Travel Blogging Conferences to Network, Learn, & Have Fun!

I attended my first travel blogging conference in the spring of 2022. I had just hit 100K pageviews and was building my thriving Bootstrap Blogging course community. I was living as a digital nomad in Oaxaca, Mexico, at the time, and felt utterly compelled to get tickets for TravelCon 2022, which took place in Memphis, Tennessee, and, more importantly, grab the last seat for an exclusive group workshop with an acclaimed travel writer.

That’s how I met Don George, the editor-at-large for National Geographic Travel magazine, who, after multiple chance encounters across the conference weekend, graciously extended a warm invitation to come join him at the annual Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference in Corte Madera, California, which he founded and has been hosting for over thirty years.

Now, three years later since my first travel blogging conference, I look back with a deep sense of gratitude.

I’m so proud that little Bri was brave enough to walk confidently in crowded conference rooms and just be… herself. Because magical things have transpired! ✨

I’ve since been invited to speak at TBEX Alaska on SEO (with my brilliant co-host, Nina Clapperton of She Knows SEO), am speaking at TBEX Ireland (September 9–12, 2025; join us!), and have been humbly teaching travel blogging for the past two years as inaugral faculty member at that very same travel writing conference that Don George invited me to. 🥹

If this is any sign, let it be one of: Travel blogging conferences can change your life, if you go in with an open mind and a curious heart.

The conferences listed below are just some of the conferences and trade shows that allow for incredible, magical opportunities for connection and growth for travel bloggers, content creators, YouTubers, photographers, journalists, and the like.

I’m not a travel blogging conference queen, like some of my friends (hello, Ketti from Tilted Map!), who’ve been to nearly every conference out there.

But I’d still like to shed light on some of these conferences and give you some context on who and what they’re for.

Whether you’re just starting your travel blog or years into this wild world of content creation, travel blogging conferences can be a life-changing experience.

I’ve met so many wonderful, generous people through attending these conferences.

And, they’re FUN! The combination of education, networking, and activities makes the ticket cost well worth it, in my opinion.

Of course, the costs stretch beyond just the conference ticket and include international travel, booking a hotel, and detailed planning. But after attending (and now speaking at and teaching at them), I can confidently say: They’re worth it! Especially if you show up with intention.

In this post, I’ll break down:

• The top travel blogging conferences to consider in 2025
• What you’ll actually gain from attending
• Who they’re really for
• And how to make the most of your experience (even if you’re introverted or brand-new)

Top Travel Blogging Conferences for Creators, Writers, & Photographers

Here are some of the most well-known (and lesser-known) conferences for travel bloggers to keep an eye out for!

1. TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange)

• Who it’s for: Bloggers of all levels

TBEX is one of the largest and longest-running conferences for travel content creators. It combines educational talks with speed networking sessions with DMOs, brands, and PR reps.

You’ll meet hundreds of bloggers in real-life that I’m sure you already follow online! My first TBEX happened to be the one I spoke at (in Anchorage, Alaska), and I had SO much fun.

Not just because I was speaking and representing one of my most supportive brand partners, Travelpayouts, but because I got to totally GEEK OUT with Nina, and even meet a couple of my Bootstrap Blogging course members for the first time in person! As a course creator and blog coach, that felt so magical.

👋 I’ll be speaking at TBEX Ireland in September, 2025! If you’re going, let’s connect!

2. Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference

• Who it’s for: Bloggers with a passion for storytelling

The Book Passage Conference is a more intimate, family-feel event focused on the craft of travel writing and photography. 📸

If you’re shifting toward storytelling, freelancing, or publishing, this one’s the conference to attend.

It’s held in a bookstore called Book Passage, in Corte Madera, California, and features intimate hands-on workshops and mentoring from professional writers, editors, and photographers. And, we have a blast at karaoke night! Just saying!

Thanks to Book Passage, I’ve gotten to rub shoulders with the greats in the travel writing space. If you don’t believe me, just read the faculty list!

🌟 I serve as a baby faculty member at Book Passage and host a weekend morning workshop on travel blogging for writers, journalists, and content creators looking to expand their platform and income, on their own terms. Join us this August 14-17th!

3. Women in Travel Summit (WITS)

• Who it’s for: Women and gender-diverse travel creators

WITS Travel Creator Summit, the “largest gathering of women travel creators in the world,” is all about community, inclusivity, and professional growth for women in the travel space.

If you want a more intentional, inspiring conference vibe with actionable strategies and uplifting connections, this is perfect!

Next conference takes place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 29–31, 2026.

4. Traverse Events

• Who it’s for: UK-based (or EU-based) travel bloggers

Traverse hosts conferences and smaller “creator retreats” that aim to bring together industry partners with content creators through practical content creation workshops, brand collabs, and hands-on experiences. It’s moreso known for a relaxed, community feel and for having a ton of sponsor–creator opportunities.

5. WTM (World Travel Market)

• Who it’s for: Professional bloggers, journalists, tourism industry insiders

WTM is “where travel and tourism meet.” And while it isn’t technically a blogging conference, it still deserves a spot on this list!

WTM is a global travel trade show. But many hobbyists and professional bloggers attend to network with tourism boards, attend media-only events, and secure paid campaigns.

If you’re ready to pitch your blog as a business and grow your networking portfolio, WTM can be powerful!

6. NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association)

• Who it’s for: Professional travel writers, bloggers, and photographers

NATJA has been offering annual conferences for the last 22 years. They also specialize in regional press trips focused on professional development and destination storytelling.

If you’re an advanced blogger looking to build credibility and connect directly with DMOs, NATJA is a great next step. However, like SATW (next), membership is required to attend!

7. SATW (Society of American Travel Writers)

• Who it’s for: Highly established travel writers and media professionals

SATW hosts one of the most prestigious conferences in the travel media world. It’s a selective event that provides access to top-tier editors, global destination reps, and vetted press trips with local partners.

Last year’s conference was hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, and apparently (according to my dear friend and National Geographic photographer legend, Bob Holmes), the event was a huge success!

Applications and membership are required, but the connections and credibility are unmatched! I’ve been an SATW member since 2023 and have been proud to be in a circle of fellow like-minded writers.

8. Smaller Retreats & Masterminds

• Who it’s for: Bloggers who want deep connection, strategy, and personalized support

Sometimes, the most powerful “conferences” aren’t conferences at all!

I’ve found through hosting my own Bootstrap Blogging Retreats—blogger community retreats with 8–12 people—can offer deeper transformation and support than large-scale events.

🌟 I host travel blogging retreats for the Bootstrap Blogging community designed to help bloggers clarify their niche, grow traffic, and monetize intentionally. But, mostly, they’re to connect in real life and advenutre together. If you’re craving in-depth guidance, connection, and coaching, you can learn more here!

9. TravelCon

• Who it’s for: Creators, niche bloggers, and micro-influencers who want to build a creator business

TravelCon, originally founded by blogger Nomadic Matt, disappeared for a couple of years, but is back for 2025 and 2026!

This is where I met Don George, Pauline Frommer (who is a long-time prized faculty member at Book Passage!) and Pico Iyer for the first time (then subsequently thereafter, thanks to Book Passage!), some of my online friends for the first time, Jeff Jenkins (who now has his own Nat Geo travel show), and top travel bloggers like Wandering Earl (who was so nice!).

This event focuses on helping travel bloggers build real creator businesses. Expect high-quality speakers and an expo hall packed with brands ready to collaborate.

The next edition takes place March 14–16, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.

What You Actually Get Out of a Blogging Conference

I think you’ve already caught my drift with the example of my travel blogging conference story. These events are not just about taking notes during sessions. Here’s what you really get:

• Connections: Meeting PR reps, tourism boards/DMOs, and other travel bloggers can open doors you didn’t know existed.
• Confidence: Seeing how others pitch brands, present themselves, or build community helps you envision how to move forward and grow as a creator.
• Collaboration: Many of my most fruitful partnerships started from casual conversations at conferences!! (My collaborations with Intrepid Travel, Banff & Lake Louism Tourism, my invite to Book Passage..etc!)
• And, content! Conferences like TBEX often include pre- or post-conference tours, giving you fresh content and affiliate opportunities to write about in real-time, along with other like-minded bloggers. That’s why these are SUCH great opportunities for networking!

How to Prepare for Your First Blogging Conference

My best tip for attending your first travel blogging conference or trade show is to be yourself.

Yes, you can “optimize” by preparing these things in advance:

• Update your media kit with current stats
• Print business cards or create a QR code that links to your blog or Instagram
• Practice your elevator pitch so you feel confident introducing your blog
• Reach out to people ahead of time on Instagram or Facebook groups

BUT, seriously, the absolute best way to stand out from the sea of other travel bloggers all pitching their best-face forward, is to just BE YOURSELF.

Actually chat naturally to DMOs/tourism board reps like they’re friends, not employers.

It’s crazyyy how many bloggers I see put on their “professional, serious faces” at these conferences. Like y’all, please chill out 😂 — this industry is serious, sure, but it’s also such a wild card, and is so fun when you show up with intention.

That said, be generous. Be generous with your words, your time, and engagement in conversations. People can feel when you’re putting on a show or when you’re just trying to be real and connect naturally.

Bri’s Final Thoughts

You don’t need to go to every travel blogging conference to grow! In fact, if you overextend yourself just to try to increase your chances, you’re spreading too wide of a net and not inviting enough depth.

You also don’t need to befriend everyone! The best connections are nurtured. Remember that!

In any case, attending even one conference can give you the confidence and connections to really change your life and your business.

I’d especially recommend attending one if you’re feeling stuck, alone, or unsure what the next step is OR if you’re building and are at a pivotal moment where connections can launch you into the next stage of growth.

Either way, showing up in person—as timid and as weird as you are—can reignite your spark and help you see what’s possible.

And if you’re attending TBEX Ireland, Book Passage, or another conference this year or next, I’d love to see you there. PLEASE, if you see me out there in the wild, come say hi or drop me a message on Instagram @bucketlistbri / @bootstrapblogging 🧡.