Conferences can be hit or miss. Good ones provide you with a wealth of information, often leaving your head almost too full. So many ideas, new things to implement, lists, scribbled notes of inspiration- you can barely keep up with your thoughts. Conferences can also convene and put you in a room with like minded folks who speak your language. You are both student and teacher, as sharing floats freely through breakout rooms, meet ups and parties. Fortunately for me, my trip to Austin for the first TravelCon was right on time. Still in my first year of blogging, being immersed in a learning space with 600+ bloggers and content creators was a bit like bootcamp- in the best way. Here are a few of my key takeaways from TravelCon 2018.
1. ‘Overnight success’ actually takes years.
One consistent thread in the keynotes and speakers from TravelCon- wildly successful people spend years to get where they are. Even those who appear to skyrocket to the top, have been quietly working for three, five, even ten years before their work ‘catches fire’. The bad news- there aren’t any real shortcuts. The good news, if you are willing to work extremely hard you won’t need any.
2. Nomads are inspiring… and super friendly.
I’d imagine living on the road without a home base encourages you to reach out and make connections quickly. In the elevators, coffee lines, around tables and through the hallways of TravelCon, I met really interesting people. And many of them have been traveling continuously for years. I’ve been living nomadically since… was a phrase I heard no less than ten times in three days. So many travelers gathering in one space really highlights the diversity of travel experiences. From those who don’t have a home address, to the weekend warriors who juggle vacation time- the desire to see new places and experience different cultures resonates across the board.
3. There isn’t one key to success- there are many.
There isn’t one right way to blog or build your business. Write books. Or don’t. Work with tourism boards. Or don’t. Host tour groups in Thailand, become a YouTube personality or IG influencer, create online courses… the sky is the limit. Diversify both your skill set and your income streams. Learn as much as possible, implement what works best, but by all means keep moving forward.
4. It’s a small world after all… (but it’s also kinda big).
The world is amazingly small and brilliantly expansive at the same time. TravelCon connected old friends and introduced new ones, all convening in Austin, Texas to share, learn and grow together.
Bloggers of Color meet-up
A community built quickly, in an increasingly small, digital world. I witnessed two Facebook ‘friends’ meeting in person for the first time in an elevator… it was awkward. Yet a simple reminder of how small our world has become through the use of technology. On the other end of the spectrum, I met countless people who are traveling the world continuously, some for ten or fifteen years. How can you not marvel at a world that is big enough to support that type of wanderlust? It is simultaneously overwhelming and inspiring.
5. You are your greatest asset.
Your passion will be shared by your tribe/followers/supporters… so be yourself. You are uniquely different from every other person on this planet. This can be your greatest strength. One of my favorite takeaways from TravelCon 2018 was shared by Steve Kamb from Nerd Fitness. You are not the hero of your blog- the reader is. Be their Yoda, a mentor who supports their dreams, teaches and inspires them. I think the reason this struck me was it captures how I feel about Brown Lady Travels. While I am the ‘Brown Lady‘ in Brown Lady Travels, I never thought of it as only me. The world is full of amazing brown ladies; it is my desire to encourage all of us to explore and find what makes us happy.
Little sis, KT, living her best life in Austin.
I’m inspired by the places I have been- the food, the music, the people. Travel feeds my spirit. This online space allows me to share what brings me joy with you. It is my great hope that other brown ladies will be encouraged to pack a bag and go on a journey of their own.
Onward!
As I reflect on my favorite takeaways from TravelCon 2018, I realize that they really aren’t either travel or blogger-specific. Whatever career path or journey you’re on, I hope these takeaways resonate with you and move you forward towards your goals. I’ve returned from Austin brimming with ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. Let’s get to work!
What dreams are you working towards? Where do you find motivation?
6 thoughts on “5 Takeaways from TravelCon 2018”
I’m not sure if we met but I agree with everything you said. TravelCon was an amazing experience. It gave me the confidence I needed to move forward. It’s not an easy journey at all. To see so many people in one place from different parts of the world, to see some who have made it, some who haven’t started, and some who are on the same level as me was everything. It was my first travel conference and I’m so glad I went.
Hi Ann, it was my first travel conference too; really valuable information and connections for sure. I don’t think we met in person, maybe I’ll catch you next year in Boston!
Love this post because these were all key takeaways for me too. I really learned a lot at TravelCon and I’m already looking forward to next year. Bummed I missed meeting you in person during the conference!
Thanks, Megan. I’m already excited about next year too. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to meet in Boston!
Great read! This article completely captured the essence of TravelCon.
Thanks, Roslie! It was great meeting you; looking forward to following your adventures 😉
I’m not sure if we met but I agree with everything you said. TravelCon was an amazing experience. It gave me the confidence I needed to move forward. It’s not an easy journey at all. To see so many people in one place from different parts of the world, to see some who have made it, some who haven’t started, and some who are on the same level as me was everything. It was my first travel conference and I’m so glad I went.
Hi Ann, it was my first travel conference too; really valuable information and connections for sure. I don’t think we met in person, maybe I’ll catch you next year in Boston!
Love this post because these were all key takeaways for me too. I really learned a lot at TravelCon and I’m already looking forward to next year. Bummed I missed meeting you in person during the conference!
Thanks, Megan. I’m already excited about next year too. Hopefully we’ll have a chance to meet in Boston!
Great read! This article completely captured the essence of TravelCon.
Thanks, Roslie! It was great meeting you; looking forward to following your adventures 😉