I wanted to travel to New York City for the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) conference to try to become a better blogger, as well as to meet some people I had talked with on Twitter for quite some time. I wouldn't exactly say I wanted to network since, to me, that implies business, and blogging about travel is definitely more of a hobby and passion of mine than anything like a business. For me, going to New York City was just a way to meet up with a bunch of friends who also like writing about travel, and to exchange some ideas in person that we each have about it.

I arrived in town a few days before the weekend conference and took some time to see the sights, which I'll write about later, since a New York City Pass was included in the conference package. I took the time to relax and enjoy myself, which I did, but I found that by the time TBEX came around, I was wiped out from all the walking I had done. Sure, I had picked up a subway pass, which got my around seemlessly, but I tried to fit in so much that I was just exhausted and happy to be sitting in a chair in an air conditioned room with other travel folks.

The conference started with a morning talk about passion and wanderlust by Jim Benning and Michael Yessis of World Hum. I really enjoyed hearing from them, but even more so on the panel they moderated and spoke on called "Travel Writing: Upping Your Game" that followed up their talk. On their panel I really learned a lot about what I should change and why I should, as how I've written stories in the past hasn't always been the best way. So, as I work to become a better writer and blogger, I'll definitely be taking their points into consideration as I work to improve.

There were three other panels on the first day about video for the web, working with PR, and finding a niche, as well as a complimentary lunch and prize giveaways. I enjoyed all of the events, but my mind kept wandering back to the first panel as that was the one I was most looking forward to when I first saw the itinerary.

Drinks at various after parties followed for many of the attendees, one of which I stopped at for a brief time, and everyone seemed to be having a blast mingling with all of the other bloggers. And by the looks of things Sunday morning, the second day of TBEX, it would appear that some enjoyed themselves a bit too much as it was such a great opportunity to be in New York City with so many other great writers and bloggers, not to mention online friends. I'll be honest though, I was lame and grabbed a pizza and headed back to my hotel room for the night since I was exhausted from the previous days sightseeing.

The Sunday morning itinerary started a little later to allow folks to rest up a bit after the night of celebration, but I arrived a bit early for the breakfast and to do a bit of mingling. I liked this set up so much better than the massive credentialing line I stood in the first day, left, since it was a bit more open and didn't force anyone to stand in the hot morning sun.

In truth though, the sun would've been worth it after listening to Gary Arndt talk about "Travel Porn." His talk about how to draw regular readers to a blog, instead of one-timers, was not just informative, but also very entertaining. And I'm sure if a poll was taken from TBEX attendees on their favorite talk, Arndt's would probably be at the top of the list as the reaction was unmatched on the weekend.
The panels that followed Arndt were about travel writing ethics, monetizing strategies and podcasting. The last session was unfortunately cut a bit short, and the only reason I can think why is because an excerpt blog reading that was done may've gone a bit longer than expected. But really, in truth, TBEX could've gone another full day and I think someone probably would've still been cut short as there were always lots of hands in the air with questions, and others interested in knowing more.

At the end of it all I'd like to put my finger on it and say that I learned this, or I learned that, but I think it's really too early to say anything along those lines as I have yet to actually incorporate anything. Sure, I definitely walked about with some good ideas about story structure, using video, creating my own niche, and how to ultimately, maybe one day, make a living by doing this, but right now that's all it is - ideas. And I'm happy with those ideas and the opportunities I had to meet and talk with so many other great bloggers and writers that I've come to know and respect online.

And now let the planning begin for TBEX 2011 ~ Vancouver!