverns, where they drank, ate, and were often entertained by traveling balladeers.

It was not uncommon for colonial gentry to have animated discussions about politics and their horses, often matching them against each other in a race. The 20th annual Student Fund silent auction and 2012 Student Award Party were held on Friday, June 1.

The theme of this year’s event was “Huzzah for Horses and Students” and to capture the political spirit of 18th century Virginia, members were asked to nominate their favorite Great American Horse based on the following criteria: the horse was deceased, born in America, and had a major impact on the horse world.

Five horses were named finalists in the competition – Justin Morgan’s Figure, Man o’ War, Rugged Lark, Secretariat, and Wimpy P-1. Supporters and fans campaigned on Facebook and Twitter prior to the event as well as during the seminar, but in the end, attendees voted Man o’ War the winner.

Shopping the Student Fund silent auction is always a fun activity for seminar attendees and this year’s event offered a wide variety of over 80 items. The silent auction raised $2,795 and raffle sales added $360 for a total of $3,155.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

“If you want to meet the needle-movers in equine publishing, this is a must-attend event. Not only can you harvest new, corrective ideas, but receive affirmations that you are approaching the business the right way. Networking alone is worth the price of admission.”Jeremy McGovern, American Farriers Journal

READ WHAT MORE ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE WILLIAMSBURG SEMINAR

Huzzah! and thanks for riding into history with AHP in 2012.

Join us in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 20-23, 2013.

A Rare Treat to Visit the Colonial Williamsburg Stables

AHP attendees at the Ride Into History Seminar are not the only ones anticipating the welcome reception at Colonial Williamsburg Stables on Thursday night. The CW staff is also excited to host the event as it is not one that happens often at the stables.

The weather looks like it's going to be a beautiful day for being outdoors to tour Williamsburg for those scheduled to take the guided tours through the Historic Area.

The Quarter Path shuttle bus to the stables, sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, starts at 5:30 p.m. outside the hotel lobby and will continue to shuttle attendees continuously to and from the stables until 8:30 p.m. Christine Hamilton from AQHA will be onboard to welcome you on the ride to the stables and to point out the AQHA historical marker.

At the stables, a reception sponsored by Alltech represented by Katie Gehrt, will provide drinks and appetizers as you walk through the barn to see the rare breeds and view the 18th century carriages. Richard Nicoll, director of coach and livestock, and his staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Hope to see you all there!

Meet and Greet for Early Arrivals

AHP's Ride Into History officially starts tomorrow with the Meet and Greet at the Woodlands Hospitality Suite from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are an early arrival, drop by to have a drink and some snacks, pickup your badge and meet fellow attendees.

If you are touring Colonial Williamsburg on Thursday, you can purchase a Colonial Williamsburg admission pass good for your length of stay at a discounted price.

Judy and I are ready to welcome you to the 18th century and a fun-filled learning experience.

Huzzah for AHP!

Chris

Social Media for Equestrian Publications and Businesses

ELISABETH MCMILLAN and CHAD MENDELL will be the co-presenters of Social Media for Equestrian Publications and Businesses scheduled on Friday afternoon, June 1 during the AHP "Ride Into History" Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg. The first session at 1:30 p.m. will be Social Media Strengths and Strategies. Social media is one of the most powerful tools the equestrian publishing industry has ever had available. However, it has also changed so rapidly over the last year that few publications and businesses are fully capitalizing on its benefits. This seminar will help you determine which social media platforms are the best fit for your company and how to utilize them in the most time effective way.

 

The session covers:

• Social Media Strengths: The Four Biggies - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Successful Architecture - How to integrate your Social Media channels with each other and into your overall content strategies. 
• Using Social Media as a Listening Tool
• Benefits to Advertisers
• Time-saving Tips

The second session at 3:30 p.m. on Friday is Leveraging Social Media Success. Increase your return on investment - Make social media deliver more customers, sales and profits. Social media is not just another publishing platform; it’s a conversation with your customers. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage your content, employees and even advertisers to build subscriptions and increase revenue.

This session highlights:

• Changing your content thought process
• Promoting employees as the face of the company
• Learning how to empower a social media champion within the company
• Creating a social media policy
• Training employees in social media
• Custom Publishing (helping your advertisers with social media)

Elisabeth McMillan is the editor and founder of EquestrianProfessional.com – The Horse Business Site. She is an equine business and marketing consultant and an industry expert on Social Media. She has addressed the topic of social media marketing at equestrian association conventions such as Equine Affaire, USEA, The Kentucky Horse Council, CHA and UPHA. EquestrianProfessional.com was also a top 10 finalist in the 2011 ESMA (Equestrian Social Media Awards) in the categories of "Best Use of Facebook" and "Most Informative." Elisabeth was selected as a judge for the 2012 Equestrian Social Media Awards and currently co-hosts the Equestrian Social Media Boot Camp and Mastermind Program with Chad Mendell.  

Chad Mendell is the former executive editor of The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care and TheHorse.com where he developed an array of online educational products from videos, newsletters, and live webinars. In 2010, he founded CowDog Media, an inbound marketing and web development company focused on helping businesses be more than just a point of purchase by helping them become an invaluable resource to their customers. Chad was selected as a judge for the 2012 Equestrian Social Media Awards and currently co-hosts the Equestrian Social Media Boot Camp and Mastermind Program with Elisabeth McMillan.

Your Ride Into History

In less than three weeks, Judy, Gary and I will be taking the 12 hour drive to Colonial Williamsburg. I know many of you will be arriving a few days after.

I've had the pleasure to visit CW on a few occasions, the first time back in my 20's while visiting a friend in Virginia. The next time was in 1996, when AHP held its summer seminar in Reston, Virginia, and a few of us AHP members including Jim Jennings, Darrell Dodds and Morgan Lightfoot, their wives and I spent the day exploring the Historic Area.

More recently, I visited CW on the site visit and then the board meeting in 2010. I know that anyone who will be attending the AHP "Ride Into History" Seminar will have an opportunity to experience 18th century America and I hope everyone gets to visit the Historic Area.

As an AHP seminar attendee, you have a chance to purchase an admission pass to the Historic Area for the best price available. Compared to regular admission tickets, the $18 AHP Conference Pass is a great deal and it's good for the length of your stay.

Colonial Williamsburg tickets grant access to all Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area sites (including 35 exhibition sites, 16 trade shops, and more than 100 gardens) and museums, and regular programs.

AHP Conference Passes will be available for purchase at the following times and locations: Cash, Check, MasterCard or Visa accepted. A pass is required to take the AHP Guided Tours.

Wednesday, May 30; 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. - AHP Meet and Greet, AHP Hospitality Suite, Room 5136 at the Woodlands Hotel

Thursday, May 31; 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - AHP Hospitality Suite, Room 5136 at the Woodlands Hotel

Friday and Saturday, June 1-2; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - AHP Seminar Registration Desk in Woodlands Conference Center

Take your ride into history in 2012!

Colonial Dining Establishments

While AHP Seminar registration includes meals on Friday and Saturday, you might want to know the dining options that Colonial Williamsburg offers. This post focuses on restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg or nearby. The town of Williamsburg offers a wide variety of 21st-century restaurants and food chains.

Williamsburg Taverns

In the 18th century, Williamsburg’s taverns provided comfortable lodgings for travelers as well as serving as places to gather for meals, conversation, and entertainment. Proprietors prided themselves on serving filling meals using the freshest ingredients. Today, Colonial Williamsburg’s historic dining taverns carry on these traditions by providing a relaxed and comfortable setting for diners to experience some of the flavor of the 18th century—through atmosphere, entertainments, and food.

*Please note that reservations are required for dinner. To make reservations, call (757) 229-2141 or 1-800-447-8679.

Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
George Washington was a faithful customer of this establishment known for Giving Satisfaction to Travelers and Townspeople with a Taste for Seafood.
Tuesday–Saturday
Dinner: from 5 p.m.* 

Chowning’s Tavern
Josiah Chowning opened his tavern in 1766 appealing to the “ordinary sort.” Popular lore asserts that the modern sandwich has its origin in the 18th century and was named after John Montagu, the fourth earl of Sandwich.
Monday–Sunday
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Dinner: from 5 p.m.*

Chowning’s Gambols
Experience an evening in an 18th-century alehouse! Join in rousing period sing-alongs and learn to play popular games of the day.
Gambols: from 9 p.m.

King’s Arms Tavern
The King’s Arms Tavern opened in 1772 and became one of the town’s most genteel establishments.
Thursday–Monday
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Dinner: from 5 p.m.*

Shields Tavern
In the early 1740s, James Shields assumed proprietorship of the tavern that his father-in-law had operated several decades earlier. Tavern guests dine on southern comfort foods inspired by “colonial receipts.”
Tuesday–Saturday
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Dinner: from 5 p.m.*

For menus and more dining information:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/diningExperience/


Colonial Williamsburg Hotel Restaurants

Williamsburg Inn

Williamsburg Lodge

Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel
Huzzah’s BBQ Grille
Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 5p.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday and Tuesday
Second Street Restaurant
An award-winning bistro located only 5 minutes from the Woodlands.
Complimentary Daily Continental Breakfast Hotel Guests only

Merchant Square Shopping and Dining
http://www.merchantssquare.org/

Located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area, Merchants Square is an 18th-century style retail village with over 40 shops and restaurants.
List of restaurants: http://www.merchantssquare.org/dining.html

NOTE: AHP attendees staying at the Woodlands Hotel will receive a “fifteen percent (15%) off” shopping coupon to be used at any official Colonial Williamsburg store located in the Historic Area Shops, Merchant’s Square Shops, Visitor Center and Resort shops (see coupon for details and participating stores).

Navigating Colonial Williamsburg

To experience Colonial Williamsburg, you will travel back in time to when the city was the thriving capital of Virginia. From 1699 to 1780, the dream of American freedom and independence was taking shape and Williamsburg was the political, cultural, and educational center of what was then the largest, most populous, and most influential of the American colonies. 

Near the end of the Revolutionary War, the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond. For nearly 150 years, Williamsburg transformed from the bustling center of activity to a simple, quiet college town, home of the College of William and Mary.

In 1926, the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, shared his dream of preserving the city's historic buildings with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. What began as a modest project to preserve a few of the more important buildings, progressed and expanded to include approximately 85 percent of the 18th-century capital's original area.

Surrounding the restored colonial capital is 21st-century town of Williamsburg. The only way to travel the main thoroughfare, Duke of Gloucester Street, is on foot, horseback, or by horse-drawn carriage as the street is not open to vehicle traffic. Vehicle parking is very limited in the Historic Area. The easiest way to get to the Historic Area is via the complimentary shuttle buses that travel between the Visitor Center and the Historic Area between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Fortunately for AHP seminar attendees, the Woodlands Hotel is next door to the Visitor Center.

There is also a 500 foot pedestrian bridge near the Visitor Center with a walking path to the Historic Area, a distance of approximately 2-3 blocks or .03 miles. But keep in mind that you will do a bit of walking around the Historic Area so you might want to make note of the bus stops in case you want to catch the shuttle bus back to the Visitor Center and hotel.

The Woodlands Hotel offers complimentary guest parking and having a car is handy if you need modern day conveniences, supplies, toiletries, or late night munchies, especially after hours. The Historic Area closes at 5:00 p.m., but the taverns and restaurants offer dinner hours. Late night entertainment seekers will have to venture outside the colonial boundaries. The Woodlands Hotel has one restaurant, HUZZAH’s, but it is closed Sunday and Tuesday and is only open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday. There are a number of restaurants within a short distance of the hotel, but like I mentioned, that’s when having car is handy. During the seminar, meals will be provided on Friday and Saturday and the Woodlands Hotel offers a complimentary breakfast daily to hotel guests.

My recommendation would be to download the maps of the HistoricArea and the Williamsburg Area to provide you with an overview of the area. We’ve visited Colonial Williamsburg twice within the past two years and we were glad to have a car. On the other hand, I don’t think we ever took the same route twice back to the hotel. My advice is to be prepared to ask for directions until you get the lay of land or bring your horse.

Navigating Colonial Williamsburg will only be difficult if you try to keep a 21st-century pace in an 18th-century world.

Teeing Off in Williamsburg

It isn't because there is not enough to do in Colonial Williamsburg with the seminar and tours. However, if you love playing golf on different courses like horse people enjoy seeing horses in different parts of the country, well then you are in luck.

Judy's husband, Gary Lincoln, is an avid golfer and he provided this information for anyone who wants to say they golfed in Colonial Williamsburg.

The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club consists of three courses and is located approximately two miles from colonial Williamsburg. There are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole executive course. The 18-hole courses are the Green and the Gold courses while the executive course is Spotwood. The rates included below are the conference rates.

The Gold course is very narrow and difficult to play. Average play is 4 hours 40 minutes for the 7120 year course because people spend extra time looking for their golf balls. According to the course manager, the Gold course can “eat you up.” The rate is $149 per round every day of the week.
The Green course is the course that is more often played by people attending conferences or on vacation. It plays in 4 hours. The rate is $89 Monday through Thursday and $95 Friday through Sunday.

For people looking to fit in a round around other activities, the Spotswood measuring 3746 yards is only $27.

All prices include the cart rental.

Tee times may be made up to 21 days in advance but may also be made the day before play.

For more information, check their website at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/golf/index.dfm.

Hit them long and straight. Good Luck.

Nominate your “Great American Horse”

 

AHP MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR FAVORITE GREAT AMERICAN HORSE.

Nominations will be narrowed to a field of FIVE horses.

AHP "Ride Into History" attendees at HUZZAH! Hurray for Horses and Students Party on Friday, June 1 will VOTE for AHP's "Great American Horse."

 

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION

Horse is deceased.

Horse must have been born in America.

Horse must have had a major impact on the horse world.

 

Nomination Deadline Date is MONDAY, APRIL 16

Submit nominations to Judy Lincoln at ahorsepubs2@aol.com

Complete the Historic Triangle with Visits to Jamestown and Yorktown

After visiting Colonial Williamsburg, AHP seminar attendees have the option to complete the Historic Triangle with a visit Jamestown and/or Yorktown www.historyisfun.org. Complimentary buses depart from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors Center daily every 30 minutes. See below for schedule. 

JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT

In 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of Virginia's James River. The community suffered terrible hardships in its early years, but managed to endure, earning the distinction of being America's first permanent English colony. Today at Jamestown Settlement, the story of the people, who founded Jamestown and of the Virginia Indians they encountered, is told through film, gallery exhibits and living history. Expansive gallery exhibits and an introductory film trace Jamestown's beginnings in England and the first century of the Virginia colony and describe the cultures of the Powhatan Indians, Europeans and Africans who converged in 1600s Virginia. Outdoors, visitors can board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607, explore life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort and a Powhatan village. In the outdoor areas, costumed historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in the early 17th century. Dine at the Jamestown Settlement Cafe when you visit.


YORKTOWN VICTORY CENTER

On October 19, 1781, the decisive military campaign of the American Revolution culminated with the British surrender to combined American and French forces under the command of George Washington. The Siege of Yorktown effectively ended the six-year struggle of the Revolutionary War and set the stage for a new government and nation. Today the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution, chronicles America’s evolution from colonial status to nationhood through a unique blend of thematic exhibits and outdoor living history.


ADMISSION PRICES

	Jamestown	Yorktown	Combination Ticket
Adults	$15.50	$9.75	$20.00
Ages 6-12	$7.25	$5.50	$10.00

SHUTTLE INFORMATION FROM VISITORS CENTER

 
The Historic Triangle Shuttle will provide shuttle service from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center to and from the Jamestown and Yorktown areas. This shuttle service travels the scenic Colonial Parkway. There is no charge for the service. Service to both Jamestown and Yorktown depart the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center every hour and half-hour between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.

Service to Jamestown departs from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center daily on the half-hour between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and upon arriving at Jamestown, makes stops at both Historic Jamestowne and Jamestown Settlement. Return service to Colonial Williamsburg departs every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and makes a final departure at 5:15 p.m.

Service to Yorktown departs from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center daily on the half-hour between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and makes stops at both the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and the Yorktown Victory Center. Visitors can board for return service to Colonial Williamsburg from either the Yorktown Battlefield or the Yorktown Victory Center, with pickups every half-hour between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and a final pickup at 5:15 p.m.

Step Back in Time to Colonial Williamsburg

Guided Walking Tours of Colonial Williamsburg
Thursday, May 31, 2012 

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar attendees will have two options to take the Guided Walking Tours of Colonial Williamsburg. The first three-hour tour will start at 9:30 a.m. and it will repeat at 1:30 p.m. for members arriving later. Tours will be conducted in groups of 15 and will be complimentary to AHP members and their guests.

The AHP group will gather in the lobby of Woodlands Hotel to meet their tour guide, who will escort them onto the historic streets of Williamsburg where they will learn how Colonial Williamsburg has become what it is today. Attendees will get a first-hand look at life in the 18th century America. The tour will highlight the history of the restoration of Williamsburg and the lifestyles of its people in Colonial America. As the group walks through these historic streets and exhibits, they will be given an in-depth narration of the beginning of Williamsburg and the work that continues today. 

The walking guided tour does not include access to buildings, museums or programs that require admission. Attendees MUST purchase a discounted AHP Conference Pass for $18 to take the guided tour.

AHP Conference Passes for Colonial Williamsburg 

Attendees can purchase a discounted AHP Conference Pass for $18 which offers guests staying at the Woodlands Hotel admission to all daytime programs, museums and exhibition sites at Colonial Williamsburg for the length of their stay. The Conference Pass is the best ticket price available and is required to take the AHP Guided Tours. AHP Conference Passes will be available for purchase at the following times and locations: Cash, Check, MasterCard or Visa accepted

• Wednesday, May 30; 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. - AHP Meet and Greet, AHP Hospitality Suite at the Woodlands Hotel
• Thursday, May 31; 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - AHP Hospitality Suite at the Woodlands Hotel
• Friday and Saturday, June 1-2; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - AHP Seminar Registration Desk in Woodlands Conference Center

At the completion of the morning tour, members can choose to have lunch and continue to explore the Historic Area on their own. Must-sees on a first visit are the Governor’s Palace, Randolph House, Printing Office & Bindery and Revolutionary City. Check the online calendar for special programs scheduled during your visit. Colonial Williamsburg offers complimentary bus service to return to the Woodlands.

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

18th Century Dining in Historic Area: King Arm’s Tavern, Raleigh’s Tavern, Chowning’s Tavern

Restaurants in Merchants Square: the Trellis Restaurant & Café, the Cheese Shop & Fat Canary, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant & Taphouse Grill, Seasons Restaurant, Stephanos Pizza & Subs, the Blue Talon Bistro and Aromas Coffee & Café.

Carriage Rides

For more than 50 years, guests at Colonial Williamsburg have enjoyed traveling down Duke of Gloucester Street as passengers on an 18th century horse-drawn coach. Read the AHP seminar blog post. Carriage rides are popular, so AHP members are encouraged to purchase their tickets early in the day. Tickets may be purchased at the Visitors Center, Lumber House Ticket Office in the Historic Area, and Merchant Square Ticket Window. Check with the hotel concierge or front desk to confirm location of nearest ticket office and guest discount. Cost is $20 per person for 15 minute ride with a 25% discount for Woodlands Hotel guests

Matt Bailey Makes Analytics Fun and Easy for AHP Seminar Attendees

And brings his favorite marketing tools to show and tell. 

MATT BAILEY, founder and president of SiteLogic Marketing, is the foremost expert in web persuasion. He is a 20-year marketing veteran and master of digital marketing. He is known for his conversational, entertaining speaking style and his ability to make technical topics both understandable and practical. As a world-renowned speaker and corporate trainer, Matt has helped companies like Goodyear, Google, The Direct Marketing Association, Hilton International, Proctor & Gamble, IBM, JCrew, Moen Faucets, American Greetings, Toys R ‘Us and Samsonite take control of their websites and build strong online reputations. His book, Internet Marketing: An Hour a Day (Sybex 2011) is available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble stores.

Matt presents two sessions at the AHP seminar in Williamsburg. The first session on Friday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is titled Analytics Made Fun and Easy. 

Are you struggling to make sense of analytics and get to the data that will help your publication? 

Do you have a fear of opening your dashboard? 

Do you get upset, knowing that there is something important to see, but you are not quite sure where it is? 

Relax.

Analytics is not something that comes easy to many people, mainly for the reason that no one has been taught how to read analytics properly.  By starting at the point of defining what each of the numbers mean and what they offer in terms of value, Matt will unravel the mysteries of your data.  Very quickly, you'll find yourself thinking in terms of how to improve your online marketing and finding the "why."  Once you start using analytics to find the "why," your marketing will transform, as you will be tying value and revenue together with actions and conversions.  This session will teach you how to get beyond page views and find value in your data.

His second session will be held on Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Online Marketing Tools and How to Use Them. There is no lack of tools available for today's marketer, but obviously, some are much better than others. Matt not only shows his favorite marketing tools, but also explains how to use them in context with other tools and the actions that should result from their use. Matt will demonstrate tools that are in his workflow of keyword research, keyword bidding, optimization strategies, linking prospects, online PR, social media and analytics. By going through the entire workflow and showing the continuity of the tools and their data, you can create a holistic campaign using the "best of breed" software.

Journalists Jody Jaffe and John Muncie Bring the ABCDs of Writing to Williamsburg

Jody Jaffe is the author of "Horse of a Different Killer," "Chestnut Mare Beware," "In Colt Blood," and the upcoming, "Whoa Nellie," the equine mystery series featured in People Magazine and published internationally and now available in E-book form through The Pine Forest Press.

As a feature writer for the Charlotte Observer, Jody was on the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for the Jim and Tammy Bakker story. As a free-lance journalist, her articles have been published in many major newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Washingtonian, Out and Practical Horseman. She is also a columnist for The Chronicle of the Horse.

She and her husband, John Muncie, have taught fiction writing at the Bethesda Writer's Center and journalism at Georgetown, Washington & Lee and Hollins universities, in addition to holding private writing workshops through their company, The Comma Factory.

John was the Arts and Entertainment Editor at the Baltimore Sun, the Assistant Managing Editor at the San Diego Union-Tribune and a travel editor and columnist at the LA Times. He co-wrote two novels with Jody, under the pen name John Jaffe. He is the journalism intern coordinator at Washington and Lee University. His travel articles appear in many of the nation's top papers including The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. He writes the column, "Pilgrim at Poague Run," for The Rockbridge Advocate whose motto is "Independent as a hog on ice."

Good writing is good writing, regardless of the subject. As journalists, Jody and John teach the ABCDs of writing: Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity and the key to vigorous prose, Detail. Their session will include lecture and short exercises, but they have an informal and hopefully, fun, approach to teaching. No hand raising, no sitting like bumps on a log. You can't be a good writer if you're not engaged.

Among the topics covered will be: Reporting, where it all starts; how to craft the right lead; the right way to use quotes; getting the perfect details; endings; query letters and any problems or concerns of the workshop attendees.

Join this dynamic journalistic husband and wife team for “Better Story Crafting” on Friday afternoon, June 1 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. during the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg.

Make a Difference in a Student’s Career in Equine Publishing

Donate to the 2012 AHP Student Fund Silent Auction and Raffle

DOWNLOAD STUDENT FUND AUCTION PLEDGE FORM

Planning Your Shift to a Digital Publication Workflow with Tanya Heins

The world of print and electronic media is changing at an alarming pace with monumental shifts in production methodologies and consumer expectations. Publishers are finding that they must quickly adapt to the new realities of the industry and provide delivery formats to include digital devices.

Planning your shift to a Digital Publication workflow is the focus of two sessions presented by Tanya Heins, Founder, Numen Communications Inc., on Saturday afternoon during the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg on May 31 to June 2. 

The first hour long presentation will provide perspective from the ‘front lines’ and cover trends, production workflow, changes in skills along with new distribution channels. After the break, the second hour of the presentation will demonstrate a range of production tools and discuss considerations for interactive media development.

Tanya has a background in education marketing, digital publishing, design and teaching. In 1998 she formed Numen Communications Inc., a consulting company with expertise in educational technology and visual communication design. With more than twelve years of professional experience her skills range from designing and developing to delivering education technology programs for Fortune 500 technology companies like Audible, Apple, Adobe, Dell and Pearson.

When the iPhone and the iTunes app store were launched, Tanya became interested in small portable applications that could fill a niche need for her mobile lifestyle as an equestrian. She has developed a series of Android and iOS mobile applications for the FEI, USEF, USDF and Equine Canada and assists with education and digital publication strategies for the FEI and USEF.

To see the entire schedule of events at the AHP "Ride Into History" Seminar, click here.

Jim Nissen to Speak and Critique on Print Publication Design in Williamsburg

Jim Nissen of SW!TCH Studio returns to an AHP seminar to present a session on “Designing with Fewer Pages” and offer Design Critiquing Sessions for Print Publications at the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg. For members who did not meet Jim in Saratoga Springs, NY in 2008, he is an upbeat, fun guy, filled with ideas and energy. 

Jim is President and Creative Director of SW!TCH studio a creative services firm specializing in publication design and branding with offices in Phoenix and New York. In 19 years SW!TCH studio has designed over 85 different titles, producing over 1,000 issues for 65 publishers nationwide for clients such as Amnesty International, REI and the PGA tour. Jim sits on the executive board of the Arizona AIGA, is a member of the Phoenix Art Institute Professional Advisory Committee and member of the Society of Publication Designers in New York. He speaks regularly to student and professional groups on the subjects of Creativity in the workplace, Inspiration for designers, and Magazine production.

The One-on-One Critiquing sessions with Jim Nissen will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012. Fifteen (15) 15-minute sessions will be available on a first come, first served basis. There is no additional charge for this session. AHP member attendees with print publications are asked to complete the attached reservation form and send to ahorsepubs@aol.com or fax (386) 760-7728 to reserve your session. You must be an AHP member and attending the seminar to schedule a session.

To reserve your critiquing session, send your reservation form by Monday, April 9, 2012. 

Jim will evaluate a sample issue of your publication and media kit prior to the seminar and provide you with a critique at the seminar.

Once your session has been confirmed, you will be asked to mail Jim a sample copy of your publication and media kit. You will also need to mail a copy of the same issue to the AHP office.

For more information about the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar, visit http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/programs/seminars/ or contact Chris Brune at ahorsepubs@aol.com.

Ride Into History aboard a 18th Century Horse-Drawn Carriage

For more than 50 years, guests at Colonial Williamsburg have enjoyed traveling down Duke of Gloucester Street as passengers on an 18th century horse-drawn coach.  The experience elicits a feeling of being a celebrity as onlookers watch with interest as the carriage and horses pass by. And there have been a list of celebrities who have been given the colonial royal treatment.

Celebrity Carriage Rides in Colonial Williamsburg Slide Show 

The Colonial Williamsburg’s coach and livestock program has been operating carriage tours continuously since 1947. The program is dedicated to furthering the authenticity of the restored 18th-century capital by ensuring that the vehicles and animals present in the Historic Area reflect as accurately as possible those that would have been seen on the streets of Williamsburg during the colonial era.  

Behind the scenes and just outside the Historic Area, the Colonial Williamsburg stables prepare the carriages and horses for daily tours of the colonial community. The drives are the most visible part of an effort that begins very early. “We’re here long before the sun gets up, and we’re still going after it goes down. It’s a long day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” says Richard Nicoll, Director of the Colonial Williamsburg Coach and Livestock department. 

Nicoll began his career at Colonial Williamsburg in 1984 as manager of the Coach and Livestock department. In 2000, he was named director of the department, where he continues to oversee the various domesticated animals used throughout Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area programs. Nicoll also runs Colonial Williamsburg’s award-winning Rare Breeds program, begun in 1986 to preserve genetic diversity in livestock. Some of the selected breeds represent animals that could have been present in Williamsburg during the 18th century, according to historical research. Nicoll is also well-known in equestrian circles as Chair of the FEI Technical Committee for Driving and as the designer of the driving course at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

The stables are not open to the public other than during weekday tours and special events. The AHP Board of Directors met with Nicoll during their site tour and meeting at Colonial Williamsburg in October 2010. It was during this trip that the Board agreed that holding a welcome reception at the stables would be a real treat for AHP seminar attendees in 2012. 

The Welcome Reception sponsored by Alltech will be held on Thursday evening, May 31 during the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg. This will be a unique opportunity to see the horses and carriages of colonial times. Shuttle transportation between the Woodland Hotel and the stables will be provided for AHP members. 

And if you are interested in experiencing 18^th century travel during your stay, carriage ride tickets are available at Colonial Williamsburg ticket locations.

Hurrah for Huzzah!

When I was in Colonial Williamsburg on site visits and for the board meeting in 2010, Huzzah's was closed. There was talk about it re-opening and it did in May 2011 with a new menu. The restaurant is conveniently located near the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Conference Center where AHP members will be gathered for the AHP Ride Into History Seminar on May 31 to June 2.


I can't wait to sample the menu and I look forward to seeing AHP members there enjoying the food and beer!

AHP 2011 Seminar Highlights Now on YouTube

Whether you attended the 2011 "Hoofprints in the Sand" AHP Seminar in San Diego or wish you had, the highlights from last year’s event are featured in this video as well as what attendees can look forward to at the 2012 "Ride Into History" AHP Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg. 

http://youtu.be/Ng-ybBI8-YA

Thanks, Rich Johnston at USTA, who videotaped and edited this footage of the AHP seminar in San Diego. Be sure to catch the special invite to Colonial Williamsburg toward the end. 

Join AHP fellow members in Colonial Williamsburg on May 31-June2, 2012

Hope to see you there!

Our Mission: How Your Colonial Williamsburg Event Gives Back

Ride Into History in 2012

Join fellow AHP members in Colonial Williamsburg for the AHP “Ride Into History” Seminar held on May 31 to June 2, 2012. While we have lots more to announce during the next few months, here is the information about the hotel headquarters. As more information becomes available, members will be notified in the newsletter and online at the AHP website, www.americanhorsepubs.org.

HOTEL HEADQUARTERS

Williamsburg Woodland Hotel & Suites, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/hotels/woodlands/index.cfm is located directly adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Center. When you’re ready to experience the 18th century, stroll along a scenic trail to the Historic Area or travel on one of the 21st-century buses. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

AHP HOTEL GROUP RATES
(Applicable local and state taxes not included in rates below.)
The Williamsburg Woodlands features two types of rooms, both of which include an array of world-class amenities designed to offer you comfort and convenience.

Superior Room is $119 (Single/Double) Features two double beds, a sitting area with desk, and a comfortable lounge chair that converts to a single bed.

Deluxe/Suite is $149 (Single/Double) Features two rooms. Lounging room contains a queen sofa bed, TV, desk, and a convenience counter with small refrigerator, microwave, sink, and coffeemaker. Master bedroom contains a king bed and second TV.

Limited rooms may also be available at the Williamsburg Lodge. Call AHP for rates. 

Hotel Guest Amenities for AHP Attendees

• Group rates will be provided three (3) days pre and three (3) days post the conference dates based on availability.
• Each registered attendee will receive a “fifteen percent (15%) off” shopping coupon to be used at any official Colonial Williamsburg store located in the Historic Area Shops, Merchant’s Square Shops, Visitor Center and Resort shops (see coupon for details and participating stores).
• Complimentary wireless internet in guestrooms and meeting rooms.
• Complimentary self-parking is offered to all conference attendees for the duration of the conference, as well as access to the Colonial Williamsburg shuttle bus service throughout the Historic Area and Merchant Square.
• Complimentary daily continental breakfast.
• No resort fees will apply.
• Outdoor pool, adjacent golf course, nearby spa and Huzzah’s Grille restaurant.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Deadline for reservations is April 27, 2012

Reservations after the deadline are based on availability. Please book your reservations early. All reservations require a deposit or credit card guarantee to hold them and they may be cancelled, without penalties, by 5:00 p.m. EST at least three business days prior to the reserved date of arrival.

For Online Reservations

Attendees can make their reservations through a customized website created specifically for the AHP event. You will be able to access the website to make, change or modify your reservations. The URL for your event is https://resweb.passkey.com/go/13638 .

For Call in Reservations

Attendees may call toll-free number 800-261-9530 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday to make reservations. Please use the Booking ID 13638 when calling.

LOCATION

There are more than 200 daily flights into three nearby airports. By car, it’s a short scenic drive on I-64 midway between Richmond and Norfolk, just off exit 238. Just blocks away, there's an Amtrak station with a connecting train to D.C. 

Nearby Airports

• Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) (20 minutes) www.nnwairport.com
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (45 minutes) www.norfolkairport.com
• Richmond International Airport (RIC) (45 minutes) www.flyrichmond.com
  
  Hotel addressWoodlands Hotel & Suites
  105 Visitor Center Drive
  Williamsburg, VA 23185
  Phone: (757) 220-7960

For seminar information, contact Chris Brune at American Horse Publications at ahorsepubs@aol.com