What to Expect at TBEX '09

We know you've been anxious to find out what to expect at Travel Blog Exchange '09, and it's time to iron out the details of what will happen in Chicago in more depth. This email contains those details as well as a request for you to reconfirm your registration. Our overall goal for the conference is to provide a place where travel bloggers can meet in person and have all the great conversations we haven't quite been able to make happen online. As attendees, you'll be asking questions, discussing your own perspectives, sharing what you've learned about topics that have really seemed to resonate in our own local Seattle travel blogger meetups. We are incredibly excited to have each of you join us.

We'll kick off the day with BlogHer-style speed dating, where everyone will get a chance to meet not only the people seated at their conference room table, but also others seated around the room. Everyone who attends TBEX will go home with new personal and business relationships to help them build their blog.

We've divided the rest of the day into four 45 minute panels, each with panelists who represent different points of view. A moderator will ask a few questions to kick things off, and then we'll take questions from the audience. Think of this as a day-long conversation in which each of the panelists has an interesting perspective to offer.

Confirm Your Registration
We have a limited number of spots available, so if you will not be able to join us in Chicago, please click here
and change your RSVP status to "not attending". Also, if you need a vegetarian meal, please email kim@gogalavanting.com

TBEX '09 Schedule
9:00-9:30 Check-in & Headshots with Peter West Carey
9:30-9:45 Welcome + Logistics (Debbie Dubrow & Kim Mance)
9:45-10:20 Speed Dating
10:20-10:40 Break/Snack
10:45-11:30 Panel: Creating a Lively and Successful Travel Blog
11:30-12:15 Panel: Working with PR
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:45 Panel: Travel Journalism vs. Blogging - is it all just writing?
1:45-2:30 Panel: Podcasting and Video
2:30 Closing Remarks
After: Headshots with Peter West Carey

What to Wear/ What to Bring
# Bring business cards. Lots of them. We hope that you'll be making lots of new friends throughout the day, and you'll want to have an easy way to connect with them later.
# An "elevator pitch." Whether you are a beginner or you've been blogging for ages, be able to explain what you do in a few sentences
# Plan to dress comfortably. The weather outside will be hot, but the venue is air conditioned, so you may want to wear layers.
# Peter Carey, of TBEXRoadtrip.com fame as well as Hidden Creek Photography, has kindly offered to help you update your website and professional appearance with complimentary headshots after the conference! A sign up sheet will be available at the conference and the shots will only take a few minutes each. You can expect the end product to be emailed to you within a week of the end of the conference and you will be free to use the image any way you like. Be serious, goofy, wistful; whatever look you want to achieve, Peter can can help capture it!
# A way to take notes, and plenty of juice if it's electronic, there will not be enough power outlets to go around. WiFi will be available during the meeting.
# Extra space in your suitcase. Each attendee will be given a gift bag just loaded with travel-related swag. You won't want to leave any of it on the runway.
# Not sure what to do with your suitcase? There is storage space available at the venue, but be aware that it is not secure.

What Can I Do Now?
Let people know that you're coming! Post about Travel Blog Exchange '09 on your blog. If you know other bloggers who will be attending, make plans to get together on Saturday night or Sunday after the conference. Don't know anyone? Send an email or comment here and we'll make sure you feel welcome.

We've made a special badge that you can post on your blog's sidebar to let everyone who visits your blog know that you'll be joining us. Feel free to add it!

Starting to get excited? Get in the spirit of the day by following Pam, Kelly and Peter on their roadtrip from Seattle to Chicago at TBEXRoadTrip.com. Their blog promises to be a lot of fun to read. We'll also post videos of their exploits on the TBEX homepage in the days leading up to our big event!

What Should I Do in Chicago?
* The Chicago Office of Tourism has graciously agreed to give each blogger attending Travel Blog Exchange '09 a pass that admits them to most of the sites in Chicago for free. You will be able to pick up your pass beginning on Thursday morning at the Explore Chicago office in the Chicago Cultural Center.(But we must have you on the confirmed RSVP list, with a first and last name!)
* Need help finding something to do? Ask @explorechicago
* If you are headed to Chicago with Kids, you might check out the DeliciousBaby Chicago City Guide.

Thank You To Our Sponsors
When we first started discussing TBEX, one of our goals was to make it free so that as many people as possible could join us. We're delighted that through the generosity of our sponsors we are able to make goal a reality. When you see them at Travel Blog Exchange '09, we hope you'll take a moment to say "Thank You".

Sincerely,
Debbie Dubrow and Kim Mance
Travel Blog Exchange '09 Co-hosts