The Ultimate Guide to Travel Blogging Conferences

As a travel blogger, you know that attending travel blogging conferences is one of the best ways to learn and grow your blog.

Travel blogging conferences are the perfect opportunity for travel industry professionals to connect with like-minded individuals and enhance their skills. Whether you are a travel blogger, influencer, or work in the travel industry, attending these conferences can provide you with valuable insights, knowledge, and opportunities.

As someone who has attended several travel blogging conferences, I can attest to the benefits they offer. From learning about the latest trends in the industry to connecting with destination marketing organizations and joining fam trips, these conferences are truly invaluable.

But with so many conferences, how do you choose which ones to attend?

Key Takeaways

• Travel blogging conferences are important for travel industry professionals.
• Attending these conferences can help enhance skills and grow one’s network.

Disclaimer: This blog post may contain affiliate links. Keep in mind that I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you click my links and make a purchase. However, this does not impact my opinion in any way. I only promote brands I believe in and products that I use and love myself. I try my best to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for you.

What are Travel Blogging Conferences?

Travel blogging conferences are events where travel bloggers come together to learn, network, and find new opportunities. They usually involve a combination of workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, and presentations from industry professionals.

Conferences are great for new bloggers, as they provide an opportunity to get advice from experienced pros on how to build their blogs. Experienced bloggers can also benefit from conferences by gathering inspiration and making valuable connections with other bloggers in the community.

Who Attends These Conferences?

Travel blogging conferences are attended by a variety of people. This includes full-time travel bloggers, hobbyist bloggers, aspiring travel writers, content creators, and even business owners who want to learn more about the industry.

Conferences are also great for those looking to form partnerships with brands or expand their reach into other countries. You’ll find some of the biggest names in the travel blogging world at conferences – so it’s a great opportunity to make valuable connections!

Why Attend Travel Blogging Conferences?

As a travel blogger or a travel industry professional, attending travel blogging conferences is an excellent opportunity to learn, network, and gain valuable insights into the industry. These conferences are specifically designed to bring together travel bloggers, travel media, and industry experts to share knowledge, tips, and strategies for success.

There are several reasons why you should consider attending travel blogging conferences:

1. Learn from industry experts: These conferences feature keynote speakers who are experts in the travel industry. They provide valuable insights and share their experiences on topics such as content creation, social media marketing, and SEO.
2. Gain insights on social media marketing: Social media is a crucial component of travel blogging, and attending these conferences can provide you with the latest tips and strategies for maximizing your social media presence. You’ll learn how to analyze your metrics, increase engagement, and create compelling content.
3. Connect with like-minded individuals: Attending travel blogging conferences gives you the opportunity to meet other travel bloggers, travel media, and industry professionals. These meetings can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and friendships. It’s also a great way to find inspiration, share ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Where Can I Find Travel Blogging Conferences?

There are a variety of websites that list upcoming travel blogging events and conferences around the world. A quick Google search should help you find some great options near you!

I also suggest checking out conference websites like TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) and ITB (International Tourism Bureau). This will ensure that you’re always in the know about the latest and greatest conferences.

Benefits of Travel Blogging Conferences

Attending travel blogging conferences can have a multitude of benefits for travel industry professionals and bloggers alike.

From networking opportunities to fam trips, here are some key advantages:

Brings Together Travel Industry Professionals

One of the primary benefits of attending travel blogging conferences is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other travel industry professionals. These conferences bring together destination marketing organizations, travel bloggers, and other travel media under one roof, allowing attendees to learn from one another and form valuable partnerships. By networking with like-minded individuals, you can expand your reach and grow your brand.

Press Trips and Collaborations

In addition to networking, travel blogging conferences can also present opportunities for press trips and collaborations. Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) often use these conferences as an opportunity to showcase their destinations and offer attendees the chance to experience them firsthand. By attending these press trips and working collaboratively with marketing organizations, bloggers can gain valuable content for their websites and social media channels, while also building their personal brand.

Gain Insights into the Travel Industry

Travel blogging conferences also provide attendees with invaluable insights into the travel industry. Speakers and industry experts often provide informative and thought-provoking presentations, giving attendees the chance to learn about the latest trends and best practices in the industry. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends, bloggers can better position themselves as thought leaders in the travel community.

How to Prepare for Travel Blogging Conferences?

Preparing for a travel blogging conference is just as important as attending one. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:

• Research the conference’s agenda and speakers in advance to help plan your days.
• Bring business cards or other contact information if you’re looking to network with brands or other bloggers.
• Reach out to potential contacts before the event, so that you can connect right away once you arrive.
• Don’t be shy! Conferences are a great place to meet people, so don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with strangers.
• Take advantage of all the learning opportunities available – workshops, panel discussions, presentations, etc.
• Lastly, remember to have fun! Conferences are a great way to learn and network – but they’re also a lot of fun!

Making the Most Out of Travel Blogging Conferences

Conferences can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some tips to help make your experience more enjoyable:

• Make sure to take notes during workshops and presentations, so that you can refer back to them later.
• Connect with other bloggers on social media and follow up after the conference is over.
• Take time for yourself in between sessions – it’s important to give yourself some time away from the crowds and recharge.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out after the event if you have any questions or would like to follow up on something.

Use Travel Blogging Conferences as a Networking Strategy

With the world opening up again, in-person travel blogging conferences such as Wanderfest in New Orleans this month hosted by the Wanderful community are returning again….

I just attended my first in-person travel blogging conferences since 2019 so I wanted to share why these conferences are essential to your networking strategy as a travelpreneur:

✔️ An opportunity to press ⏸️ on social media and connect in real life – the most meaningful connections are made in person.

✔️ A great place to learn new skills, tactics, and knowledge.

✔️ Everyone at conferences is there to network so it’s much easier to pitch yourself, your business, or your blog to possible partners.

✔️ You have direct access to all types of people in the travel/blogging industry all in one location.

✔️ The ideal place to introduce yourself to tourism boards, travel brands, and destinations – you get to talk to the reps, PR agents, or sometimes even the decision-makers.

Instead of business cards print out and distribute a 1-Page Media Kit to everyone you connect with at travel blogging conferences.

✔️ You can ask about scheduled Press Trips or upcoming sponsored campaigns and get your name on the list for these exciting opportunities.

All these reasons and more are why I recommend travel blogging conferences to all my students. Networking is the single best method for growing and succeeding as a travelpreneur. The travel industry is competitive, but if you genuinely connect with others, it becomes easier to break into.

Grow Your Network in the Travel Community

As a travel blogger, building relationships within the travel community is essential for success. Attending travel blogging conferences is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals. Not only will you learn from experienced bloggers, but you’ll also gain valuable insights and make connections that can help boost your career.

Networking can seem daunting, but remember that everyone at the conference is there to connect and share knowledge. Start by introducing yourself to other attendees and engaging in conversations about your shared interests. Be open-minded and approachable, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or follow up with people you meet.

Attend Networking Events

Many travel blogging conferences offer networking events, such as cocktail parties or dinners. These events provide a more informal setting to meet and connect with other attendees. Attend as many of these events as you can, and be sure to exchange contact information with new connections.

Collaborate with Other Bloggers

The travel blogging community is a supportive and collaborative community. Use conferences as an opportunity to collaborate with other bloggers on projects or content ideas. Pitch new ideas or offer to contribute to someone else’s project. Collaborating with other bloggers not only helps you grow your network but can also lead to exciting editorial opportunities.

Remember to follow up with any new connections after the conference. Send an email expressing your pleasure in meeting them and your interest in staying in touch. Maintain an active presence on social media and engage with your new contacts online. Building a strong network takes time and effort, but the benefits of these relationships are invaluable.

Do I Need an Invite to Attend a Travel Blogging Conference?

The answer: It depends on the conference type.

Let me explain.

Some travel trade conferences are by invitation only. Some are open for everyone to attend but have a fee unless you register as a media attendee. Blogger conferences, on the other hand, are open to anyone who blogs but they tend to have a fee attached and since everyone who attends is technically “media” you can’t avoid the cost by registering as such as you would for a travel trade show.

The first conference I ever attended was the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa, at the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in South Africa’s beautiful Mother City (Cape Town).

Now, ILTM is a rather exclusive and intimate travel trade conference. But since I was a senior travel writer & editor for Rare Magazine (now TrooRa) at the time, I was invited to be one of the 6 hosted media attendees. They paid for my flights, accommodation, selected meals, and activities. Plus, I got to network with PR agents and travel brands in the luxury travel market (worth more to me than the sponsorship).

Immediately after the ILTM I also attended the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, which was a much larger travel market open for anyone to attend. For this conference, I simply registered my interest in being a media attendee which gave me free access to attend over the 3 days while also setting up meetings to network with key PRs and brands.

As you can see, it’s important to spend some time researching the travel blogging conferences you want to attend to find out whether you need to be invited, register as media for a free ticket, or pay to attend.

My Secret Hack for Making Travel Conferences More Affordable

If you weren’t before, you’re probably quite excited to attend one of these networking events in the coming months but you’re also likely wondering how you can afford it; especially if you don’t have one happening nearby.

Well, I left the best for last – my secret hack for making these trips more affordable.

What’s the hack?

Get sponsored!

Since these travel blogging conferences happen all over the world, I recommend planning a sponsored trip around the experience.

I did this in 2019 while attending the ILTM and WTM in Cape Town. My trip was planned around these conferences which were both scheduled for the same week.

I was invited to attend the ILTM and registered to attend as travel media for the WTM. As a result, the PR agency that represents the conferences paid for my flights to Cape Town as well as all the activities they arranged with partner sponsors within the city.

I also pitched a Cape Town-based hotel chain that hosted me at 3 of their incredible hotels for the duration of that trip. Each sponsor was fully aware of the type of exposure they could benefit from by hosting travel media specifically for hospitality and tourism-based events. This whirlwind trip was definitely one of my favorites.

Not only did I get to work with some amazing sponsors but I made lasting connections at these travel blogging conferences.

FAQs about Travel Blogging Conferences

Get Networking in 2023!

Attending a travel blogging conference can be an incredibly valuable experience, whether you’re a new or experienced blogger. You get to meet and network with key players in the industry, learn more about new trends and technologies and hone your craft. Plus, they can be a great way to find sponsorships and collaborations which can help fund your travels.

However, before attending any conference it’s important to do your research and make sure you know what to expect. Each event is different so make sure you read the FAQs section on the event website carefully. Additionally, dress professionally and come prepared with plenty of business cards and notes! Finally, follow up with anyone you networked with after the event – this can help open doors down the road!