Three Conferences Travel Bloggers Should Consider Attending

Beginner and seasoned travel bloggers looking to improve their craft with trends, technology and tricks and meet with fellow bloggers should attend one or all of these conferences in 2010 or 2011. Being a travel blogger, I have attended two of these three and have registered to attend the third which is holding its inaugural event this September. The fantastic thing about attending a travel blogging conference is the networking. I have found once an event is over, learning and exchanging of ideas continues.

SATW Institute for Travel Writing & Photography, January 15 & 16, 2011 in San Francisco
This Society of American Travel Writers Travel conference is geared more toward travel journalists but recognizes the importance of new media making it worthwhile for travel bloggers to attend. The Institute is led by award-winning travel writers, photographers and editors who provide practical training in various aspects of travel journalism including marketing your product, generating revenue through multiple streams, and contracting negotiations. SATW stays current on emerging media trends meaning Institute participants will receive the latest information on the craft of travel journalism. Registration is limited keeping the educational and networking sessions intimate and conducive for learning.

Registration fee for the 2011 SATW Institute for Travel Writing & Photography will be available soon and is well worth the investment. Travel bloggers interested in registering or learning more about the SATW Institute can visit www.satwinstitute.org.

TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange), June 26 & 27, 2010 in New York City
The inaugural TBEX event held in 2009 in Chicago evolved from the Travel Blog Exchange online community. TBEX's success has evolved into a two-day event bringing together travel bloggers from various backgrounds and skill levels to learn from one another through networking and presentations from high-profile travel bloggers. Kim Mance, founder of Go Galavanting, is also the founder of Travel Blog Exchange and can be credited with TBEX's success.

Christopher Elliott (National Geographic Traveler's ombudsman, columnist for MSNBC.com), Jen Leo (LA Times Daily Deal Blog), and Sean Keener ( BootsnAll Travel Network) were some of the travel bloggers who spoke during TBEX '09 and '10 promises more travel blogging rock stars. Search engine optimization (SEO), working with video, and podcasting are some of the topics TBEX '10 attendees can expect.

TBEX is also an opportunity to connect with public relations representatives of travel products and services. Registration is limited to keep the group relatively small for ample networking and learning and early bird pricing began at $60 per person.

Admittedly, including TBEX '10 in this article is a tease because the event sold out quickly but for those interested in attending a wait list is being kept. Travel bloggers looking to network with fellow bloggers, share experiences and ask questions can visit www.travelblogexchange.com for information about TBEX '10 and become a member of the online community.

The Travel Bloggers Show, September 11 - 12, 2010 in Orlando, Fla.
The Inaugural The Travel Bloggers Show is produced by the same organization that runs TheTradeShow, an industry travel show bringing together representatives of various travel products such as hotels, cruise lines and attractions with travel buyers as travel agents and tour operators. During the two-day event, travel bloggers will receive the VIP treatment as they discover Orlando's sites. Travel journalist Christopher Elliott will share his philosophy and insight about travel blogging. Elliott writes the syndicated "Travel Troubleshooter" column and the "Navigator" column in Sunday's edition of the Washington Post. Additional topics include niche blogging and blog monetization. Access to the TheTradeShow events and show floor on Sept. 13 and 14 are included with registration and should provide more blogging content for attendees.

Registration for The Travel Bloggers Show is $25 pending approval by TheTradeShow organizers. A complete schedule and registration form can be found at www.thetradeshow.org/thetravelbloggershow.cfm

Travel bloggers should invest in themselves and keep up to date on industry trends. Attending a travel blogging conference is an ideal way to stay current in an ever-changing industry.

Sources:
Attended the SATW Institute for Travel Writing & Photography in May 2005 and January 2010, www.satwinstitute.org
Attended TBEX '09 in July 2009, Registered to Attend TBEX '10 www.travelblogexchange.com
Registered to Attend TheTravelBloggersShow '10 www.thetradeshow.org/thetravelbloggershow.cfm