Why TBEX is a must for Travel Bloggers

TBEX Conference Venue, PICC, Manila, Philippines

Diamond, the most precious stone in the world, is merely a piece of rock until it gets polished. The transformation from a rough stone to a precious stone requires specialized knowledge, tools, equipment, and techniques. That’s what Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) does in the field of travel blogging. Albeit, in Hyperlapse mode.

Travel blogging is both an art as well as science. You might have a talent and passion for it but you won’t get noticed until you are at the right place at the right time with the right people. TBEX is the world’s largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals. Every year, TBEX partners with amazing destinations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific to bring the travel industry’s most creative minds together to learn, network and do business.

Two things spiked my interest for TBEX Philippines – inspiration from the past attendees and Philippines being the host destination. Registering four months in advance saved me some precious dollars.

Here are the five reasons Why TBEX is a must for Travel Bloggers:

1. LEARNING

TBEX is a treasure chest for knowledge seekers. Especially the Speaker Sessions, where topics were as diverse as ‘Accomplishing Great Things: Productivity Tips and Trick for Bloggers’ to How to Create Eye-Catching Hyperlapse Videos Today Using Your Smart Phone’. Speaker sessions were informative, practical and engaging. Like a sponge, I was absorbing the pearls of wisdom shared by our speakers. My only complaint was the simultaneous timing of the sessions. However, we found a smart solution – divided our group as per sessions. Each one of us took notes and shared our learning with each other. Isn’t that a cool idea? Try it next time. Also, the learning wasn’t restricted to the Speaker Sessions but it was free flowing through the PREBEX tours, Parties and FAM trips where we could discuss anything and everything with fellow participants.

TBEX End Keynote Address by Patricia Shultz

2. NETWORKING

Networking is not selling but spotting opportunities. Most of the times opportunities are not advertised but are discussed behind the closed doors over drinks or coffee. TBEX was a great place to make connections with the brands and fellow bloggers. During Speed Networking I met lot of potential Clients that I could be working for in the near future. Though I had fixed appointment with a handful of Clients but I ended up talking to almost all the sponsors. The key is to be proactive and approach the sponsors and bloggers. No other place offers you an opportunity to network with so many travel professionals like TBEX does.

With TBEX Speakers Ajay Sood and Tim Leffel, and Reshma Narasing

3. ENGAGEMENT

TBEX Community is a very vibrant and engaging community, where interactions are rich, prompt, helpful and all encompassing. Everyone is eager to showcase their common passion of travel in the best possible way – pictures, vlogs, blogs etc. There is a bonhomie among members, who support and promote each other. It’s the best platform to share the proof of whatever you have learnt in the conference and get a real time feedback from the experts. For example Scott Herder was extremely helpful when I needed to know about Hyperlapse.

4. AMAZING RIOT OF FUN AND CELEBRATION

‘All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy.’ Thankfully the promoters of TBEX share the same sentiment and therefore they ensured there was never a dull moment during TBEX. Right from the start of PREBEX tours until the end FAM trips. There were grand parties every night followed by even wilder after parties. During the conference I realised our happiest moments always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else. I had registered for the learning aspect of TBEX. Fun turned out to be a Bonus. And boy what a hefty bonus it was.

Oktoberfest Party with Bill Fink

5. EXPERIENCE THE GOLD STANDARD OF HOSPITALITY

It is very rare that travel bloggers and influencers from around the world gather at the same place at the same time. TBEX offers a great opportunity to the host country to showcase their country to the world and get the best value their moolah can ever buy – free word of mouth publicity. Therefore the Tourism Board and the organising committee leaves no stone unturned to impress you. You are made to experience the best attractions in the country, fed the yummiest food, put up in the most luxurious properties and bestowed A VIP treatment. You’ll be thanking your stars for signing up for the conference. Philippines Tourism Board set a new benchmark in hospitality with their service. Mike Shubic, a seasoned vlogger, who had attended 5 TBEX events prior to Philippines said this was the best conference in terms of management.

The personal security we were provided during our entire stay

So these were my top reasons why TBEX is a must for travel bloggers. Convinced?

Wait no more. Sign up for the upcoming TBEX Events NOW!

Do look out for many more posts coming your way for TBEX Philippines

Disclaimers:

1. I was invited by Philippines Tourism Board for their PREBEX trip to Corregidor island and post TBEX FAM trip to Cebu Y Negros