The Shiz That Went Down at #TBEX 2010

Yesterday somebody tweeted their annoyance about the constant stream of Twitter updates featuring #TBEX. Holy fishballs, they weren’t lyin’. Since I unplugged for the travel bloggers conference (ironic, no?), I missed all the Tweeting madness. I figured perhaps I could catch up once I got home. Um, no.

Seems like I wasn’t the only person completely immersed in TBEX extravaganza. Here’s what I learned this weekend.

It Really Isn’t Weird Meeting 200 or More Internet Friends

I fretted a lot pre-TBEX. Packing my suitcase and throwing in a dozen outfits, I kept agonizing over what to wear, what to say, how to be presentable, how to not horrify an audience after too many beers.

But meeting everybody was like meeting old friends. I walked into the opening party on Friday night and ran immediately into the other Matador editors. We squealed and hugged and shared some wine and carried on like usual. No big deal.

Networking is a Bitch

The above mentioned, I didn’t network nearly as much as I should have. I handed out less than 50 business cards, and while I met a lot of new people, I found a really great group of friends and stuck with them a lot. I don’t regret this at all as we had an amazing time, what with the mechanical bulls and beers and all. But I should have really used my time more wisely to introduce myself to new circles more.

How many people can you fit in one photo booth? Amazing.

How many people can you fit in one photo booth? Amazing.

Erick Pound, Cailin O’Neil, Laurie, Abbie Mood, Spencer Spellman, Pamela McNaughton, Aly and John, and Abby Tegnelia formed the a-team and kept the booze flowing all weekend.

A-team ladies.

A-team ladies.

For the most part, things went smoothly. Although I did trip up in front of Matt Stabile from The Expeditioner (huge fan) and smashed my camera on the pavement. I also accidentally turned off the lights in the bar at Professor Thom’s, so a bartender had to hop onto the bar to get my attention and yelled at me in the middle of the crowd.

Travel Bloggers Like to Party

For real.

I now have that green frog, and it still flashes like a disco.

I now have that green frog, and it still flashes like a disco.

Travel Blogging and Creating Online Content are the Future

After listening to inspirational folks like Gary Ardnt (Everything Everywhere) and Evelyn Hannon (Journeywoman) discuss their lives as full-time travellers, I got the impression that the benefits of creating online content has been barely tapped.

As a 20-something blogger, I look up to these leaders. Someday, I might steal their spotlight.

Just kidding.

(Maybe.)

I Fit In

At some point between the 7 a.m. hangovers, the noon networking lunch breaks, and the excitement of diving into my swag bag to discover a weather predictor (oh what fun I’d have with that in Newfoundland!), I stepped back and thought, “Holy shit, this is where I want to be.” I’m nowhere near as well travelled as everyone else at the conference was, but it’s the passion that drives us. Nerd passion.

iPhones and Twitter are Taking Over

I don’t know how many times this weekend I paused to find whole groups of people completely oblivious to the outside world, immersed in their phones. We’re supposed to be observers, right?

Of course, I’m only saying that because I’m bitter the venue’s WiFi didn’t work, so I couldn’t enter any of the Twitter-based contests. I also can’t afford an iPhone for another year, and my lame-ass Samsung Instinct doesn’t even have an app for Foursquare. It’s a Mac world, my friends. I’m just a rebel.

Time is the Issue

So yeah, there were dozens of other people I really wanted to chat with, but alas, time evades us. Next year I’d like to share one more drink with Steph Yoder, eat poutine with Jodi Ettenburg, have a chat with Trisha Miller, and hear the adventures of Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill. I might even go visit Doug and his wife of Authentic Seacoast Resorts.

Not to mention the hoards of other people, especially the Matador Network folks like Lola Akinmade, Eileen Smith, Andy Hayes, Carlo Alcos and Nancy Harder. They’re the most encouraging people you’ll ever meet.

Deb and I, taco happy.

Deb and I, taco happy.

Everybody is Different

I loved hearing from the experts, I did. But I still feel like I have to carve my own path, and it doesn’t necessarily involve doing what everyone else is doing. Maybe I’ll strip. Who knows?

Up Next?

Vancouver 2011. I’m more geared up and inspired than ever, especially after talking to so many folks like JoAnna Haugen (Kaleidoscope Wandering) who convinced me I should start campaigning my way to Vancouver. Flying from the east coast to the west is not fun, but I feel like BC is gonna steal all the thunder and there needs to be some sort of Newfoundland representation, right? I’ve been dropping tourism brochures all around New York City. Vancouver, you’re next.

  • July 02 2010

    Yup we definitely needed at least one more drink together. (BTW you mispelled my site url, it’s twenty-somethingtravel.com).

  • July 02 2010

    I totally agree with the networking thing – I was just talking to JoAnna about how I really got to know a cool group of people (yay a-team!) but next time, maybe we branch out and at least have lunch with other people. Nightime festivities are non-negotiable :)

    And, I would totally contribute to a kickstarter project to get Candice to Vancouver. Just sayin’.

    • July 06 2010

      Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying! Although honestly, I think EVERYONE was guilty of doing that. Wooot, time to get that campaign going!

  • July 02 2010

    Ahhh … the good times. They say that if you reach for the stars, you’ll grab the moon. Don’t let anyone hold you back.

    On a side note, my weather predictor was smashed into a thousand little pieces when I opened my swag bag. I’m so bummed.

    • July 06 2010

      Hehe, thanks JoAnna, I REALLY appreciated our chat.

      Totally can’t believe your weather predictor got smashed, but you can have mine. I mean what else is it gonna predict in NL besides rain?

  • July 02 2010

    Great round up Candice and was fun to meet you oh-so-briefly! :-)

    • July 06 2010

      Shannon! Ahh! I didn’t mean to leave you out. You were so much fun!

  • July 02 2010

    Looks like a lot of fun and time well spent. Would have loved to have been there.

  • July 02 2010

    Looks like a great time had by all! Wish I had the money to be there

    • July 06 2010

      Start saving for Vancouver! Can’t be THAT far from Japan, right? Haha.

  • July 02 2010

    Aw! I am so glad you had such a great time in my place of birth. Sounds so fun! I think your next travel blogger stop should be Miami…. ;)

    • July 06 2010

      Would LOVE to hit up Miami! Mmmm, beaches.

  • July 02 2010

    Love it Candice and a pleasure meeting face to face. The networking thing was the biggest thing for me too. Even getting there Friday morning and staying until Monday morning, there were so many people who I wanted to chat with and didn’t even get to meet. Nonetheless, it still helps having that connection that we were in the same room together.
    I was also pretty antsy/nervous with the days leading up to TBEX, but like yourself, it just kind of flowed quite smoothly as soon as things got started. No feeling of awkward or anything.

    • July 06 2010

      Totally, Spencer! It was so awesome meeting you. Perhaps its the close relationships we need to learn to appreciate the most instead of networking our faces off, right? I love how everyone hit it off so seamlessly.

  • July 02 2010

    Looks so fun! Next summer, maybe, hopefully…

    Love what you said about everyone being glued to their phones. I notice that every day and make a conscious effort not to do it.

    • July 06 2010

      Well, you’re a “short” drive away! Heh. Yeah, I try to do the same as well…bit easier for me I guess, with my crap phone.

  • July 03 2010

    I knew I would regret not going to this once I saw some photos and stuff. I guessed right. lol. I gotta make it to the next TBEX. Maybe see you there!

    • July 06 2010

      Hahaha, next year’s will be bigger and better, for real!

  • July 03 2010

    I see myself in one of the pictures!
    Nice meeting you by the way :)
    You need to make it to next year as well! Won’t be the same without you there!

    • July 06 2010

      Hahaha, you too! It was so great! I’m totally gonna do my best to hit up Vancouver. :)

  • July 03 2010

    Sweet. I was waiting for an update on TBEX! I really wanted to come, but I figured if I went to this instead of my honeymoon, I may no longer have a honey to moon with. Or something.

    http://www.travelfunnytravellight.blogspot.com

    • July 06 2010

      Awww! Well like I just told someone else, next year’s will be twice as good! Congrats, btw.

  • July 03 2010

    I’m SO glad that at least I got the chance to meet you and grab a quick hug – we will DEFINITELY spend more time chatting (and drinking) at next year’s TBEX in Vancouver!

    And I would totally contribute to a Kickstarter if you start one, so that you can make it, and maybe even get an iPhone to bring with you. :-)

    • July 06 2010

      Definitely! I plan on booking a few extra days there to get it all in, how about you?

      Hehehe, I LOVE how supportive everyone is. I’m gonna keep you all updated on my progress, seeing as how I haven’t started it yet. And have no idea how to do so, really.

  • July 03 2010

    Dude – I’m pretty sure that person was me – It’s OK – I’ll say it! TBEX is SO ANNOYING. However, Candice I still like you.

    • July 06 2010

      LOL, yeah it was, and trust me, I understand your rage.

  • July 03 2010

    Looks like you had an awesome time. Also, you’ll totally need that weather predictor in Vancouver…

    • July 06 2010

      Oh yeah? Lovely, unpredictable weather there as well?

  • July 04 2010
    bec

    sounds great & it’s so cool to see the pics of the Matador family together :) don’t worry, I know all too well about having a “lame-ass Samsung” & struggle with my £10 brick – mac world indeed!

    • July 06 2010

      It was great fun! I hope we can get more of the team together for next year’s…

  • July 04 2010

    It was great to meet you Candice. Love your enthusiasm and that you are carrying the flag for Newfoundland – yay! Let me know if you’re ever in Toronto.

    Cheers, Mariellen

    • July 06 2010

      Thanks so much, Mariellen! It was great meeting you too, too brief for sure. Met tons of Torontorians that weekend, I’ll be sure to look you up.

  • July 04 2010

    Cool write up, if it’s in Van City next year, I’ll go that would be awesome. Vancouver is arguably my favorite city in the world. Ever been? You’ll LOVE IT.

    Also less is more, at BWE 1 year I got like 400 cards but didn’t do anything with them, all the people who collect then send you some offer is sorta tacky.

    A few good friends is better than a few thousand business cards, indeed.

    • July 06 2010

      Love that philosophy, Rob! I do believe you’re right. And no I’ve never eben to Vancouver, but dude, I am PUMPED about it. Heard nothing but great things.

  • July 04 2010

    Glad you got over your meeting people anxiety and that you had a good time.

    • July 06 2010

      It was a smaaash! I’ll hit up your home state next. ;)

  • July 04 2010

    You’re better off than me. I only handed out like 4 business cards. I felt sort of shy approaching bloggers that made me start mine. I will be a more confident blogger next year, I swear.

    • July 06 2010

      Hahaha, that is my resolution as well. And yeah, I felt a little douchey handing them out to everyone.

  • July 04 2010

    This article is so YOU, Candice! You’re right, it was so easy meeting people for the first time at TBEX…because it didn’t feel like the first time. I’m so glad I had a chance to meet you, albeit too briefly. ITA about the Samsung thing, I have one too and it was useless when it came to Twitter contests and apps and such. If only iPhones weren’t so damn expensive!

    • July 06 2010

      Thanks, Gray! It was pretty crazy running into you at the tourism office, hahaha. I do hope we get more time to chat later, I absolutely loved our meeting. And I am SO happy someone else can symphatize with my Samsung woes, lol.

  • July 05 2010

    Oh, that is so great – meeting everyone and going to NYC for the first time! And the feeling of fitting in must mean that travel blogging is where you belong.

    • July 06 2010

      That’s what I hope! I loved the city, it’s too bad you weren’t there too. Next time!

  • July 05 2010

    Candice, I love this post!

    Being a newbie to the travel blog world, I’m almost glad I couldn’t make it to TBEX because I think I would have gone on overload. Of course, it would have been a great introduction to the travel blog world!

    Reading your experience made me more comfortable in the travel world because sometimes I think that, not only do I not stack up in writing experience, but I don’t stack up in TRAVEL experience. You mentioning that you felt the same (on the travel front) makes me feel a bit better!

    I’m so glad that the conference made you feel like you were right where you needed to be! I hope I can have a similar epiphany one of these days!

    • July 06 2010

      Oh girl, I am SOOOO inexperienced compared to most! Hahaha. NYC was actually my first time in the U.S.A., crazy, eh? Nobody is a travel snob though, and when I told people it was my first time visiting, EVERYONE said, “Welcome to America!” It was great. Like I said, it’s the passion. :) Definitely try to make it out to next year’s!

  • July 05 2010
    maggie

    so glad you had such a wicked time :) I’m crap at networking, but I get away with it because I’m not interested in taking my career places networking would be required.. ;P But then, I’ve only gone to conferences with other people… maybe my first solo conference I’ll learn to branch out a bit more ;P You’ve totally made me miss conferences!!!!

    • July 06 2010

      Hehehe, yeah, networking is a pain sometimes. What kind of conferences do vets attend anyway? Vets gone wild?

      • July 07 2010
        maggie

        ahaha, Vets gone wild certainly happened in Vegas, I’m sure, but it wasn’t a conference sanctioned event ;D our conferences are all about continueing education and such :/

  • July 05 2010

    Love your take on Tbex Candice. And slightly more jealous I didn’t make it this year!

  • July 06 2010

    Loved reading your funny and unique insights on TBEX. We enjoyed waving the Atlantic Canada banner with you. We do hope you’ll be able to make it over to Nova Scotia this summer to enjoy a bit of the Authentic Seacoast.

  • July 06 2010

    Candice, you’ve just about convinced me to get involved with this event next year. Very cool, great stories and I enjoyed the pictures. You didn’t look so thrilled in the one with all of the drinks in front of you. LOL.

  • July 06 2010

    I go to conferences all the time, and there’s no doubt that it’s easier when you have a core group that you stick with. The networking and meeting others come. But it’s always a little easier when there’s at least one other person there that you know, etc.

  • July 25 2010

    Fun post as usual Candice!

    It appears that you, like most people, enjoyed the networking more than anything, plus Gary’s conference as well. You’ll be going next year too, and hopefully get even more out if it as they are planning it slightly different (I’ve read). Perhaps I’ll make it then! I undersant it is worth it!?

    Federico

    PS Iphones all the way huh…and I just can’t get one either….

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