How soon is too soon to start attending conferences and events?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nancy Mueller on February 11, 2012 at 6:14pm

It's never too soon to start networking and building your relationships with other travel bloggers, editors, etc., Shanna. Attending conferences is one way to do that. That said, some conferences are better than others. I'll have to let others weigh in on that since I have not attended conferences for travel bloggers, But don't limit yourself to those. There are also travel writing conferences where you can network with others in the field and gain visibility.

Permalink Reply by Hanna Rojas on February 11, 2012 at 6:17pm

I think it is never too soon to start networking!

I really want to go to the TBEX 12 conference to get some fresh ideas in content creation, promotion and other related to my travel blogging!

Right now I'm trying to find some live groups in DC area, where I live to get some meet ups to cheer each other up! I think it is a good idea to attend face to face events!

Permalink Reply by Shanna Schultz on February 11, 2012 at 7:22pm

Thanks for the input.  I am thinking of dipping my toes in and attending the New York Times Travel show (http://www.nyttravelshow.com/)

Permalink Reply by Ng on February 11, 2012 at 8:10pm

Hi Shanon, by all means, attend conferences if you have the time and it can be part of your reason to travel to the city you've not been. 

What is the purpose of your blog: 

1 Hope to get enough ad hits to make a living

2 Advertise your own product or profession.

3 Record you own travel in an organized manner. (Like a diary)

4 Promote a cause or a local travel

5 etc.....

http://wishurhere.wordpress.com/

Permalink Reply by Shanna Schultz on February 11, 2012 at 8:40pm

The primary purpose of my blog is to eventually make a partial living with it.  I do love to write and I do love to travel, and I am hoping that those will be the vehicle someday for some income (I am quickly seeing how this blogging thing would burn someone out quickly if they didn't love what they were doing and were just in it for money.)

Permalink Reply by Juliet & Lane on February 12, 2012 at 9:34am

We started our blog in late Dec and we're going to TBEX '12 in June.  Networking as much as possible seems to be a key element for successful blogging.

Permalink Reply by Monica on February 16, 2012 at 7:13am

The sooner the better. My blog is still really small but it didn't start to grow until I began attending events and networking. I find that some events are actually better for newbie bloggers because you have so much to learn. 

Permalink Reply by Shanna Schultz on February 16, 2012 at 3:27pm

Ok.  I think I am going to go.  
 

For those of you that have been to travel trade shows and other travel industry events, what should my strategy be?  What am I trying to accomplish?  What kinds of connections am I looking to make?

Does anyone have any tips that will help me to get the most out of my time?

Thanks for the input!

Permalink Reply by Travel Blogger on February 27, 2012 at 6:38pm

Suggest you start a blog that focuses on your local MN region.   Makes it easy to create original content.  Then mirror you content over to Facebook and Twitter.  Build audience numbers on those Social sites.

As you meet people in your area connect with them Via LinkedIn and build relationships. 

Stay focused on a small area like MN or a specific theme.  Expand later.

Conferences and events are good, but you will need an direction / focus first.
Safe Travels

Permalink Reply by Shanna Schultz on February 27, 2012 at 6:45pm

Starting a blog focusing on MN is a good idea (and you are right, it would be easy to get content for)...but right now, I am traveling more in other parts of the country and world than I am at here at home.  Maybe I will start a second blog just focusing on Minnesota...but I don't think I want to give up on finding a niche for my blog about my worldwide travels.

Thanks for the tips.  I will consider it!

Permalink Reply by Britany Robinson on May 22, 2012 at 11:44am

I will be attending Tbex in a few weeks and although I have been working on my blog for almost a year now, I just recently started taking it seriously and hoping to build a large enough audience to make some money. I am so excited to meet some seasoned travel bloggers with wisdom to share, but I also think this group and meeting newer travel bloggers is a great way to support each other. I've been trying to visit and comment on the blogs here as much as possible as its the newer bloggers that are the most enthusiastic about making new connections. 

Will you be at Tbex in Colorado? Good luck on your blog. It looks great so far!!

Britany

www.sotcblog.com