Spending the last 3.5 years living in one country – with most of that time being in one city – has made both me and my blog stale. Since deciding to start actively traveling again, I’ve been working on a plan to get this blog back up and running. Said plan includes:
- Creating a Facebook page
- Starting to Tweet
- Networking with other Bloggers and, as of yesterday
- Attending TBEX Europe
TBEX is one of the biggest travel blogging events of the year with hundreds of people attending from all over the world. 48 hours ago I’d never heard of it then I saw it mentioned on Twitter. It took less than 20 minutes to discover that it was taking place in Spain while I’m planning on being there and an hour later my ticket was purchased and my hotel booked.
I’ll be honest, I’m a little freaked out. 
I have that nervous/excited feeling in the pit of my gut – not unlike the first day of school jitters.
The last time I attended an industry conference was in 2005 for the Presbyterian Women’s Conference (yeah, I laughed too when my boss asked me to attend – ask me about the bachelor party!) and it was a nightmare. Of course, the fact that I was surrounded by 1000 women I had very little in common with might have had something to do with that!
I expect that finding common ground to talk about will not be a problem when I’m in a room with a few hundred people who make their living traveling. In fact, it sounds like heaven!
In order to prepare for the conference and settle the butterflies in my tummy I’m doing a few things:
1 – Preparing to Network
One of my biggest concerns is that I’ve lost my schmooze skills. Having worked on the Hill in DC for several years, Schmooze was my middle name but it’s not a skill I’ve made much use of in the last 7 years. But, I’ve ordered new business cards and I’m brushing off my “elevator pitch” and I’m just going to pull up my big girl panties and put my introverted self out there! Should be fun!
2 – Making Advanced Contact
Another of my worries is not knowing anyone. It’s a surprisingly small world and the travel blogging world is smaller still. I suspect that many people at the conference will know each others – through their blogs if nothing else. Since I’ve not been reading many travel blogs in recent years, I don’t feel like I really know m/any of my fellow attendees.
To remedy that, I’ve started watching the #TBEX Twitter feed and following those who indicate they’re going to be in Costa Brava. I’m also following their blogs to get to know them and their writing styles. Finally, I’m making direct contact with a few people, particularly other newbies, and arranging to meet prior to the start of the conference. The Pre-conference trips will help with that!
3 – Dressing the Part
I’ll be coming to TBEX directly from walking the Camino de Santiago where function will definitely rule over form when it comes to wardrobe. Trying to keep my pack contents below 5 kg (@ 10 lbs) means no luxuries like a nice dress or makeup. While I assumed that most of the attendees wouldn’t be toting trunks of designer-wear, when I learned that the opening reception was going to be held in a castle, I knew I needed more than the tanks and capris that would see me through the Camino.
I contacted my hotel (NH Girona – great deals on hostels.com) and they agreed to accept/hold a box for me while I walk the camino so I can have some fun clothes to wear that haven’t been washed in a bucket every day for the prior two weeks.
So, while I know I’ll still have butterflies the night of the first event, at least I won’t feel like I’m walking in blind and unprepared. Now I just have to get all my technology ducks in a row and I’ll be ready to rock and roll.
For those attending TBEX who are arriving a little early (I arrive the 19th) drop me a note if you’d like to meet up in advance. I look forward to a fascinating, fun and informative weekend!
Can’t wait to meet you in Girona. I’ll be arriving early as well – although I’ll have lots of work to do to get things ready for the kick off – but feel free to look me up. You’ll have a great time and make plenty of friends in no time.
Thanks Mary Jo! Having run an event like this I won’t be so cruel as to try to get your attention in the 48 hours prior to start. I know those last hours tend to resemble chicken-with-no-head activity levels.
Good luck with the planning and I look forward to meeting you!
I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one to attend to the TBex for the 1st time! If all be ok, I will purshase my ticket in few days… I hope! Maybe I will see you there
There are a few of us newbies going! If you purchase your ticket, please let me know, I’d love to meet you!
For sure! I will tell you. Have a nice day and thanks for your kindness!
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August 16, 2012 at 12:08 am #
Treasure of Travelers – I’m going to be a newbie there too. Mandy and I are going to meet up for a glass of sangria. You should join!
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Hey! I am thinking about going too and saw your name on the TBEX website. However, I am a newbie blogger, but oldie traveler! Right now I am trying to decide if I should go or not! I’ll let you know if I do and maybe we can meet up!
I think we’re probably kind of the same. I’ve had this blog for years but didn’t do anything with it because I was doing the expat thing. Now that I’m going to be traveling again I’m having fun dusting it off.
I think it’d be a good chance to get your foot in the door and learn how to do your blog right from the beginning. If you end up coming, please do let me know and I’d love to meet up. Cheers!
ok, did it, bought the ticket and reserved the airline ticket as well… see you in Spain!!!!
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September 2, 2012 at 2:29 am #
Mandy! Just wanted to check in & wish you a fabulous time with the Camino. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thanks Nola! Hard to believe I leave in just 2 days and this time next week I’ll be several days in! Yikes! I feel so unprepared!!
Yay! That’s awesome! Will you be there on the 19th for the Great Sangria Hunt? Look forward to meeting you!
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September 3, 2012 at 6:09 pm #
Glad you could squeeze in the Spain trip Pointsandtravel! Looking forward to meeting you.
Twitter: newtaketravel
August 23, 2012 at 6:02 am #
Mandy! So great to see your post and newbie smarts! I’m another newbie to TBEX and also blogging, though it seems I have butterflies down pat
Learned of TBEX for the first time through Colorado tweets & got Girona tix before I knew I could actually make it. Would love to meet up – I’ll be around mid-afternoon on the 19th if you are, too. Look forward to meeting you!
Hi Nola! Great to hear from another Newbie! I’d love to meet up in Girona. Trish and I are going on a sangria hunt the night of the 19th if you feel like joining. Should be great fun! Look forward to meeting you!
Nola, meeting up will be great! There are a couple of us meeting up on the 19th for drinks. Would love it if you joined! See you in a couple weeks!
Twitter: newtaketravel
September 3, 2012 at 6:07 pm #
Mandy – Thanks so much. I’m arriving mid-day on the 19th. Would love to join you & will plan to (only a slim chance I’d not be able to) so please count me in!
Cheers!
Excellent! Spread the word as the more that go the more fun that is had!
Aww that’s nice of NH
I want to hear about Camino de Santiago, always wanted to do it 
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Yes, I can’t wait to start the camino. Seems crazy that I’ll be doing it in less than 2 weeks! Yikes!
I’m hoping to attend a conference in 2014
I’d love to go to the one in Toronto next year but I have plans to backpack in Asia. Now that it’s over how was your experience?
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