While bloggers continue to suffer from post TBEX depression, many of us try to relive happy Tbex memories by uploading photographs, having post Tbex meetups in New York or writing posts about why Tbexers love this growing travel conference. For those who didn’t attend, choices 5-1 will probably surprise you more than the previous reasons did. Nonetheless, we all can agree; we love travel.
5. Socializing
group / silhouettes of people/photographers talking at Reykjanestá, Reykjanes Iceland by ´Amason.is`
What comes with the gift of writing? Of course, the gift of chatter. Making connections with other travelers is vital to marketing not only yourself, but expanding the network of travel bloggers. Even before this weekend, through Twitter, Facebook and other media outlets, attendees saught ways to connect.
The world of blogging goes beyond Re-tweets and post comments; which is crucial in a society where communication is moving online. Tara Russel said it best when speaking about an upcoming Nationwide travel event called Meet, Plan, Go. We discussed the importance of putting the face to the Twitter account and how interactions between bloggers creates these relationships that are vital for everyone moving forward.
Of course, this can be in any unique medium; chatting over drinks, social meetups or just talking to random backpackers on the subway. But, never forget the importance of content as well. (A preview to an upcoming top 5 reason.)
CoTravelGirl: If your content is crap, it doesn’t matter how good you are at social media (via @italylogue) #tbex
4. Tacos
Tacos from the Diamond PR Taco Truck by dolcecorazon
Although rumor has it from exclusive Tbex attendees that Poutine is the official food for Tbex ’11, Tacos were the official meal of choice in 2010. Thanks the the Diamond PR team, travel bloggers wouldn’t go back home hungry after the final Tbex ceremonies. Tweets kept surfacing about this epic taco truck that eventually parked in front of the Cantor Film Center (Tbex Headquarters 2010 in New York City) for very enthusiastic taco fans.
Kind of ironic how tacos were the food of choice after the big World Cup defeat against Mexico by Argentina.
No tacos for you Argentine~ by Teresa Gotay
3. The First Panel: Travel Writing: Upping Your Game
Travel Pens by retro traveler
Even hours after this panel, people were tweeting and buzzing about the great tips this panel provided. For about an hour, Tbex’ers were fixated on:
Michael Yessis, WorldHum (moderator)
Jim Benning, WorldHum
Alison Stein Wellner, freelance travel writer
Donald George, legendary travel writer
David Farley, food & travel writer and author of An Irreverent Curiosity
Otherwise known as the dynamic Team Travel Writing. I’ve got about 6 pages of notes filled with great pointers. Even if they have expertise in travel writing, these tips can be used for anyone trying to write. To share a few:
“Close your eyes and envision the story.” Don George
“Our challenge as writers: How do we write lively and eloquent while being searchable?”
“Tips for being on the road: Pre tip research. Understand it. Your job is to know it well and get under the skin; one step beyond the average realm of the tourist.”- David Farley
We can only hope to improve our writing with these great tips to someday speak at Tbex 2025.
2. Twitter
I see you guys tweeting! by dolcecorazon
Tweet Tweet? More like the sounds of fingers typing away on smartphones. Teenagers love Twitter. Marketers love Twitter. I’m sure President of the United States Obama loves Twitter. But, Travel Bloggers especially. Why?
The entire compilation of this post itself wouldn’t be as dynamic without these tweets. Twitter (if it isn’t already) should probably be in next years edition of Webster’s Dictionary because it is a word commonly used in the English language.
“You HAVE to tweet that.”
“Did you tweet my article?”
“I’m so sick of reading these tweets.”
Luv @italylogue quote from #tbex panel: Twitter is a cocktail party, should be equal parts speaking (r tweets) & sharing/promoting others
It helps us as marketers by providing links in a social network to new readers we want to lure in. In a friendly, non avasive kind of way. Since tweets are limited to 140 characters, its interesting what short and hopefully sweet things people have to say. Use it to comment on someone’s latest travel story, promote your new travel contest, or simply connect with bloggers in your area. Travel and Twitter just go hand in hand.
Drum Roll Please!
1. Vuvuzela
Long live the Vuvuzela! by dolcecorazon
With World Cup Fever and Tbex Fever, there’s gotta be a way to unite the two. Thanks to CareerBreakHQs, BrooklynNomad, TravelingAnna and StayAdventerous, we could now find a way to celebrate World Cup goals or Tbex excitement with one sound.
Although many may find the sound of the Vuvuzela somewhat atrocious, when used sparingly, it is a great tool to emphasize a great point being made, , to use as a “Follow the leader” tool on route to bars or wake up any hungover Tbexers.
The word Vuvuzela in itself is enough to write about. Or, tweet about.
Artofbackpackin: Would u like to blow on my vuvuzela” mikes best quote #tbex
Remember
Luxe Tiffany: Love how #TBEX panelists say “Please don’t tweet that!” …what happens at #TBEX10 stays at #TBEX? Ha! They wish!
Looking forward to seeing everyone at Tbex 2011!
