Life as a member or aspiring member of the travel media can be a bit lonely. After all, you’re likely on the road a lot working for yourself, publishing a blog, YouTube channel, or doing photography.
That’s why events like TravelCon are so critical for those looking to network and expand their skill sets. So pack and bag and let’s explore this valuable and unique conference.
What Is TravelCon?
TravelCon is a three-day conference that bills itself as “the place to learn the business of travel media.” Over the three-day event, TravelCon attendees will have access to workshops, breakout sessions, and keynote speakers.
The experience can expand and enhance their travel media skills. According to the website, “We want our attendees to learn from everyone’s victories, failures, and strategies so they succeed quicker than their competition.”
Who Founded TravelCon?
TravelCon was founded by Matt Kepnes, a blogger, author, and world traveler sometimes known as “Nomadic Matt.” Kepnes has nearly 15 years of travel media experience. He is best known for articles and books on money-saving trip secrets that have appeared in various media outlets.
TravelCon’s other main organizer is sponsor coordinator Jessica Parker. Parker is a PR and marketing expert who’s worked for several travel brands and companies over the past decade.
What Can You Expect at TravelCon?
Sessions at TravelCon explore areas including photography, videography, writing, and blogging. It’s the perfect place to learn new tricks and trends in travel media and interact with industry leaders, brands, influencers, and writers. Numerous speakers and keynotes will help you learn from their successes and failures in the travel world.
Some examples include “What It Means to Be a Travel Writer Today,” “How to Become a Travel Agent,” and “How to Get Brand Deals No Matter Your Size.” You can also attend workshops on photography and writing before the official start of the event for an additional $99 per session.
There will also be pre and post-event FAMs. This is the industry’s term for educational trips designed to help travel agents and other professionals familiarize themselves with an area or region.
According to TravelCon’s website, attendees will leave with “notebooks full of tips, tricks, and advice you can put into practice right away.” Plus, simply getting to network with fellow travel lovers can be fun and provide valuable connections for your business. You may even end up meeting a lifelong friend or collaborator.
HOT TIP
If you’re looking for work on the road, read about these potential jobs for nomads in the US.
Who Are the Keynote Speakers?
This year’s TravelCon lineup includes a handful of diverse keynote speakers covering many topics in the travel world. They include Pauline Frommer of Frommer Media, who also hosts the Frommer’s Travel Podcast, and writer and entrepreneur Jeff Goins, author of “Real Artists Don’t Starve.”
Additionally, bestselling travel author Pico Ayer will give one of the keynote speeches. Business coach Nicole Walters, best known for her viral videos and business transformations, will also speak. Finally, founder Matt Kepnes will give the closing address on the conference’s final day.
When and Where Is TravelCon Held?
If this all sounds like a great time, don’t wait too long to decide. TravelCon will begin Friday, April 29, and conclude on Sunday, May 1.
The three-day event will take place in the home of the blues, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Renasant Convention Center. It is located at 255 North Main Street, just a few blocks from the heart of downtown Memphis.
How Much Are Tickets?
How much your ticket to TravelCon will cost you will depend on who you are. For organizations, brands, PR firms, and travel companies, tickets will cost $999.
However, content creators can take advantage of a significant discount. They’ll only need to pay $399 for entrance to all workshops, breakout sessions, speeches, and other events.
For those who can’t make it to Memphis in person, you can get $99 virtual tickets. These provide access to recordings of all the keynotes, talks, and panels. You can purchase tickets online through TravelCon’s website.
Is Attending TravelCon Worth It?
For some people, who don’t like long conferences or sitting through speeches, the answer might be no. How much you get out of it will depend on how much you put into it.
The $399 or $999 cost may not fit in the budget for many low-budget operations or content creators. But for others, the cost of admission may be a bargain over the long term.
Businesses gain exposure to a massive number of interested customers all at once, with the potential to make sales or improve brand recognition far beyond a thousand dollars. Content creators get access to valuable education sessions and quality vendors.
And they also get to network with other travel writers, bloggers, and media members. That could lead to jobs, partnerships, commissions, or collaborations that could be life-changing for all involved. For these folks, attending TravelCon may be one of the most worthwhile decisions.
Let us know if you’ll be there in the comments below!
If You Love RVing, You Need to Stay Informed
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed with RVing news.
Stick with Nomadic News. We publish daily articles and breaking stories that matter to your RV lifestyle.
