TBEX: Where Passion & Adventure Collide in the World of Travel Blogging
Calling all travel enthusiasts and aspiring digital storytellers! Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure as I unravel the captivating realm of travel blogging brilliance at the Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) conference. TBEX brings together travel bloggers, influencers, and industry professionals from around the globe. It’s where wanderlust meets wit, and where the secrets to travel blogging success await your discovery. Prepare to dive headfirst into a world bursting with inspiration, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through my first ever TBEX conference in Kalamata, revealing the hidden gems and invaluable insights that will propel your travel blogging career to new heights.
What is TBEX?
TBEX, the ultimate convergence of travel experts, industry leaders, and inspiring voices in the digital space, is not your average conference. It’s like a travel blogger’s dream vacation, but with a side of serious business.
It’s where seasoned veterans share their wisdom, aspiring bloggers soak up the knowledge, and the future of travel blogging is transformed. At TBEX, education is served with a side of inspiration, and connections are made over cups of coffee (or maybe a few cocktails). So, pack your laptop and camera and prepare to shape the future of travel blogging at this unmissable event!
Let’s dive into its history, shall we?
History
Back in 2009, when travel blogging was just a fledgling phenomenon, a group of six travel blogger friends decided to gather, connect, and absorb the newest trends, strategies, and tactics of travel blogging in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. Little did they know that this casual meet-up would ignite a spark that would set the travel blogging world ablaze.
With aspirations to become better creators, grow their audiences, and, let’s be honest, make some serious money blogging, those six friends paved the way for something extraordinary. Like a game of telephone, these six bloggers invited their friends and cued the magic – 250 adventurous individuals flocked to the first TBEX, and thus, a legend was born.
TBEX Today
Fast forward to today, where TBEX conferences attract a jaw-dropping 500-700 of the best of travel and content creators from across the globe. As TBEX evolved, so did its power to foster connections, provide education, and shape the future of travel blogging. We’re talking about a force that’s leveling up the game, turning amateurs into pros, and transforming wanderlust into a well-oiled content creation machine.
The Unforgettable Experience
An eclectic lineup of speakers
Prepare to be awestruck as TBEX Europe 2023 unveils its stellar lineup of speakers like Caroline Makepeace of Y Travel, Christopher Lau of See Lau Travel, Melvin Boecher of Travel Dudes, and so many more!
My mind was absolutely rocked as I, this humble travel blogger, was graced with an avalanche of valuable information from these industry giants. And can we talk about their down-to-earth charm? Despite being the big shots of the industry, they were incredibly approachable and friendly.
Networking like never before
Unlock the doors to a world of amazing networking opportunities at TBEX, where connections are forged, collaborations are sparked, and lifelong friendships are made among travel enthusiasts and industry professionals. Here, like-minded travel enthusiasts converge, sharing their stories, forging partnerships, and nurturing relationships that go beyond borders and last a lifetime. Prepare to immerse yourself in a community where collaboration thrives, ideas spark, and the possibilities for growth and inspiration are as boundless as the open road.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Level up your travel blogging game with TBEX’s diverse range of workshops and masterclasses. Dive into interactive sessions designed to enhance your skills in photography, SEO optimization, and monetization strategies, unlocking the secrets to success in the ever-evolving world of travel blogging. From capturing the perfect shot to mastering the art of monetization, TBEX has got you covered with practical knowledge and hands-on experiences that will take your travel blogging skills to new heights.
Destination: Kalamata, Greece
Get ready to be enchanted by the captivating allure of Kalamata, Greece, the host city of TBEX that will transport you to a realm steeped in Greek mythology and awe-inspiring beauty. With its landscapes that seem plucked from ancient tales, a vibrant culture that echoes the legends of the past, and tantalizing cuisine fit for the gods themselves, Kalamata is an irresistible playground for travel bloggers seeking to immortalize their adventures in pixels and prose.
Brace yourself for an odyssey filled with sunsets that rival those of Helios, architecture that echoes the grandeur of Olympus, and endless moments worthy of immortalization in your Instagram feed. Prepare to be spellbound as Kalamata, Greece, unveils its irresistible charm at TBEX, weaving a narrative that blends the ancient and the contemporary in an epic tale of exploration and discovery.
Local experiences & tours
Immerse yourself in the carefully curated exclusive excursions and cultural immersion opportunities known as Pre-BEX Tours included in your ticket for TBEX. Unforgettable moments and invaluable insights await to enrich your travel content.
Ancient Olympia
I couldn’t resist the temptation to dive headfirst into the ancient realms of Olympia, where the original Olympic games left their legendary footprints. Armed with a sense of adventure and a thirst for mythological marvels, I embarked on a tour that whisked me away to the majestic temples of Zeus and Hera. It was a mind-boggling journey through time, where gods and athletes mingled, and where the echoes of triumph and glory still reverberate through the hallowed grounds.
Olive Oil Tasting at One & Olive
When opportunity knocked, I eagerly answered the call to partake in an olive oil tasting extravaganza at the esteemed One and Olive. From the intricate process of crafting this liquid gold to unraveling the delightful nuances of its flavor profile, my taste buds embarked on a tantalizing adventure. And let’s not forget the grand finale—an unforgettable homemade Greek dinner that left me saying “yamas” while simultaneously making a face that could rival Picasso’s abstract art, courtesy of a glass of Raki. It was a culinary escapade where laughter, flavors, and questionable expressions danced in perfect harmony. Book your olive oil tasting today!
Unexpected Surprises and Highlights
Unconventional sessions
Brace yourself for mind-bending discussions, fresh perspectives, and ideas that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about travel blogging. It’s like taking a wild ride on a rollercoaster of innovation and inspiration, where the only rule is there are no rules.
Travel Dudes’ rebel-with-a-cause, Melvin Boecher, fearlessly defies the vertical picture and video frenzy of the social media world, advocating for the power of horizontal pictures that dare to stand out. Meanwhile, Michael Turtle flips the script by serving up travel highlights in bite-sized, bullet-point brilliance right at the top of his posts, making our travel-addicted lives a whole lot easier. These rebellious renegades of the travel blogging sphere know how to challenge the norm, leaving us inspired, entertained, and itching to break the rules ourselves.
Unveiling the latest trends
TBEX is the ultimate platform to stay ahead of the travel industry curve, as it unveils the latest trends and technologies that are reshaping the way we explore the world. Dive into dynamic discussions and thought-provoking sessions that reveal emerging trends, ensuring attendees are armed with the knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of travel. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative strategies, TBEX keeps you in the know, propelling your travel blogging journey to new heights of success.
Memorable parties & social events
Ain’t no party like a TBEX party because a TBEX party don’t stop!
Opening Night Party
Hold onto your party hats because the opening and closing parties at TBEX were the stuff of legends. The Opening Party, set against the backdrop of Kalamata’s historic city center, served up a delicious feast of Greek food, music, and culture that left everyone’s taste buds and dance moves begging for more. It was a surprise takeover where it seemed like every resident of Kalamata had joined the celebration, turning the party into a lively crowd-fueled extravaganza. And let’s not forget my hilarious attempt at a traditional Greek dance during a bus wait—my two left feet struggled to keep up, but it was all part of the fun, and my first taste of the Greek zest for life. Opa!
Closing Party
The Closing Party at TBEX took us to new heights—literally! We ascended a hillside like conquerors to reach Kastrakai, a restaurant that could double as a castle, giving us a view fit for kings and queens. The party started off with a drizzle that threatened to dampen our spirits (literally), but what unfolded next was pure magic. Surrounded by newfound friends, we mingled, sipped drinks, and danced like there was no tomorrow. It was a night to remember, reminding us that Europeans truly know how to throw down and party like rockstars. Say cheers to unforgettable moments at TBEX!
Takeaways & Future Growth
The power of inspiration
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I arrived at TBEX utterly burnt out and teetering on the edge of giving up on my blogging dreams. But TBEX worked its transformative magic, breathing life into my weary spirit and igniting a newfound passion within. From the depths of despair, I emerged inspired, rejuvenated, and armed with a fresh niche that set my heart on fire, and ideas flowed like a mighty river. TBEX breathed life back into my blogging journey, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, inspiration has the power to reignite our creative flames and propel us toward infinite possibilities.
Prepare to be ignited with a fiery passion for travel blogging as TBEX works its magic, propelling attendees toward new creative heights that rival Mount Olympus itself. From awe-inspiring keynote speeches to thought-provoking discussions, TBEX unleashes a tsunami of inspiration that washes away creative blocks and reignites the spark within. Personally, I came to TBEX absolutely burnt out and ready to give up on blogging and left inspired with a new niche that I love and ideas flowing
Get ready to spread your wings and soar into uncharted territories of creativity, fueled by the unstoppable force of inspiration unleashed at TBEX.
Actionable insights & strategies
TBEX showers you with invaluable takeaways and practical advice that will supercharge your blog’s success. From mastering the art of SEO to crafting captivating content, TBEX equips attendees with the tools and strategies to optimize their blogs like a well-oiled content machine. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to tangible results as you unlock the secrets of success, empowering yourself to rise above the digital noise and leave an indelible mark on the travel blogging world.
TBEX – Looking ahead
Join the tribe of adventurous content creators who dare to dream big, think outside the box, and redefine what it means to be a travel influencer. Ready to rock and roll with my newfound tribe, I’m already counting down the days until TBEX North America 2023 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin! Embrace TBEX as your passport to inspiration, connections, and endless possibilities, and together, let’s create a travel blogging revolution that will leave the world in awe.
Conclusion
From jaw-dropping adventures to unforgettable connections, TBEX is the transformative catalyst that will propel your travel blogging journey to celestial heights. Pack your curiosity, humor, and adventurous spirit as TBEX awaits to inspire, educate, and transform the way you see the world of travel blogging.
Will you be joining me at the next TBEX? Comment below!
