Beginner’s guide to TravelCon… How to make the most of it!

Jeff Jenkins
Jeff Jenkins

So it’s your first time to TravelCon…and you have a lot of questions. You’ve been scavenging through the TravelCon 2019 Facebook group hoping to find answers. You want to do whatever you can to make this one of the greatest experiences.

I have been to a lot of conferences throughout my life; in the past year alone I’ve attended a whopping 14 and I have to say that TravelCon is on up there with some of the best Conferences in the world.

I want help you have an amazing time – so here are 10 ways you can make the most out of TravelCon.

1. Come with a goal in mind

One of my favorite quotes is “A man with no vision is a man with no future.” I totally recommend you come with a goal in mind. Is it understanding the fundamentals of Travel media (blogging, video, photography, writing), building new skills, learning new practices or even hearing from some of your favorite influencers? Whatever it is, make sure you are clear on your intentions.

Application- Make it Clear, Write it down, Tell a friend or two!

2. Plan ahead

“If you haven’t already downloaded the “TravelCon 2019 App stop reading right now and download it!”

Nomadic Matt and the TravelCon team made sure they shared the benefits. According to them:

“You’ll be able to keep track of the event in real-time! You’ll be able to get information on sponsors, speakersInteract with other attendees (there’s even a messenger capability too)Get real-time updatesSee the scheduleMake appointments with brandsLearn about the parties, and get any other updates that need to be shared.”

3. It helps you to help others. Make sure you Network!

“The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person’s needs ahead of their own.” – Bob Burg

Just like last year, this year’s conference is sold-out. That means there is plenty of opportunities to meet and build great relationships with people.

I recommend that you take advantage of these moments, because you never know what you could do for someone and what that person could do for you.

Not to mention how many new friends you can make!!

4. Be on Time

This takes me back to my second point of planning ahead. If you plan ahead, you can map out where and what you want to attend.

Also, make sure you are on time because if the breakout sessions are anything like last year’s, seating will be a challenge if you’re late. Plus, you don’t want to disturb the presenter and other attendees.

Furthermore, you will want to be on time to your appointments. You only have 15 minutes with a brand/sponsor and you should maximize all time your time with them. And honestly, it is just courteous!

5. Be Prepared

Do you have business cards? Do you have a media kit? Some of you might be saying “What the hell is a media kit Jeff??” If you don’t know what it is, there is this powerful tool called google that will kindly help you out.

Also, you can design a media kit on canva and print them out at your local printing store.

Do you have a greeting? I recommend you have these 3 things prepared and ready to go:

  1. What’s your name?

  2. What you do?

  3. Why you are here?

If you have an appointment, take some time to research the company you are meeting with. Trust me this really helps!

6. Actually Attend Sessions

I know multiple people who go to conferences and actually pay all this money, but never step into one session. To be honest, there are times when I am dog tired and I want to just go upstairs and crawl back in my extremely comfortable hotel bed.

I get it and I am not judging you if you just came for the parties. I just think there are multiple little nuggets that you can get from attending sessions.

7. Attend the Nightly Networking Mixers

The Nightly Networking Mixers are the Sh*t! Like seriously, TravelCon in my opinion puts on some of the best ones in the world! You want to be in the building, because they are well worth it! And that’s all I have to say about that (Forrest Gump Voice)

8. Step out of your Comfort Zones!

When I went on my first overseas trip to Japan 14 years ago, a mentor told me, “Greatness, happiness, and FUN is just on the other side of your comfort zone”

Seriously, you won’t be able to maximize half of what TravelCon offers unless you challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

So go introduce yourself to your favorite speaker or influencer, attend that session, eat lunch with someone you don’t know!

9. Follow up, Follow up, Follow up!

Some of the most influential people in my life are masters at the follow up. There are tons of apps that can help you organize your business cards. I recommend you send a email, text, or schedule a call at within 3-5 days after a conference.

You will meet so many people, and it can be really tough to remember everyone you meet weeks after the conference. Following up helps you stand out and build rapport.

10. Have fun!!

I don’t know about you, but I am going to TravelCon to have an amazing time! I believe Matt and the TravelCon team have created a space for people to learn, grow, and have a load of fun! Don’t take yourself so seriously. Be present this weekend, make new friends, and live a little bit!

Come find me and let’s have some fun!

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