As you may or may not know, I’m pretty strict about not publishing content that isn’t Belize related on this blog, however, I’ve decided to share a bit of the experience I had at Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) 2013.
TBEX took over Toronto this weekend and that meant that there were a whole lot of travel bloggers in town, over 1300 individuals to be more specific. Some came to network and many others were lured in by the incentive of learning how they can get a piece of the travel blogger industry pie.
I wasn’t particularly excited about any of the speakers at the conference but attended a few great sessions. The talks that I enjoyed the most were learning about maximizing ROI on digital marketing by Stephen Odde, creating influencer programs by Angela Berardino, the special keynote by Dave and Deb, and the This Week in Travel live podcast by Chris Christensen, Gary Arndt, Jen Leo, and Spud Hilton.
I was tempted to do a few writing seminars since due to Kriol I’m challenged in that area, but I got distracted. I won’t lose any sleep over that though, blogging is a hobby for me and I don’t aspire to be a great writer or a professional blogger. I use my blog as a way to help my country; I hope that by increasing travel to Belize, the ridiculous poverty rate can decrease. However, I do make some money directly off my blog; nothing significant though – if I make a couple thousand dollars a month – it’s a good month.
The best thing about travel blogging is the awesome community
Heartwarming message at the end of #tbex. Never forget to make genuine offline connections. twitter.com/belizeadventur…
— Lorenzo (@lorenzojuniah) June 2, 2013
To be straightforward, I only went to TBEX for networking. And by that, I mean hanging out with amazing people. The travel blogging community is unique in a way that I can’t completely describe. Aside from a few misfits, we all have one major goal in life, to share the joys of travel. It is where you aren’t judged by your peers for not making a lot of money, not having fancy clothes, or abandoning that lucrative job. It is where everyone gets you, even when your immediate family and friends don’t.
On the last night of the event, I remember meeting someone that mentioned that due to his lifestyle choice; his older brother doesn’t speak to him other than at family events. I was like WTF? How can this be, this guy is the coolest ever.
Me love you long time
Now that TBEX is over, I am missing the many wonderful new and old friends that made the weekend memorable. And since I didn’t go to TBEX to promote myself, I send a special shout out to anyone who didn’t ask me too much about my blog and was genuinely interested in having good conversations. Thanks for the hugs, kisses and handshakes folks.
Below you can find a list of a few cool people who were at TBEX Toronto. Follow them if you aren’t already.
- Aaron www.aaronswwadventures.com
- Amanda www.dangerous-business.com
- Anita www.traveldestinationbucketlist.com/
- Andrea www.curiousaroundtheworld.com
- Alicia www.mylifeuntethered.com
- Alexandra www.crazysexyfuntraveler.com
- Arienne www.seeyousoon.ca
- Charu www.butterflydiary.com
- Cassie and Kevin www.everintransit.com
- Candice www.candicedoestheworld.com
- Cam and Nicole www.travelingcanucks.com
- Chris and Tawny www.captainandclark.com
- Cristina www.chasingtravel.com
- Dylan www.thetravellingeditor.com
- Derek www.theholidaze.com
- Erin www.nocheckedbags.com
- Graham www.cheapdude.com
- Justin www.justinwashere.com
- Jim www.tripologist.com
- Jessica www.jessieonajourney.com
- Keith www.velvetescape.com
- Leah www.leahtravels.com
- Lola www.lolastravels.com
- Liz www.youngadventuress.com
- Lillie www.aroundtheworldl.com
- Matt www.landlopers.com
- Mariellen www.breathedreamgo.com
- Megan www.nomadicmeg.com
- Michele www.michelepeterson.com
- Michael H www.goseewrite.com
- Michael T www.artofbackpacking.com
- Red www.redhunttravel.com
- Seattle www.seattlestravels.com
- Spencer www.whiskeytangoglobetrot.com
I ask that any blogger who I’ve forgotten to include in this list, please reach out to me. Cheers
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could put a smaller scale event like that on here, in Belize? I’m strategizing, it may be more tech/geek/bloggers conference with fun/exploring thrown in, but it’s already out of my head and on paper! And I am getting some interest from the speakers I have tossed it around with too. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.
Yeah it would be wonderful! And great for Belizean businesses! Don’t forget to have me on one of the panels 😉
I totally didn’t see this photo of me in my funny outfit till right now, when I was just telling someone about you and hopped over to your front page. Glad to have finally met you in person there.
What a fun night! Yeah it was great finally meeting you also. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again in the future 🙂
That explains why I only saw u at the parties Lol! So, who is this cool guy with the lifestyle choice? Anyone who doesn’t like him are clearly jealous. My fam still doesn’t get it, but the way I see it, as long as you’re happy doing what you’re doing is all that matters 🙂
You’re a sweetie, Lorenzo and so much fun! I’m sorry I pick on you so much. Blame, Red… he started it 🙂
Wow. Such an honor to be part of the list. I’m in great company! 😀 You’re a tower of fun to be with 😀
Aww. I’m glad I made the cool people list. It was great seeing you again. It was too long!
Loved meeting you Lorenzo! Hope to see you at future events! Oh, and by the way, that movie I was talking about was Strange Brew… Google it! You may or may not think it’s hilarious! It IS very stereotypically Canadian!
I enjoyed meeting you also. I’ll definitely check out that movie!
It was so great to meet you in person Lorenzo, even if only for a moment! Hopefully we will get to chat more next time!
It was nice meeting you indeed. I need to add you to the above list!