The Ultimate Blogger Conferences For Travel Influencers
2Blog conferences 2018:
When it comes to the best blogging conferences, trade shows and travel events, look no further. If you’ve been to any or have any feedback, we’d love to hear about it in the comments section down below!
1. NYT Travel Show
Dates and Location: This conference has already passed but the 2019 dates are January 25 – 27, 2019 and it’s held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, USA.
Website: http://nyttravelshow.com
Open to public: Yes, certain days. Bloggers are encouraged to apply as media and will have access to the entire conference.
Cost: $25 – $79
About: “The New York Times Travel Industry Conference offers a comprehensive education program designed for travel professionals. Develop your knowledge by attending over 23 Focus Conferences covering the latest products, services, destination information and trends from industry experts. Travel professionals will have the opportunity to attend these exclusive seminars as well as visit over 500 exhibitors in the largest travel trade exhibition in North America.”
Why you should go: Tourism Boards and travel brands from all over the world will be here. This is exactly the type of tradeshow you want to visit to get business cards and contacts. Plus they have tons of interesting panels – it’s the New York Times – you know it’s going to be A+.
2. World Travel Market
Dates and Locations:
- Latin America (São Paulo): April 3 – 5, 2018
- Africa (Cape Town): April 18 – 20, 2018
- Arabian Market (Dubai): April 22 – 25, 2018
- UK (London): November 5th – 7th, 2018
Website: http://www.wtm.com
Open to the public: No – open to all those who are somehow involved in the travel industry. Bloggers and influencers can absolutely apply as media and are encouraged to do so.
Cost: N/A
About: “Through six annual, business to business events across four continents, and all year round content and digital tools, we create the best opportunities for travel industry professionals to connect, learn and do business.”
Why you should go: Since this is a mega industry event, with locations all around the world you’ll meet all types of people. From exhibitors with booths, to other media professionals, be prepared to be receiving an information overload. Definitely visit their website to learn about who attends!
3. TBEX
Dates and Locations:
- Europe (Ostrava, Czech Republic): July 26-28, 2018
- North America (Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York): September 11 – 13, 2018
Website: http://tbexcon.com
Cost: $177 (Travel Blogger exclusive rate) Travel Industry professional fees are $577.
About: “TBEX is the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals. Each year, TBEX partners with fantastic host destinations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific to bring the travel industry’s most creative minds together to learn, network and do business.”
Why you should go: TBEX clearly appreciates travel bloggers and influencers (as seen in their special blogger pricing). They’re one of the first conferences to truly embrace bloggers as part of media.
4. International Media Marketplace
Dates and Locations:
- Asia (Singapore): October, 16th 2018
- Australia (Sydney): It already has passed so stay tuned for 2019 dates.
- South America (São Paulo, Brazil): April 2nd, 2018
- France (Paris): September 24th, 2018
- Germany (Berlin): March, 6th 2018
- United Kingdom (London): March, 12th 2018
- USA: January 24th, 2019
Website: https://travmedia.com/immusa/
Cost: N/A
Open to the public: No – open to all those who are somehow involved in the travel industry. Bloggers and influencers can absolutely apply as media.
About: “IMM is now established as the industry’s leading event for the media to meet travel and tourism brands. Exhibitors each enjoy a dedicated branded table where they can meet top travel journalists, editors and broadcasters to discuss their news, events and developments. As a single-day networking and relationship-building opportunity for journalists and travel & tourism brands, IMM is unrivaled.”
Why you should go: The best part of IMM (Travmedia) conference is that it’s a lot like speed dating between travel brands (hotels, tourism boards etc) and journalists and bloggers. It’s one day and straight to business networking. It’s usually hosted by a PR representative and someone on the brand side.
5. ITB Berlin
Dates and Locations:
- ITB Asia (Singapore): October 17-18, 2018
- ITB Berlin: March 6 – 10, 2019
- ITB China (Shanghai): May 16-18, 2018
Website: https://www.itb-berlin.com
Open to the public: Yes, there are trade days and days that it is open to the general public. Bloggers and influencers can absolutely apply as media.
About: “Experience the whole world of travel at ITB Berlin – all in one location: Countries, cities and regions, tour operators, online booking portals and hotels, and many other service providers from over 180 countries present their products and services.”
Why you should go: ITB has one of the best reputations in the world. It may be difficult to get accepted as a blogger or influencer, but once you’re in – you’ll be glad you are. Be prepared to meet the leaders in the industry, from brands to tourism boards, everyone who is everyone will most likely be there. Between us, ITB is considered A+ among travel PR firms and one of the best travel conferences in the world.
6. Womens Travel Fest
Dates and Locations: This event happened in March 2018. Stay tuned for 2019 dates and information.
Website: http://womenstravelfest.com
Open to the public: Yes! This is a ticketed event that is open to everyone.
About: “We understand how different the travel experience is for women, and how important it is for more women to get out and live their dreams. We hear from women how they want to travel, but they’re afraid, or they don’t think they’re brave enough to go solo, or they’re intimidated by the prospect of being alone abroad. That’s why we’ve created this incredible annual event, to inspire, empower and celebrate travel.”
Why you should go: If you’re looking for a blogging event that is focused on all things women and travel, this event is for you! While there are bloggers on the panels, it is not a strict industry event and open to women of all working backgrounds to come together in sisterhood.
7. Travelcon
Dates and Location: September 20 – 22, 2018 in Austin, Texas, USA.
Website: https://travelcon.org
Open to the public: Yes – tickets are $299 for all three days.
About: “This three day conference will connect you with industry leaders, influencers, and celebrated writers through keynote speeches, small group writing and photography workshops, breakout tutorial sessions, and industry panels. You will learn what’s working in today’s competitive travel industry, timeless business practices, and the skills you need to succeed as a creator.”
Why you should go: Travelcon describes itself as the place to go to learn the business of travel media. Their goal is to create an environment where people can learn from experts inside and outside of the travel industry.
Here at Sidewalker Daily, we’re all about constantly growing, learning and never being too comfortable – because knowledge is power. We also know (from personal experience) how important making real-life connections in the industry and networking can be for the advancement of your career in the influencer industry. Trust us, invest in yourself – you’re worth it!
