Congratulations!
You've just stumbled upon the ultimate recap of my first travel blogger conference-TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Imagine a bunch of travel enthusiasts gathering to share, learn, and network!
I discovered TBEX on TikTok, did a deep dive to see if it was worth it, and got rave reviews from creators I follow. So, one rainy morning, I decided to just go for it and bought my ticket!
The ticket was $547 for the four-day conference from Tuesday to Friday. The first two days featured workshops, adventures, and tours, but since I signed up late, many cool activities like snorkeling, rainforest hikes, and glow stick night kayaking were already booked.
Pro tip: The earlier you sign up, the less expensive tickets are and the more likely you will get to sign up for all the adventures and tours!
Flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Due to my late registration and coming back from Aruba just before the conference, I arrived on Wednesday, just in time for the opening party. I flew from Chicago O'Hare to San Juan on United, grabbed an Uber to my Airbnb, and...it was a DISASTER. The place was moldy and reeked of cigarette smoke. I quickly got a refund and found a last-minute room at Aloft, right across from the convention center. What a relief! The hotel was fantastic, with a beautiful room overlooking the convention center and a lively area with fountains and lights and zip-lining! I even scored a free breakfast one morning and got 2 free drink tickets to use and a free meal credit. Score! I also loved being so close to where all the action was! Just made it a lot easier.
View from my hotel room!
The opening party on Wednesday night was truly spectacular. Held on the convention center's 3rd floor terrace, it featured live music, an array of delicious food stations, and a great selection of drinks. Upon arrival, I checked in, received my badge for the upcoming days, and even scored two free drink tickets for the event. Although I initially didn't know anyone, I quickly connected with fellow attendees, including a delightful woman from Quebec City, Canada. Fun fact: Quebec City will be hosting another travel blog conference (aka TBEX) in June 2025!
The food was amazing—think Trifongo bowls with chicken creole and vegetable stew, Chorizo stuffed mushrooms, and Yucca cups with Chicken Lemon Aioli. We even danced in a conga line to the second part of the party at the T-Mobile area, complete with stilt walkers, desserts, dancers and mojitos!
Thursday: Day 1 of the Conference
8-8:45am-Newbie Orientation with Tomiko Harvey & Christopher Mitchell
The day started with a session specifically for TBEX newbies, led by Tomiko Harvey and Christopher Mitchell. This was an invaluable session where we had about 45 minutes to ask questions and get a feel for what to expect over the next few days. The room was a bit quiet initially-probably because it was early and coffee hadn't kicked in yet-but the session provided a great overview and some helpful tips on navigating the conference.
9:00-10:15am-Welcome from Discover Puerto Rico & Keynote by Jen Ruiz
Next, we moved to the main conference room for the official welcome by Discover Puerto Rico. This was followed by an incredibly inspiring keynote speech from Jen Ruiz from Jen on a Jet Plane (@jenonajetplane on Instagram) titled "Change Your Life with a Challenge: How One Challenge Can Make Your Career." Jen shared her journey and how taking on small challenges had significantly impacted her career. Her stories were not only motivating but also provided practical insights into how embracing challenges can open up new opportunities. Super inspiring!
10:15am-Coffee Break
We had a short break in the room next door, where pastries and coffee were set up. This was a great time to network casually and chat with fellow attendees about their experiences and what sessions they were looking forward to.
10:35-11:25 AM-Session 1: How Bloggers Make Money
The first session I attended was on "How Bloggers Make Money: Maximizing Your Income Streams in 2024.” While the session was insightful, it could have been more detailed. The speakers discussed various revenue streams but didn’t delve deeply into the specific tools and platforms they used to monetize their blogs. Despite this, it was still beneficial to understand the different avenues available for generating income.
11:35AM-12:25PM-Session 2: Diving into Data: How Tourism Boards Work with Content Creators
Next, I attended a session by Andrea Mestdagh from the Jacksonville, FL tourism board. This session was fantastic and packed with practical information. Andrea explained how tourism boards and CVBs (Convention & Visitor Bureaus) collaborate with content creators, what they look for in partnerships, and how to pitch effectively. She also discussed the importance of media kits and what metrics are important for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).
1230-2PM- Lunch Break
Lunch was an experience in itself in the BEST way! We had an entire pig roast with pulled pork, rice and beans, fried plantains, salad, and bread. The food was outstanding, and the relaxed environment provided a perfect opportunity to network and discuss the morning sessions with other attendees. They even had Diet Coke, which made my day!
Lunch day 1! YUM!
2-2:50PM-Session 3: Mastering the Camera in Your Pocket
After lunch, I attended a session by Rick Southers (@rick_ontherun) on how to master smartphone photography. Rick provided excellent tips for beginners, including settings for iPhones and techniques for composing the perfect shot. This session was particularly useful for me as I’m still learning the ropes of photography. Rick's advice was practical, and he made sure to leave time for Q&A, which was great for clarifying any doubts.
3:30-5PM- Speed Networking
The afternoon wrapped up with speed networking sessions. Initially, I had no idea what to expect from these 8-minute meetings with brands, tourism boards, and various apps. The key was to research the companies beforehand and schedule appointments early. Each meeting was brief but intense, allowing for quick pitches and meaningful exchanges.
When you first reach out and connect for speed networking, you'll need to set up appointments. To do this, provide a brief description of who you are, what you do, and why you want to meet. The recipient can then accept or deny the meeting request.
Once accepted, all appointments will initially show as occurring at the same time. A few days prior to the conference, you’ll receive another email with the exact times for your meetings. This process was a bit confusing initially, and I had to consult the Facebook group for more information.
Here are some tips for a successful speed networking experience:
Set up appointments early: You'll receive an email about 1-2 weeks prior to the conference allowing you to request meetings.
Prepare a quick pitch: You need to be concise and articulate about who you are and what you offer.
Research the companies: Know what they do and how you can help them.
Keep track of meeting times and locations: Especially if you have back-to-back meetings to avoid being late.
I met with two apps, an insurance company, and an eSIM company, among others. These sessions were a fantastic opportunity to make connections and discuss potential collaborations.
That evening, I enjoyed a peaceful dinner in the neighborhood and opted to stay in. With a busy schedule of SEO meetings ahead, I took the time to review key concepts to ensure I was well-prepared and ready to make the most of the next day.
Friday: Day 2 of the Conference
9:00-10:15am-Session on ETIAS Travel Requirements and Keynote by Martinique (Marty) Lewis: BE Who You POST to Be
The final day started with a session on the new European travel requirements for 2025 presented by a representative from ETIAS. This session was crucial for anyone planning to travel to Europe, as it covered the upcoming changes and how they will impact travelers.
Following the ETIAS session, we had another keynote by Martinique Lewis, aka Marty, the Executive director of the Black Travel Alliance (@marty_sandiego on Instagram). Her talk, "BE Who You POST to Be," was all about authenticity. Marty encouraged us to be our genuine selves both on and off camera. Her speech was powerful and incredibly motivating, and she delivered it flawlessly, seemingly from memory. Marty's energy and passion were contagious, and she left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
10:15AM- Coffee Break
Another break with coffee and pastries allowed us to refuel and prepare for the next sessions.
10:35-11:25AM-Session 1: SEO & AI with Nina Clapperton
I was particularly excited about this session as I had discovered Nina Clapperton (ninaknowsseo.co) on YouTube the night before. Her session on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and AI was packed with valuable insights. Nina is a wealth of knowledge, and she broke down complex topics into digestible pieces. While some of the information was advanced, I took furious notes and learned a lot about improving my blog's SEO. I will absolutely be watching more of her videos to learn more about SEO on YouTube and checking out her website!
11:35AM-12:25PM-Session 2: Optimizing Travel Content for SEO Success
Next, I attended a session on optimizing travel content for SEO. This session was more advanced, and the speaker talked very fast, making it challenging to keep up. In hindsight, I should have switched to another session that might have been easier to follow.
12:30-2PM-Lunch
Lunch was another highlight, featuring an Italian theme with crispy chicken parm, spaghetti, bread, and salad. nDuring lunch, Travelpayouts sponsored a mini awards show, recognizing outstanding bloggers and content creators. It was fun and inspiring to see the community celebrating each other's successes!
Lunch day 2! Also YUM!
2-2:50PM- Session 3: Adding Digital & Print on Demand Products to Your Website
The final session of the day was with Keryn Means, discussing how to add digital and print-on-demand products to your website. This session was a great refresher for me, and I picked up some new tips on maximizing revenue through these products.
3:30-5PM-Networking and Free Time
After the sessions, I had some free time to relax, chat with other attendees, and prepare for the closing party. I guess there was also a closing speaker, but I missed that one!
6:30-10pm-Closing Party at Casa Bacardi
The closing party was held at Casa Bacardi, and it was an absolute blast. We were transported there on air-conditioned buses, and upon arrival, we were greeted with a selection of Bacardi cocktails, including Mojitos, Margaritas, Moscow Mules, Playitas, I Luv’ it Punch, and Sevillian Old Fashions. The food was delicious, featuring rice, potatoes, shredded meats, seafood, and desserts. The entertainment included a DJ and a lively performance by drummers with colored paint, reminiscent of the Blue Man Group. It was the perfect end to an amazing conference.
Casa Bacardi Closing Party!
Final Thoughts
Overall, TBEX was an incredible experience. I learned so much, met amazing people, and felt truly inspired. Will I go again? Absolutely. The sessions were informative, and most of the speakers were outstanding.
Here are some tips for future attendees:
Sign up early: This ensures you get into the workshops and tours you're interested in. I will say, next time I go, I will make sure I can get into the excursions as this is a good way to meet people before the conference and opening party!
Stay close to the venue: It’s convenient and allows for more networking opportunities.
Bring business cards: Everyone has them & exchanges them-it’s essential! I made mine on Canva and had them delivered to my house!
To maximize your networking and promotional efforts, prepare a Media Kit (optional):
Highlight Your Stats: Showcase your social media following, engagement rates, website traffic, and any other relevant metrics. Past Collaborations: Include examples of successful partnerships and testimonials from previous collaborators. Contact Information: Provide your email, phone number, and links to your social media profiles and website. Maybe even use QR codes to make it even easier.
Having this media kit available digitally for emailing or printed for in-person meetings will help you make a lasting impression and facilitate future collaborations.
Take notes: Bring a sturdy notebook and a good pen to capture all the valuable insights.
Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle.
Dress: Business casual! Something fun for the opening and closing parties. Honestly anything goes! Wear what you're comfortable in and what you think makes a good impression and represents you!
Check your email: You will get an email everyday with your schedule, times and meeting rooms, which I thought was really helpful!
Join the What's app group: I found out a lot of information here that wasn't on the website or easy to find. I would have been lost otherwise!
Suggestions for improvements for TBEX
Provide more detailed profiles on speakers and session descriptions: This would help attendees make more informed decisions about which sessions to attend and help avoid signing up for sessions that may be too advanced. It would also be helpful to include their social media or websites so attendees could do more research ahead of time.
Improve communication: Clearer information about what to expect, such as food and beverage availability, would be helpful. Some of the website info didn’t match up (dates and times), which added an extra layer of confusion.
Enhance badges and Digital business cards: Include Social Media Handles and Websites! During my recent experience, I found it frustrating to manually enter Instagram or TikTok handles every time I wanted to connect with someone. It was even harder to find those I didn’t connect with immediately. Current digital business cards are limited, featuring only names, company names, emails, job titles, LinkedIn, X, and Xing profiles (the last of which I’m unfamiliar with). To improve networking, badges and digital business cards should also include websites and social media handles like Instagram and Tik Tok. Even better, incorporating QR codes that can be easily scanned would streamline the process and ensure seamless connections.
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I hope you enjoyed reading about my inaugural experience at TBEX. I'm excited about the prospect of attending more events like this in the future to deepen my knowledge and connect with more people in the industry.
If you have any questions or want to discuss further, feel free to drop them below!
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