5 Things I’m Taking Away From TBEX ’10
02. Jul, 2010 
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For the first time in 5 years, I’m experiencing a heat wave, and I don’t like it. I’m in New York City for the 2nd Annual Travel Blogger Exchange (TBEX) conference, a 2-day event, with loads of travel writers/bloggers from around the globe. This is my first time attending TBEX. I didn’t make a lot of plans before I arrived in New York, my focus was to meet other travelers, listen to the speakers and hopefully learn some helpful tips along the way. It’s the best $40 I have ever spent.
The panels were great, for the most part. Some of them could have been longer and others a lot shorter, but I took away some good tips on SEO (search engine optimization), monetization, writing styles and more. When I walk out of the Cantor Theatre after a day of panels my head is swimming with thoughts and ideas. My blog is only 8 months old- a newbie by most standards. However, perhaps this will allow me to make minor changes to improve my writing and my blog.
I know, I said the word “change”. But, with new ideas comes change. It’s not a bad thing.
“One thing that never ceases to amaze me, along with the growth of vegetation from the earth and of hair from the head, is the growth of understanding.” Alice Walker
Listed below are some of the insights and changes I’m planning to make over the next 4-6 weeks.
1. This blog is too diverse. There is simply too much too absorb. Wow, I never thought I would type those words. Ever. But, it’s true. What this means is that I’ll be spending the next few weeks tweaking this blog and simplifying things a little bit. Although the name of this blog (No, I am NOT changing it) may not tell my readers what they’re in for, my homepage will.
2. I’m Canadian. As I sat in the cool theatre listening to the cheers when it was announced that TBEX would be hosted in Vancouver next year I had an idea. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it for a little while now, but the announcement pushed things along at a faster pace. I’m planning on using this blog for my personal travels, tips and advice and starting a new blog that is solely focus’ on traveling in Canada. I love my country, there is SO much to see and do. Now I want YOU; the reader, to know so you can come visit!
3. It’s been almost 12 years since I’ve sat in an English class. I need help! Over the next few months I’ll be working on my writing style and producing more ‘quality’ posts.
4. Photography is a bog part of who I am, and my photographs will have a larger presence in future posts of this blog and on the new one.
5. Karma. She can be a goddess or a bitch. Personally, I’d like to stay on her good side. Over the next few weeks (and continuing through time) I hope to reach out to more of my fellow bloggers and travelers and host guest posts, links and more.
The above points make look small, but there is a lot of work involved and I am more than up for the challenge.
““Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” Gen. George S. Patton
Wow, I just used a quote by General Patton. I clearly need more sleep!
TBEX was great. I met some fabulous people, partied to an extent that would make my Irish, English and Scottish ancestors proud, and I learned a thing or two about how to build a better blog. A big thanks to Kim Mance (Galavanting T.V.) for creating Travel Blog Exchange and organizing the conference, and an even bigger thank-you to Jessica Spiegel of Why Go Italy (@italylogue on Twitter) for telling me about the conference in the first place. You’re both first class ladies!
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