South Daytona, FL—April 14, 2011–When you think of publications and the media what comes to mind?   In the horse world the first thought should be the American Horse Publications.  AHP is an organization which represents equine publishers (both print and online) and the freelancers who write and photograph for them.   Its members also include businesses and PR professionals who want to network with those media.

For those who have never experienced the value that comes with being an AHP member, the best way to find out is to attend their annual seminar.  This year, “Hoofprints in the Sand” takes place June 16-18 at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa in San Diego, CA.  During this three-day event you’ll have a chance to learn about the business side of the publishing industry and sharpen your writing, editing and photographing skills.  You’ll also be witness to some of the nation’s most talented equine writers, photographers and designers at a variety of awards presentations and have a chance to rub elbows with the people who win those awards.

The annual AHP seminar is where freelancers can make invaluable contacts and learn how to improve their skills.  Publishers can gain knowledge in areas such as making your business more profitable as well as tips on improving design and layout.  For businesses, AHP membership offers the opportunity to meet the media and network the best way to forge a good working relationship.  PR professionals have a chance to talk in person with the media they want to reach.

This is a not-to-miss industry specific event for those who are involved in the equine world.  While the opportunity to learn is paramount, the chance to network and share knowledge is even more valuable.
Some additional benefits that come with being an AHP member are that you can submit two press releases a month to be sent out to its 600+ member e-list.  Members receive a monthly e-newsletter with tips on such topics as social media, ways to improve your business, publishing ideas and more.
Perhaps it is the members themselves who can best explain the benefits of joining the American Horse Publications.

“For us, the newsgroup is a great way to keep track of the horse industry as a whole, in interests, issues, events, you name it.  The seminars are a steal for staff professional development and industry networking, in everything related to putting together our publications, our websites and marketing initiatives. Staff gets exposure to big-picture publishing and media trends and can see them applied to the horse industry, and it’s all at a price we can budget for.   The contest is a way to test ourselves, professionally, to get our work judged and commented on so we can get a good idea of what to work on. It’s really great to see what everyone else is doing, too,” commented Christine Hamilton, Editor of The American Quarter Horse Journal.

There are also special opportunities for youth as the AHP offers a $750 travel award to three students to attend the annual seminar.  In addition the AHP organizes an internship handbook listing opportunities for students.
So, if you are a journalist, photographer, media outlet, publisher, PR professional, company or even a college or high school student, consider being part of this worthwhile organization.

Membership includes even more benefits than those already mentioned.  To find out more about the American Horse Publications, visit their web site: www.americanhorsepubs.org, email ahorsepubs@aol.com or call 386-760-7743.