TravelCon is fast approaching. After the lessons I picked up at the inaugural conference last year, I decided it was worth the investment to make the trip again. Less than two years into blogging, there’s still much to learn! This time, I’m setting some intentions for myself in advance, to make sure that I take advantage of all the opportunities I can. If you’re headed to TravelCon this year, or considering it for the future, here are some ideas to help you set expectations and goals of your own.
Find that Spark
Conferences can be a great chance to get refocused and inspired to try new things. People convening from all over the world to share ideas, stories and tips for how to get to the next level- exciting! Also, a bit overwhelming. So much creative energy in one place can send you into overload. I’m looking for the gems that stand out to me; the key ideas that feel like enough of a stretch for me to grow, but not wildly out of reach. Before I head to the conference, I’ll review the schedule again so I can highlight ‘can’t miss’ sessions and speakers. A little preparation can go a long way.
Plan My First Solo
“There’s safety in numbers.” “Who’s going with you?” “You’re not going alone… are you??” While many women are happily wandering the globe solo, in many communities and families, there are still stigmas attached to solo female travel. One thing I loved about TravelCon last year was meeting women of all ages living as nomads, wandering freely through the world. Solo female travel is a well represented niche and ongoing conversation in many travel spaces. While girls trips are fabulous and a bae-cation is always great, what happens when no one can travel with you? Do you wait on the sidelines until schedules and finances align or do you venture off on your own? As I’m traveling more and more for work (usually solo), I’m increasingly unbothered by being alone in new places. I’ve yet to make an international trip alone, but I want to be open to the idea. Learning from other women who are successfully and safely exploring the world is inspiring and something I look forward to at TravelCon this year.
Get the Bag
Right now, blogging is a hobby for me. I still have a full-time job and haven’t fully explored all the potential revenue streams for travel blogging. From podcasts and YouTube, to affiliate marketing and tours- people are finding multiple ways to earn money doing what they love. This year, I’ll be focused on identifying the top two or three ways for Brown Lady Travels to get the bag.
Take Advantage of the Photo Op
I have a secret crush on photography. I feel like if I spent the time, it could be a great love of mine. In quiet moments or when I have some time off planned, taking a photography class often crosses my mind. I’m not sure why I haven’t just done it already. I did manage to sign up for a photography walk at TravelCon with Erick Prince (@minoritynomad). A popular conference offering last year, I missed the opportunity. This year, I made sure to register early and I’m looking forward to getting some tips and ideas to inspire my growing love for photography.
Get Media Ready
This type of conference makes you realize the importance of branding. This year, I’d love to learn how to create a media kit to highlight Brown Lady Travels and introduce myself to potential partners. It feels a little bit daunting, especially as a relatively new blogger. Like when you create a resume for the first time, knowing that you don’t quite have enough to fill a full page. I know the experience will come with time and dedication. At this stage, I’m looking at how to market skills I’ve built as a professional in other areas. How can I translate success from one market to the next? TravelCon has formal brand meetings as part of the conference, primarily for those more experienced; however, there are organic opportunities to meet brands in the marketplace as well. This year, I’ll be on the lookout for those brands that might be a fit for me, and other Brown Ladies like me!
Make Connections
One of my favorite parts of TravelCon last year was the Bloggers of Color meetup. Having the chance to meet and visit with other bloggers, from newbies like me to those well established, was exciting and instantly increased my network of like-minded folks, with diverse perspectives. From a mom writing about family travel, to a doctor focused on healthy travel, to photographers and female solo travelers journeying around the globe- the different lens and passions were apparent and inspiring. I’ve got my eyes on a couple meetups again this year and can’t wait to meet more travelers and hear what everyone else is working on!
For the bloggers and travelers out there, what has been your most memorable conference experience?