What I Gained from TBU11
The first question I asked Oliver (@tbloggersunite), the organiser of TBU11, was as a newbie to travel blogging would I get anything out of attending the event.
Oliver’s response convinced me and last weekend I met up with other bloggers, PR companies and tourist board representatives for Travel Bloggers Unite in Manchester in the UK.
I’ll admit that I was out of my comfort zone in what was essentially a room full of strangers at the People’s History Museum. As soon as you swap Twitter names though, you realise you already know that person, albeit in a virtual world.
What suprised me the most was that people knew who I was, none more so than when Melvin (@traveldudes) recognised me!
Over the next two days the sessions both intrigued me and reaffirmed that I am doing some things right.
As a web developer the two sessions that stand out were John O’Nolan’s (@JohnONolan) WordPress talk and Michael Briggs’ (@michaelkebriggs) SEO presentation. I’m still learning the tricks of the trade but what I’ll take from TBU will be invaluable.
Squeezed in between those session was how to market yourself (@lewisshields). A topic I’m not comfortable with as I’m my biggest critic and don’t know how to ‘big myself up.’ It was interesting but one where I’ll have to go back and revisit the presentation to get the most out of it.
Lola’s (@lolaakinmade) writing tools was similar. I felt as though I needed to go home and rewrite all my posts. Maybe that’s a good thing, as at least I identified where my writing can improve.
The two panel discussion, for me, seemed aimed at bloggers further down the road than me. Monetising and working with PR companies aren’t something I’ve though about before but good to know as I progress. The PR discussion was more debated as there a many opposing opinions and I’m sure the conversation will continue.
The weekend was rounded off with drinks and a meal in Manchester. It was here that the confidence I had gained over where I am as a blogger and where I want to be was probably more evident as I talked to more of the people there.
So to answer my own question that I posed to Oliver. Would I get anything from attending, the answer is a loud and resounding YES!
The sessions flew by and I came away knowing what I can do to improve my blog .
Most of all I was made to feel part of the travel community and came out of the few days in Manchester feeling as though I belong. Can’t wait for Innsbruck!
Was great meeting you Paul, have to say you were the only one that looked younger than your avatar, so i was a little confused. Cool post telling it like it was, thanks for sharing.
It was an amazing weekend! I loved to see all the people! The ones I’ve known just via Twitter & also the ones I’ve met in person before.
There is always something to learn from… All you need to do is to talk about blogging, social media & travel.
TBU rocked just like Club91! LOL
It was so lovely meeting you! It was indeed a fantastic weekend! I think travel blogging conferences are part of a healthy travel diet
I gained a lot, including 5 lbs HAHA!
Great meeting you to. Felt as though I made many friends there and already arranging to meet up again.
Thanks for the shout out. Glad you enjoyed the machine gun guide to seo. For my next trip I may just focus on something to do with how to turn your blog into a link magnet
been writing that one for a while. Just need to finish testing so I can deliver something actionable.
If you need anything give me a shout.
It was really great to meet you Paul. As a newbie travel blogger as well, I had a very similar experience at TBU11. I really feel like the stuff I learned in the sessions will help me improve my blog a lot. It’s also much more fun to learn these things in an environment with other enthusiastic people who share your passion where you can ask questions and share ideas.
Good luck with everything and just send me an email if you ever need help or someone to bounce ideas around with.
And since you’re only in Bolton and I’m in Accrington, you’ll have to bring your lovely lady down for a meal at our place sometime, before Lee and I leave for Canada in a few months!
Just found this post as I was searching for the answer to the same question you posed. Looks like I’ll be meeting you all in Innsbruck!
Glad it was of some help. Look forward to seeing you in Innsbruck.
Hey! I was also out of my comfort zone in the beginning, as I thought everyone would be a full-time blogger, like I was at my first conference. I’ve since gone back to work and felt I lacked the “cred.” But I had the best time; travel bloggers are such a great group of people. I learned a ton a TBU, starting with some SEO basics that I never had thoroughly explained to me. Good to meet you!
Good to meet you too. I know what you mean about thinking everyone would be full-time bloggers but I was soon made to feel at ease.
Learnt so much and can’t wait to meet up with everyone again.
Nicely wrote mate, I’ll look forward to meeting you and the others in Austria.
Look forward to meeting you. I’m sure you’ll have a blast with everyone.