5 Best Travel Writing Conferences for Aspiring Travel Writers & Photographers
Attending the best travel media conferences and events can make a huge difference in your career growth.
Choosing the right travel writing and photography conference to attend is essential whether you're a seasoned travel writer or just starting in the travel media industry.
Conferences offer great career-boosting opportunities. From pitching your story ideas directly to magazine editors to networking with tourism boards, destination marketing organizations, and other travel writers, attending the best conferences and events can make a huge difference in your career growth.
In this guide, we gathered our top 5 choices so that you can pick the best travel writing and photography conference for you.
What are the Best Travel Writing Conferences?
Here are our top picks for travel writing conferences:
1. IMM North America
IMM North America is a media event ideal for travel journalists, content creators, influencers, bloggers, and photographers interested in covering travel and tourism.
Who should attend?
IMM is perfect for those who wish to network with tourism boards, PR firms, and other travel industry professionals to build relationships and find potential opportunities for future collaborations.
What can you expect?
IMM offers a range of sessions, including:
speed networking sessions,
press conferences,
destination presentations,
one-on-one meetings, and
panel discussions.
These sessions facilitate connections between media professionals and exhibitors, provide relevant and interesting story ideas, and help media professionals learn about new destinations and products.
Bonus: Listen to episode 84 of the Travel Media Lab podcast about host Yulia Denisyuk's experience attending the IMM in 2023.
2. Women in Travel Summit
The Women in Travel Summit (WITS) is geared towards women in the travel industry, including travel writers, bloggers, influencers, and industry professionals.
Who should attend?
The summit is open to anyone interested in learning about the travel industry and connecting with like-minded individuals.
What can you expect?
WITS offers a range of sessions, including:
keynote addresses,
workshops and panels,
speed networking sessions,
one-on-one meetings,
destination presentations,
professional development sessions, and
social events.
These sessions are led by experienced travel professionals and cover various topics relevant to the travel industry, such as travel writing, social media, entrepreneurship, branding, and negotiating.
Bonus: Travel Media Lab is teaching an immersive workshop at WITS 2023 in Puerto Rico. Get details here!
3. TBEX North America
TBEX North America is a travel blogging and media conference that welcomes writers, influencers, new media content creators, travel bloggers, travel brands, and PR professionals from around the world.
Who should attend?
The event is open to anyone in the travel industry who wants to learn more about travel blogging and media, network with other industry professionals, and discover new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
What can you expect?
TBEX features a track specifically for travel writers and photographers, with sessions covering monetizing your blog and improving your photography skills. There are also opportunities to network with fellow travel writers and attend social events.
4. Travel Classics Writers Conferences
Travel Classics Writers Conferences are designed for professional travel writers looking to expand their knowledge, network with other industry professionals, and improve their craft.
Who should attend?
Attendees typically include travel writers published in national and international travel magazines, newspapers, websites, publishers, and destination marketers.
What can you expect?
Travel Classics offers a mix of workshops and panel discussions on topics such as:
pitching to editors,
working with tourism boards,
and creating engaging content for social media.
There are also opportunities to network with top travel editors and participate in hosted press trips to local destinations.
5. Adventure Travel Trade Association Events
ATTA holds various events that promote the adventure travel industry’s dedication to collaboration, sustainability, and creative partnerships.
Who should attend?
Attendees may include tour operators, media, destinations, adventure travel industry professionals, adventure gear partners, and other related industries.
What can you expect?
Sessions cover topics such as:
Keynote addresses
Educational sessions
Business to business meetings
Networking
There are also opportunities to participate in outdoor activities.
What are Travel Writing & Photography Conferences About?
Travel writing and photography conferences are events where travel writers, photographers, bloggers, and other industry professionals come together to learn, share ideas, and network.
These conferences typically offer a mix of sessions and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to travel writing, photography, and the travel industry. Participants can learn from experienced professionals, develop their skills, and discover new destinations and products.
In addition to providing educational opportunities, travel writing conferences also offer an opportunity for participants to connect with other industry professionals, build relationships, and create new partnerships. Many conferences offer one-on-one sessions with editors, publishers, and agents, providing participants with valuable feedback and work advice.
Conferences may include networking events, social gatherings, and other opportunities to connect with attendees and industry professionals.
Travel writing and photography conferences are an essential resource for travel writers and photographers, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Why Attend Travel Writing & Photography Conferences This Year?
One of the key benefits of attending a travel writing and photography conference is the opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry.
You'll have the chance to meet and connect with tourism boards, DMOs (destination marketing organizations), editors, and like-minded travel writers and photographers who can offer valuable advice and feedback. Building relationships with other professionals in the travel writing world can open doors and lead to new opportunities you might not have had access to otherwise.
With the industry constantly evolving, writers and photographers must stay informed and adapt their skills and strategies accordingly. Attending industry events can help you learn about emerging destinations. new developments in the travel media industry and help improve your writing and pitching skills. This knowledge can give you a competitive edge and help you stay ahead of the curve in your travel writing and photography career.
What Happens at a Travel Writing Conference?
These are typically multi-day events. Attendees can expect a range of activities and sessions, such as panel discussions, workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities. There may also be opportunities to pitch story ideas and feature articles to editors or publishers or to learn about new destinations, media trips, and travel experiences.
Take Your Travel Writing and Photography to the Next Level
Attending travel writing conferences can be beneficial in many ways. They provide an opportunity for networking with other professionals in the industry, which can lead to new partnerships, job opportunities, and collaborations. Additionally, they can help you improve your writing and pitching craft as well as inspire and help you stay motivated.
Our recommendation for aspiring travel writers is to start with IMM North America. We’ve had lot’s of great opportunities result from attending year after year, and our students have been successful at it as well!
Again, you can listen to episode 84 of the Travel Media Lab podcast to hear more about Yulia’s experience at IMM.
Remember to join the waitlist for our upcoming Intro to Travel Journalism course.
Our comprehensive course will teach you everything you need to know to turn your travel writing dreams into a successful career. With a supportive community of fellow travel writers & photographers and expert guidance from seasoned professionals, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Join the waitlist now to be the first to know when enrollment opens!