I attended TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) Europe in Girona Spain a couple of weeks ago. It was my second TBEX that I attended, the first one being in Copenhagen, 2 years ago. I’ve also attended two TBU (Travel Bloggers Unite) Conferences, along with WTM (World Travel Market) and ITB (International Tourism Exchange). I’ve never written about any of these before. But a couple of weeks post TBEX, I feel compelled to write this.
So here’s what I REALLY learned at TBEX Europe:
Spanish bloggers are too modest:
TBEX Europe had a very heavy U.S. focus which I found odd and frankly a bit arrogant for a conference held in Europe. The three key note speakers, were all American. I strongly felt there should be at least one European keynote, ideally a Spanish one.
Surprisingly many of the Spanish bloggers I spoke with, shrugged it off saying “But Americans are better public speakers than we are, ” or “Americans are better at selling themselves.” Some of the most talented bloggers I know are Spanish bloggers. Isabel Romano of Diaro De a Bordo has her own radio show – something I know most bloggers from any country would kill for. Eduardo Perez of hombrelobo is Spain’s top video blogger with more than couple of hundred thousand hits on his blog and his YouTube Channel. Carlos Olmo Bosco of Vagamundos has more sponsorship than any other blogger I’ve ever met. Heck the guy probably even has his underwear sponsored. For the record, I’m just venturing a guess here, I don’t actually know this as fact.
I can’t imagine the same laissez-faire attitude if only Spanish keynotes (no matter how talented) where brought in as keynotes to a conference in the U.S. In my humble opinion many Spanish bloggers undervalue themselves. According to Wikipedia, there are 387 million native Spanish speakers, while only 365 million native English speakers. Spanish bloggers are a huge force to reckon with – and some of them need to give themselves more credit. Lesson Learned: Cultural differences can rear its head in the most surprising ways sometimes.
Hiking in the Pyrenees post TBEX with Isabel from Diaro De a Bordo.
Networking is Scary for a Lot of People
I was fortunate to know quite a few people at TBEX this year, but I’ll never forget my first few blogger events. It’s terrifying to walk into a crowded room, where everyone seems deep in conversation and seems to know everyone – except for you. There is nothing worse than feeling alone while being in a room full of people. It seems that I am not alone, quite a few people I spoke with voiced similar fears, especially bloggers who were attending TBEX for the first time. I was relieved to learn that so many other bloggers felt the same way. I think it would be a great idea to hold smaller breakout rooms/sessions where it’s easier to meet people. Perhaps even a reception room for first time attendees or pairing up first time attendees with bloggers who have attended TBEX before. Basically, anything that would make first timers feel more comfortable. Lesson learned: Push through your fear and start a conversation. And if you’re the one who sees someone standing alone, looking uncomfortable, approach them and try to make them feel included, perhaps even introducing them to a few other people. I continue to push past my fears and start conversations with people, but small talk is not really my thing. I also find it hard to build a meaningful connection with someone when you only have a few minutes and then it’s on to the next person. Which leads me to my next point:
Hot air ballooning on a post TBEX Conference Trip with Andrea, my good friend from RearviewMirror.tv
The Most Meaningful Learning Occurs in Small Groups (Not the Sessions Themselves)
Don’t get me wrong, I almost always pick up a few tips in the sessions and I generally enjoy them, but my most meaningful learning comes from conversations held one-one or in smaller groups with people that I’ve gotten to know better. One of the highlights for me was speaking to Debbra Corbeil of The Planet D. who I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know while on two blog trips. I have so much respect for her both as a blogger and a person, and our conversations have helped shape the strategies that I am pursuing with my blog and offshoot businesses of my blog.
Another one of my favorite highlights of TBEX was sharing incredible tapas with Barbara Weibel of Hole in the Donut, Heather Cowper of Heather on her Travels, (both ladies who along with Isabel, I had the pleasure of sharing a Wimdu apartment), Simon Falvo of Wild About Travel and Janice Waugh of Solo Traveler for an impromptu dinner in Girona. We talked shop – everything from our SEO strategies to our still (mostly) secret future plans. Well except for Janice whose not so secret exciting The Traveler’s Handbooks series is launching on October 10, 2012. We offered each other feedback and encouragement. I came away with further refinements for my own (still secret) plans. It may just have been the most empowering dinner I have ever had! I have the utmost respect for each of these ladies and appreciated their feedback, which will be valuable in the months to come. All I can say is that if even half of what we discussed comes to fruition there are some big things on the horizon for each of us.
Lesson learned: For me it’s better to get to know a few people really well, than a lot of people not so well. You will get more (both personally and professionally) by doing this. On a personal note, it’s also how Dalene and Pete Heck of Hektic Travels came to hang out in Munich and cat sit for us and how Laurence’s girlfriend Vera of Finding the Universe tried (unsuccessfully unfortunately) to perform voodoo on my cat (long story). Even more valuable and meaningful have been the bloggers I’ve met who I now consider to be good friends, which includes many of the aforementioned bloggers.
I was thrilled to finally meet Cathy Sweeney from TravelingwithSweeney.com at TBEX.. We’ve been online blog friends for over 2 years. She was just as wonderful in person as she is online.
Travel Blogger Really Like to Enjoy Themselves
After attending several travel blogging events this comes as no surprise, but I am surprised at how many bloggers straggle into the conference ragged-looking and hungover at noon. Don’t get me wrong, I like having a good time too (although my days of staying out until 5:00 am are long over), but I do wonder how this reflects on the community of travel bloggers as a whole.
Sometimes it seems that one minute we’re complaining about not being taking seriously enough. Then the next we’re exhibiting behaviour that seems anything but professional – especially at a conference. I’ve heard more than one industry professional lament on this as well (the ones that weren’t out until 5:00 am). Lesson Learned: Obviously everyone is free to conduct themselves as they see fit. But for me, the focus on these conferences is the work. I represent myself best when I’ve had a reasonable amount of sleep the night before.
In sum, I learned that to make the most out of TBEX, you should define your objectives before you go.
Yours might be quite different from mine, but I got what I needed out of TBEX Europe because I came with clear objectives: 1)To focus on work (but still have fun) 2)Make a few strong connections and reconnect with bloggers/industry professionals by building relationships that will remain strong for months and hopefully for years to come. Two checks!
I would love to hear your thoughts on what you learned at TBEX Europe!
A special shout out to Jaume Marin and his team from Costa Brava Tourism for the AMAZING activities they put on to support TBEX!
Don’t discount the voodoo yet! I’m eyeing up our chickens as we speak for a midnight ritual…
Back to the meat of the post – I have to agree with you. I had these vague notions of running around and meeting everyone, but it turned out that that wasn’t realistic. Instead I like to think I made some meaningful connections in longer conversations with fewer people, which was much more interesting to me. Also, Carlos totally has his underwear sponsored.
Laurence recently posted..A month in New Zealand–my perfect itinerary
@Laurence – Now you’re scaring me
I thought the same as you did as well, but after attending a few of these have learned that I’m really bad at trying to meet everyone, so focus more. Regarding Carlos, I knew it! Now I want to know how you know
“For me it’s better to get to know a few people really well, than a lot of people not so well.” I think this is true in life in general. When I find myself at a party or gathering, I have finally started to focus on having one or two really great conversations rather than meeting everybody there. I didn’t make it to the TBEX Europe but it sounds like it was a good experience for most everyone.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Mary Tyler Moore should fake her own death
@Scott – Agree, that’s my philosophy for making friends as well. I used to have a “ton” of friends, but now I would rather focus on having fewer, but more meaningful friendships. Hope to meet you one of these days so that we can have a great conversation
Have to agree with you Laurel, we would have loved to see more European speakers at TBEX. I think TBEX really dropped the ball on that one. There is so much knowledge and experience in the European market and lots of incredible projects on the boil and I didn’t feel many of the sessions offered enough valuable takeaways. As for the meaningful discussions – I had so many of these and, in truth, I think that’s the benefit of these conferences. Networking is useful, but really sitting down and talking to people over dinner or something is so much better and more valuable than a five minute conversation.
Also have to agree regarding the partying – don’t get me wrong, I love to party! But there’s a time and a place and boundaries for all things. And if bloggers want to be taken seriously, they have to behave professionally. Of course people at all sorts of conferences let their hair down, but they still manage to get themselves to conference sessions the following morning.
Sarah Lee recently posted..Luxury Travel Resources
@Sarah – Thanks for sharing your perspective, and nice to know that I wasn’t the only one who was disappointed by the lack of European speakers at TBEX. Glad to hear that you had so many meaningful discussions, those are always the highlight for me as well and I really appreciated the discussion we had as well
I’m sure I will get many people disagreeing with me about the partying, so thank you for the support. I suppose for some people a travel blog conference is all about the partying, so i guess it really depends on what a blogger’s objectives are, but I do think it hurts all of us on a professional level – especially when industry professionals see the lack of turnout at the early morning events.
On first lesson learned: I think the organisers have the responsiblity of making “newcomers” feel at ease and welcome. Much like on your first day in school. It’s the teacher’s responsibility to make everybody feel welcome and belong in the group.
Michael recently posted..Yes We Cannes
@Michael – Good point and they did offer the 1 day pre blog trips which I thought were a good idea since theygave bloggers a chance to spend more time together, but I do think more could have been done.
Not sure this posted, so I will try again:
Enjoyed reading your post. I was a first time attender at #TBEX, and although I enjoyed the events, I , too, have a difficult time connecting with people in a big group. Fortunately, I did have one gal I contacted via FB TBEX and we met up in a Tapas place in BCN prior to the event. We hit it off and I did meet a few others, but it is quite hard to meet people, when everyone already seems to know each other, plus I am a new blogger. I did meet some new people on the post tbex trip, so that was cool. Wish we would have met, sounds like you hung out with a great crowd! Maybe TBEX 13?
@Points and Travel – Thank you and sorry to hear that you had a hard time meeting people. I’m glad that you found someone to hang out with, even having one person that you really get along with is a huge help. I’m planning to be at TBEX Toronto and WTM in London in November and ITB in Berlin in March. If you’re at any of these, let me know. I was lucky to hang out with great people, some old friends and some news as well, but my first few blogger events were uncomfortable.
Laurel, the feeling is mutual! I consider you a good friend and I also admire you for what you’ve accomplished professionally. Thanks for mentioning me in your post.
Interesting to read your insights on the conference. Good points about the keynote speakers. I think the issue wasn’t so much the nationality of the speakers, but more that the speeches could have been better tailored to an international audience. There were probably too many references to American culture, people & events — at least in the one speech that comes to mind.
Overall, I thought it was a very worthwhile event. I did get new ideas & tips from the sessions, I met some wonderful people, and thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the TBEX organizers and the Costa Brava Tourism team.
Hope to see you again soon, Laurel!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Flavors of Catalonia
@Cathy – Thank you so much for your kind words, it was such a pleasure to FINALLY meet you and Mr. Traveling with Sweeney!
I agree that there were way too many American references, but for me the issue also was the nationality. I find it inappropriate to only have American keynotes at a conference based in Europe and to not have any Spanish bloggers speaking, the entire conference except for one which was a last minute fill in.
Glad to hear you enjoyed TBEX and I echo your thoughts about the TBEX organizers and the Costa Brava Tourism team – they were incredible!
Interesting thoughts. Maybe it’s because I’m American, or a fan of 2 of the 3 keynote speakers, but it didn’t strike me as odd at the time that there were no Spanish keynote speakers. But now that you mention it, I do think we (non-European) bloggers could benefit from a European perspective.
With regard to the late nights and partying, I saw it as an opportunity to continue meeting new people, both in PR and tourism, as well as bloggers. I saw that as valuable time, even if it meant less sleep. Plus, it was a much more casual atmosphere, talking over drinks, then in the more formal conference center.
The only session I skipped was the originally scheduled morning keynote by Chris. Since they had to scramble to put something else in that time slot (as his talk was postponed), I used the time to catch up on sleep.
PS – it was nice to meet you! I need to get back to Munich one day and see more of the city.
David Lee recently posted..Greek Landscapes in Motion
@David – If it would have been in the U.S. I would have been fine with all American speakers, and even one U.S. keynote would have been fine, but I do think there is a lot of talent in Europe as well, especially when a conference is held here.
I think there’s a lot of truth in what you’re saying regarding the partying, and I was out until 2:00 2 nights myself (which is very late for me). I also think it’s easier to connect with people in a less formal atmosphere, it’s just to the extent of the partying that I found (in some cases) to be unprofessional. It sounds like you were a professional
Nice to meet you as well and let me know if you’re ever back in Munich.
Laurel,
Thanks for this review. The first and only TBEX that I attended was in NYC. I am an introvert by nature and have spent years working through it, so I’m not much of a social butterfly. That was a big fear of mine and truthfully in some ways, it became a self fulfilling prophecy. I NEED to go to the next one because I need to work through this….so thanks for bringing it to the forefront and I am happy to know that I’m not alone in this! lol I really do need to reconnect to blogger friends because in a lot of ways I have distanced myself virtually as well. I have resolved to do better.
@Renee – Thank you so sharing your story, I didn’t realize that you were an introvert! Hope to see you at the next one in Toronto and I’m happy to hang out with you
P.S. You’re definitely not alone, when I mentioned how uncomfortable I was at the first few blogger events I attended, I was really surprised by how many people could relate.
Great wrap up. Always great to hear what we missed out on. We are hoping to get to TBEX next year, I hope they have a wide variety of speakers who offer different value. It would have been great for them to have a Spanish speaker.
We are off to Problogger this week so are excited to be going to a conference!
Caz Makepeace recently posted..Travel Pinspiration: Top 5 Photos of Cities on Pinterest
@Caz – Thanks. I’m hoping to be at TBEX in Toronto as well. I do think the TBEX organizers got the message that it was too American and they seem really open to feedback so fingers crossed. Would love to go to Problogger, look forward to hearing about it.
Interesting perspective my friend! Although I have yet to attend my first conference, I agree with you many of the points made here and all of us bloggers should heed your advice. You offer lots of great tips for us newbies, many, if not all of which I will heed! Thank you for a wonderful review and so happy you mentioned and pictured some of my dear friends!
Jeff Titelius recently posted..ArtSmart Roundtable – the Emergence of Gothic Architecture
@Jeff – Thanks for your kind words and like with most things, it’s always the people that make a really great event.
I enjoyed reading this post Laurel. I much prefer making a few strong connections with people too. I found from the TBEX in Vancouver I only learned a few things and didn’t get nearly as much out of it as I had hoped. I think for TBEX Toronto I need to have a few plans in mind of who I want to meet and search them out before I get there.
I agree re speakers. I think we all benefit from an international rather than a mainly American perspective on blogging,
I do hope we can meet up for a long chat over coffee in December. And now I’m very curious to hear what direction you’re heading in next…
Leigh recently posted..26 Fun, Weird & Interesting Facts About Halifax, Nova Scotia
@Leigh – Thank you and I like your idea of planning who you want to meet before you go. There were a few people that I really wanted to chat with at TBEX, but never got the chance. Yes, I definitely want to meet up in December and I’m happy to share my plans with you (which still include blogging
Thanks for the excellent overview Laurel – I too was thinking of doing some sort of a wrapup but I was failing to find diplomatic language for the things I DIDN’T like so I refrained. There were plenty of things I did like, including the opportunity to meet like-minded writers (like yourself!) but I too am better in smaller groups although this time I found myself restrained even in some of the smaller groups… I’m usually quite outgoing so I must have felt I somehow didn’t fit in.
I agree a more European flavor would have been welcome, if not by Europeans, then by people living in Europe. Some of the keynotes clearly reflected a lack of awareness around this particular issue.
What struck me the most was perhaps your most obvious suggestion – go with clear goals. How simple, yet how easy to forget.
Leyla Giray recently posted..Girona. Barcelona. David. Goliath?
@Leyla – I can’t imagine that you would have trouble being too diplomatic
. I thought about that too and decided not to be diplomatic, but express my feelings instead. Sorry to hear that you felt like you didn’t fit in, you definitely fit in in the groups that we were hanging out in.
Regarding the European flavor, agree. Many of us are mix. I’m Canadian but after living in Germany for more than 2 years, am somewhere in between, but becoming more European every day.
I’m questioning why I’m going to WTM in London in November, so the last question has helped me realize that there are a couple of solid reasons for going.
You mostly read into my mind, Laurel, and I share almost all of your views (some of which we discussed already in Girona).
Very honestly, I was expecting much more from TBEX as a Conference, and did not get much from the panels, with a couple exceptions. I totally agree with you that it was far too much US-based and US-oriented, and that having a Spanish Keynote Speaker would have been great (especially taking into consideration the amazing job some people at local Tourism Boards, like the Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona one, are doing. This is something that I had noticed as well at TBU in Umbria: no Italian speaker was invited. Implicitly, it’s like saying ‘no one of you guys is good enough’, when the truth is ‘no one of you guys at TBEX did enough homework to find out European/Spanish talents (and there are a lot).
Partying is nice, but I’m shy and feel often uncomfortable when in big groups so I don’t really get the most of it. Neither do I think that nice parties are a reason enough to attend a Conference. The conversations I had with you and a small group of other bloggers/friends were by far the best of TBEX. Which makes me wonder: does it still make sense attending a Bloggers Conference?
Simon recently posted..A Lonely Boat at Inle Lake (Burma)
@Simon – Sorry to hear that you were disappointed with TBEX. I agree, I was also hoping for more “takeaways” from the sessions. I noticed the lack of Italian representation at TBU as well, it seems to be a trend, but one that I hope will change for the next conference since I agree with you about what the implicit message is and it’s not a positive one.
I also agree that the parties aren’t enough of a reason to go to a travel blogging conference. I hope you do decide to go to travel blogging conferences, as I always enjoy our discussions, but I understand where you’re coming from.
Great post! I wish I could have attended TBEX… It would have been my first one. I guess I’m one of those spanish bloggers that still do not feel so at ease with being out there… But reading words like yours is always an encouragement to keep blogging
Big hugs
Madaboutravel recently posted..Mad About Food: comida sureña en Hard Rock Café
@Madabouttravel – Thank you and I wish you would have attended. There were quite a few Spanish bloggers there which I thought was great. If you’re at WTM in London, ITB in Berlin or at a future travel blogging conference let me know and we can meet
Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the WTM in LOndon… But I’m planning on hitting some future travel blogging conference, so I’ll keep you posted!
Madaboutravel recently posted..Mad About Travel: Premios Liebster 2012
@Madabouttravel – Sounds good. I just got back from WTM and it was productive, but exhausting.
@Madabouttravel – Sounds good!
Wow, you are really turning blogging into a career!
I’m ashamed to say I have never participated in any of these events, even though I have been blogging since 2006. I guess the first step is the hardest, networking can seem scary like you said and you never know whether you will fit at such events.
Glad it’s working out for you though!
Zhu recently posted..10 Things Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman
@Zhu – Well TBEX will be in Toronto next year, which isn’t so far from you
. I find the people I meet at these conferences to be the real reason that I go. It’s great to have people that you trust and can brainstorm ideas with. I did find my first several blogging events intimidating, but you would probably know a lot of people since you’ve been blogging for a long time. I for one, would love to meet you!
Great round up Laurel and thank you so much for the kind words. I loved all our talks and always look forward to seeing you again. You inspire me! I think that the TBEX organizers really did get the message about having a European speaker for next time. I know that they are very open to feedback and making things better. But I do feel lucky that we had the opportunity to hear Amy Porterfield and Peter Shankman speak. They are both sought after speakers and to be able to see them at an event like this is very lucky. But yes, there should have been someone from Europe included as a keynote speaker as well. I’m glad that you came away from the conference inspired and focused. I know that you have great things planned this year and I can’t wait to see it all progress.
Deb recently posted..Mushroom Hunters with Chef Francesc Rovira
@Deb – Thanks so much for your kinds words, that’s why I love you! I really appreciate that the TBEX organizers are so open to feedback and suggestions, that way it will just keep getting better and better. I really enjoyed Amy’s presentation and have nothing against Americans, just like a more balanced speaker line up – especially at at event held in Europe.
I plan on attending Toronto and it will be my first blogger conference. Thanks for the tips…if you see a guy standing alone, feel free to say hello:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Chateau Montelena – Picture of the Week
@D.J – I’m planning on attending as well so we’ll get a chance to meet finally.
I enjoy reading all the posts people write reflecting on the conference. It gives me a better understanding of what I’m missing. I really like your suggestions for newcomers and I’m sure I would benefit from something like that when I attend one of these conferences for the first time. The only time of the year I could go would be in the summer, so I hope to go to Toronto next summer.
Jenna recently posted..Images of Northern California
@Jenna – I like reading everyone’s posts as well, even if I attended the conference since I enjoy hearing everyone’s perspective. Hope you’re able to make it to TBEX in Toronto, I’m planning on going to that one as well and it would be great to finally meet.
Thanks for the round up – It nice to know what I’ve been missing:)
Italian Notes recently posted..Before fame came to Bernalda
@Italian Notes – In a lot of ways, what I learned was similar to what I learned at TBU in Assisi, so from that perspective you’re all caught up
Nice round up Laurel, thank you. I’m way too friendly by nature, so I had no issues with talking to people, but I do get what you are saying, TBEX did have many opportunities though for people to meet and socialize. You can bring the horse to the water, but you can’t make them drink it sadly. Maybe I should do a course on how to meet people at conferences. “Hi, my name is Kerwin McKenzie, I blog to airline employees, how about yourself?”
.
Never thought of the Spanish blogger handle as a keynote, but it would have been the culturally savvy thing to do. Let’s see of they have a Canadian one in Canada
. I’m pretty sure they will 
. I did enjoy the keynotes they had though, I was thrilled to hear Chris speak and glad to hear Amy speak again. I chatted with them both and learned a bit in our short convos.
I met and connected with a few Spanish bloggers on my own and that worked. Once people attend more conferences, they will learn what to do and get networking. The smal group trips worked very well I thought as did staying at the hostel.
As for professionalism and partying, I know when to quit and I did. I also had other projects to setup as well, so I partied as needed. You do really get to know someone more when you eat and drink with them, so don’t discount that as I know you are not.
Keep blogging.
Kerwin recently posted..Get Your Virtual Pass for ProBlogger’s Event in Melbourne, Australia
@Kerwin – Thank you for your thoughtful response. Glad to hear that you had no problems meeting people. I’m sure the hostel would have been a great place to meet people. Agree that social occasions are a great way to get to know someone, as it’s much more relaxed than at a conference, I think the key is knowing when to quit as you said. I was out until midnight every night, so wasn’t exactly a wallflower/party pooper, but I knew that I couldn’t be out until 5:00 am either. It’s such an individual choice and everyone needs to decide for themselves when enough is enough.
I would have loved to come to tbex Europe and meet you and so many other Europe bloggers that I didn’t get to meet at tbex Colorado! I felt the same as you on many of these things. This year was my first tbex and I missed meeting a lot of people, but the people I did meet i felt like I got to know much better and that was well worth it to me. I’m definitely going to Toronto!
Christy recently posted..Top Ten Tropical Islands
@Christy – So glad to hear that you’re going to Toronto, I’ll be there too. Will be great to finally meet you!
Great insightful recap. It is always hard being the new kid on the block and something most of us have to deal with. In general I think it would be great for everyone (at any conference) to be a little more aware and inclusive. A kind hand can go a long way!
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..London Bridge through the Ages
@Debbie – Thank you and I think you offer great advice about being more aware and inclusive.
Hi Laurel, have just spent a lovely Sunday afternoon with Isabel Romano and http://www.diariodeabordoblog.com/ showing her around my (adopted) home town of Kampala, Uganda. We met online as part of the Lonely Planet blogsherpa programme. She said how much she enjoyed TBEX and will be asking her all about it when she comes back from Safari this weekend
thanks for sharing your insights on TBEX, I really must attend one day!
@CharlieBeau – Lucky you, Isabel is great and I’m sure she has appreciated your tour guide services. TBEX is definitely worth attending, it’s nice to meet people face to face that you know from the online world.
Hi Laurel
I didn’t make it to TBEX this year so had to depend on all the round-ups online to see what happened and learn what I could that way. I think yours is one of the very few posts I’ve read that has got under the skin of the conference.
I had a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) this year, so it’s great to read a more revealing write-up.
Am off to the ProBlogger Training Event tomorrow, so shall take your advice on making a few good connections rather than go networking crazy!
Thanks
@Linda – Thank you for your kind words. I would love to hear how the ProBlogger event goes, hope you get a lot from it and I’ll have to read about it on your blog
Nice post laurel & I myself have not been to these blogging session apart from WTM – for a first time visitor not knowing anyone can be really difficult. I liked the option of having an area for new commers / to interact & know what to do in such situations. Will surely visit TBEX in the future & will keep in mind your tips.
Abhishek Behl recently posted..Why Ban Wildlife Tourism ?
Thank Abhishek, glad to hear that it will be useful. I think having an area for newcomers would help relieve some of the anxiety that a lot of people (myself included) face when walking into a large crowd and not knowing anyone.
We need to get to a conference one of these days… Fully agreed about the speakers. Why not more Spanish or other European bloggers? İt was TBEX Europe, after all. Being Brits, we’re very conscious of the sheer number of American bloggers out there, though.
Agreed about meeting a few people and making solid friendships rather than lots of people. We’ve made some good friends through the blog and it’s invaluable to be able to share advice and stories.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..The Best Balık Ekmek And A Fethiye Sunset
@Turkey’s For Life – Yes, you do, so that I can finally meet you guys!
I think many of the European bloggers felt it was too Americanized, but the feedback from TBEX has been positive, so I think they will correct that for next year.
Most important takeaway: start improving my Spanish!!!
Turtle recently posted..Is orangutan tourism ethical?
@Turtle – I so hear you on that one but I have to figure out German first
Thanks for the advice Laurel, I found this very helpful. I have just started out and hope to go to a TBEX soon. I look forward to reading more of your blog
@Ardun – Glad it was helpful, thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for this Laurel! I hated that I couldn’t go to TBEX Europe this year. I really wanted to and even had a ticket. However, I ended up selling it.
With that said, I appreciate your perspective. I am a bit disappointed there wasn’t more of a European influence. Maybe the sponsors (mainly American companies) influenced that? Not sure. I think it would have been great to hear from people in Europe. I would have loved to hear the way they do things as I know many of them have some great projects and ideas.
Surprisingly, I think most travel bloggers are introverts. There are some really outgoing ones but from what I’ve gathered, I think many prefer those smaller groups as well. I think getting to know a few close people is the way to go. Building relationships is key (as long as it doesn’t become cliquish). I think smaller breakout sessions would be fun and more engaging. However, I am sure there are logistical issues for that because of so many people.
As for staying out late, for some bloggers there is their chance to get away from “traveling” and “work” and have fun. Honestly whether it’s travel bloggers or accountants, I think many people treat conferences the same way. They just want to escape and have fun. Only thing is the average age of travel bloggers is so much lower that they can still stay out until 5 am
Jeremy Branham recently posted..A walk in the rain through Dublin Castle
@Jeremy – Hopefully we meet at one of these travel conferences. I think TBEX definitely heard that the conference was to American focused and will be working on it for Dublin.
I never thought of travel bloggers as being introverted, but now that I think of it, a lot of the people I know are introverts. I think they key is to finding a strategy that works for you, since everyone is different.