Interactive site will be valuable resource wine PR and marketing professionals

Napa, California (October 1, 2009) – The Academy of Wine Communications (AWC), the organization of wine public relations and marketing professionals, has launched a new interactive website. With an updated look and upgraded functionality, it will be a valuable source of information for all those involved in wine communications.

Created by Napa-based print and web design firm designthis!, the new AWC website offers comprehensive information about the organization and offers several new tools. The sections include:

• An ABOUT section stating the history of the organization, its mission and general principles, as well as a listing of officers. Future functionality will include a list of all AWC members.
• A JOIN section where prospective members can learn about the benefits of membership and fill out a form to join.
• The NEWS & EVENTS section contains current AWC activities and what people are saying about the organization.
• Continuing the efforts to further the art of wine writing, the AWARDS section now includes the new awards process, a list of current and past winners, as well as a place to nominate potential future honorees.
• Perhaps the greatest addition to the site is a RESOURCES section which has a wine PR directory where anyone involved in wine communications may add their name; a user forum where members can discuss key issues and topics; a job board where wineries and agencies can post current openings; useful links to key publications to trade organizations; images of current and past AWC activities; and relevant videos of AWC activities and productions. Future functionality may include whitepapers, case studies, and a blog.
• A CONTACT US section with all methods of contacting AWC officers.

The new AWC website was created using the leading blogging software, WordPress. Overall, this has given the site more functionality and interactivity, incorporating social media tools and techniques.

“Over the past few months, we have been working hard internally and with designthis! to bring the website up to date,” said Michael Wangbickler, Executive Director for the Academy of Wine Communications. “In addition, we’ve included additional functionality with the hopes that members and others involved in wine communications will find it a useful source for information exchange.”

To experience the newly launched website, please visit www.academyofwine.org.

To find out more about the new website of the Academy of Wine Communications in general, contact Michael Wangbickler at (707) 255-7667 or mwangbickler@balzac.com.