Count on a dynamic, interactive, memorable speaking event when Toni Allegra is in front of an audience. With speech and drama in her background and a sincere passion for her subjects, she is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter. Her key topics include: Focus on Career Success The Confident Culinary Professional Food Writing Travel Writing Honing Writing Skills Cookbook Production Napa Valley Wine Country Lifestyle Mediterranean Wine Country Cooking Listen! Coaching is an Art   Some reactions to Toni's 2002 8-city tour with The Successful Professional, a one-day career workshop: "Great instructor -- Great workshop. Let’s have more! Thank you."       – Bill Sy, instructor, The Art Institute of Phoenix "Wednesday's professional growth day was inspiring and just plain fun.You did a great job keeping us focused and interested. The day just whizzed by."       – Marge Poore, San Francisco "Yesterday's seminar was just what I needed; an energizing boost to keep me going and to reinforce my self-confidence that I just might have something worth writing about. THANK YOU for an inspiring day."       – Karen Evenden, Seattle "For me this was a day with a personal focus - revitalizing me with an energy and enthusiasm 'buried' by a complacency which I think may often hit those of us who have been following the same track for too long."       – Ethel Hofman, Philadelphia Join us for these events! Join Toni for a Food Writers' Retreat in Villecien, Burgundy, in old France October 1-8, 2006. We will be lodging in the 17th century Château du Feÿ. The château is located near Joigny, in the countryside between Paris and Dijon. Work on your proposal, your book, or sharpen your food writing skills based on the adventures, visits, markets and meals we will experience. Personalized writing coaching by Antonia Allegra and Don Fry. As a result of their experience at past retreats, Jill Hunting is now completing her book begun in Umbria; Don "Skip" Skipworth has the direction for his personal cookbook; Jennifer McGlinn is completing her third book. For more information, contact Toni antonia@fcs.net or Denise Bina denise-bina@cox.net. Limited to 12 writers. $3200 per person, not including airfare Food Writers' Retreat in Villecien, Burgundy      Click here for details on the 2006 Burgundy Retreat. Click here for the 2006 Retreat Booking Form. From the archives: Umbria 2004 Week One Umbria 2004 Week Two IACP Food Writers’ Teleforum for Food Writers Join Toni and food writing colleagues during the monthly IACP Teleforum at 12 noon EST each second Wednesday of the month for stimulating conversation, tips, and open exchange of ideas. Call 800-928-IACP for general information. To participate in the Teleforum, call 781-222-0025, x973 December 5, 2005 – Wine Country Menu Class December 6, 2005 – Artisan Cheese and Wine Class Toni will teach two cooking classes at Great News! in San Diego, CA. Click here for more information. December 8-9, 2006 “Harvesting the Art of the Pen: A Dynamic Food Writing/Career Workshop” Join 20 food writers for a 2-day Workshop with Toni in Ojai, CA near Santa Barbara Click here for more information. March 6-9, 2006 Symposium for Professional Wine Writers: 2006 Learn during this 3 1/2 day Symposium from outstanding speakers/writers/editors/agents/coaches: Harriet Bell Jack Hart Jay McInerney Rob Kasper Karen MacNeil Richard Nalley Frank Prial Andrea Immer Robinson Rod Smith Harvey Steiman Toni directs and coaches during this nationally known conference now in its 2nd year. Twelve fellowships available. Click here for more information. March 15-19, 2006 The Symposium for Professional Food Writers: 2006 Learn during this 4-day Symposium from outstanding speakers/writers/editors/agents coaches at the “Grandaddy of Food Writing Conferences” Carole Bidnick Ed Blonz Ann Bramson Jeannette Ferrary Don Fry Lynne Rossetto Kasper Kristine Kidd Russ Parsons Buck Peterson James Peterson Andrew Schloss Fred Thompson Nach Waxman Robert Wolke Toni directs and coaches during this nationally known conference now in its 17th year. Scholarships available. Click here for more information. (event code: FW2005) April 2-7, 2006 Ed Bamberger will host his Single Gourmet group for five fabulous days in Napa Valley, to be led by Toni Allegra. Insider visits to top wineries, restaurants, shopping stops and more. Contact Ed at 972-732-8000. Click here for more information.