After a long week of Pre-Prebex, happy hours and taco trucks, it’s somewhat sad to report that Tbex 2010 is over. (For the most part.) Travel bloggers, travel media gurus and travel lovers united this weekend for Tbex 2010 in New York City. This being my first Travel Exchange Blog Conference; it’s easy to soak up the panels, the socials and the drinks! Nonetheless, Art of Backpacking kept a keen eye as to what Tbex-er’s love, that is more than the actual conference itself!
10. New York City
AOB @ Top of the Rock by dolcecorazon
When you throw hundreds of Tbex attendees in the city that never sleeps, you get attendees that never sleep. New York City was a fabulous location for the 2nd annual event which has grown exponentially. (And I am not being bias simply because it is my city. Okay, just a little.) There is nothing like roaming around the busy streets of Manhattan as we conquered jay walking, the sweltering city heat and people traffic to get to our happy hour locations.
And what better way to enjoy the city than with the CityPASS as part of the swanky Tbex package? There wasn’t enough time for sightseeing; kind of like how I feel about not having enough time to socialize! But, luckily this great City provided us with lots of unique after parties. Or, sometimes, after a night out, looking for a late night snack.
LandLopers: @vagabondish @CailinONeil poutine truck must happen #tbex11
It might be quite possible since Tbex11 will be in Vancouver, Canada! But, after this weekend, everybody goes home a true New Yorker.
9. World Cup
The Vuvuzela World Cup Panel @ Tbex10 by dolcecorazon
If you weren’t overwhelmed with panels, scrambling for business cards and lugging around heavy swag bags, something called the World Cup was going on. With so many travelers from around the world, its almost a Tbex duty to keep updated with World Cup scores. Traveling Anna even promised us World Cup Coverage during her panel.
TravelingAnna: Dear #tbex‘ers: if you come to our panel, well give you soccer scores and vuvuzela! #shakingfistsatworldcup
I am only wondering why Mike here at Art of Backpacking didn’t scream during the Argentina goals.
Artofbackpackin: Please someone scream when any scores are made #tbex
That is your job as an Argentine to be loud!
8. Drinking
Warmed up Shots shot by Reds.
Number 8 isn’t to showcase all the madness of Tbex parties. Its to celebrate the love mixing business with pleasure; whether it be on a rooftop bar in Union Square or at an Irish pub at 2am. Whatever your choice of poison is, its clearly evident to say that travel bloggers enjoy a round or three.
Savvytravelblog: fully support the idea of a nap/detox room at #tbex ’11
about 9 hours ago via mobile web
We are forever grateful for the happy hours provided. (Happy Hour is my middle name.) It makes the socializing process a little bit easier, and fun! And of course, we are crossing our fingers on that nap/detox room!
7. Porn
Travel Porn @ Tbex by Teresa Gotay
Hold on there; where is this going you ask? I thought this was a family friendly event. But, we are talking about Porn. Travel Porn that is. Even worse! Travel Porn was actually one of the many panels at Tbex.
Host Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere calls himself the “One man National Geographic” on his Twitter, but I will forever remember him as Mr. Travel Porn. Only because I found his presentation to be enticing, lucrative and seductive. Kind of like porn!
Without using any more pornographic phrases, the panel’s purpose was to use the art of imagery to gain website readership. By using the right photograph without spending thousands on a new camera for example, was one of his great tips. If you missed the panel (Shame!), we can all conclude:
TripAdvisor: Travel porn is watching people do things you’ll never do in places you’ll never go. Arndt, #tbex
about 13 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
We all love travel, we might all love porn, but we certainly love bringing in new readers to our site!
6. Contests/Winning Free stuff
@Tbex Travel Writing Ethics - Freebies and Disclosure by Teresa Gotay
This might go for anyone who attended or stayed home during Tbex. Who doesn’t love free stuff? Although there was an entire panel about this subject, it didn’t stop many lucky attendees from doing so. (Including yours truly!) Winning something is a thrill and Congrats to all those who won!
Tbex did an amazing job working with sponsors that provided some seriously awesome prizes. Trip Advisor offered 3 iPads, The Marriott group offered various trips to amazing destinations like San Juan and St. Kitts and low and behold, one winner truly stood out.
MikeBarish: I’m best dressed at #tbex. And I bought this tux w/ my own $.http://yfrog.com/mf88xj
MikeBarish: #tbex in Vancouver?! Blue tux takes up suitcase space. Speedo doesn’t. I got best dressed at TBEX 2011 locked up.
Mike Barish won the “Best Dressed at Tbex” prize for wearing a light blue tuxedo. Once a winner, always a winner is what I say.
