Coronavirus / Covid-19 update: Many of the organizations have canceled or postponed their 2020 travel writing conferences. Some have opted to hold virtual conferences instead. Please check their websites for updates on 2020 conferences and what’s in store for 2021.
It is important for aspiring and professional travel writers to attend travel writing conferences. Travel writing conferences help like-minded peers network, gain inspiration, stay updated on industry news, learn new skills and sharpen old ones, and meet leaders in the field.
Attending travel writing conferences is one of the best investments you can make for your professional development.
While a few of the leading travel writing and blogging associations in North America organize major conferences and therefore require memberships to attend, there are some notable independent conferences that are becoming popular because they are open for all.
Who should attend these conferences? Any creative traveler like travel writers, travel journalists, travel photographers, travel podcasters, travel bloggers, and other traveling creatives.
Here are a few of the top travel writing and blogging conferences listed in alphabetical order:
Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
For the past 28 years, award-winning travel writers have descended upon the San Francisco Bay Area to attend the Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference, where they teach workshops and hold roundtable conversations about the craft and business of travel writing. Don George, the conference’s co-founder, presides over the value-packed conference.
Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) Conference
The second youngest of the conferences listed here yet billed as “the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals,” the Travel Blogger Exchange holds yearly conventions in North America and in Europe. Breakout sessions cover topics like content creation, business matters, and social media.
North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) Conference
For the past 18 years, the North American Travel Journalist Association Conference has provided professional development workshops and opportunities for attendees, focusing on developing new content and up-to-date tricks for social media marketing. Founded in 1991, NATJA is among the top professional travel writing organizations in North America.
Society of American Travel Writing (SATW) Convention
The Society for American Travel Writers’ Annual Convention packs the house full of informative breakout sessions about the craft and business of travel writing. One of the oldest and largest associations in North America, SATW has been kicking since 1955 with its 1,000 plus members.
Travel & Words
Travel & Words is a regional travel and lifestyle writers’ conference held in the Northwest United States every year. It is definitely on the smaller side, but it offers media trips for select participants like the other conferences above. If you live in the Northeast, don’t look this one over.
TravelCon
UPDATE: TravelCon organizer “Nomadic Matt” noted during his TravelCon 2022 keynote speech that 2022 would be the conference’s final year.
Should we add other travel writing conferences to this list? Get in touch with us!
Last Updated on 10 May 2022 by Travel Writing World
