Key Takeaways
- TravelCon is back! In 2022, after five years (through a pandemic), I ended TravelCon. However, my friends at FinCon offered to run it (thus reducing m
- TravelCon is a three-day travel media event that focuses on helping you improve your craft, learn new business skills, network with your peers, and co
- This year, TravelCon will be May 15-17th in Portland, Oregon and will feature pre- and post-event trips; meet-ups; dinner parties; and in-depth, actio
TravelCon is back! After a pause following its 2022 run — which concluded a five-year run interrupted by the pandemic — the event has relaunched through a partnership with FinCon, streamlining operations while preserving its core mission. If you’re a travel media professional, PR specialist, or content creator in the travel space, this remains the most valuable industry gathering of the year.
TravelCon is a three-day immersive event designed specifically for travel creators. It emphasizes skill development, business strategy, peer networking, and direct access to tourism boards, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and leading travel brands.
This year’s conference takes place May 15–17 in Portland, Oregon, and includes pre- and post-event excursions, curated meet-ups, social dinners, and highly practical, actionable sessions. Its central aim is to help creators transform their passion into a sustainable profession — and then grow it strategically.
- Hone your craft across the four pillars of travel content: video, photography, writing, and blogging
- Understand current industry trends — what’s working, what’s fading, and why
- Stay updated on best practices for digital travel publishing and audience growth
- Discover new tools, platforms, and services shaping creator workflows
- Build meaningful relationships with destinations and travel brands
- Learn cross-disciplinary insights from experts outside travel media
- Connect authentically with fellow creators who share your goals and values
- Enjoy an energizing, collaborative atmosphere — because great work starts with great energy
What can you expect this year?
TravelCon is fundamentally a business-focused event for travel creators. This year’s programming centers on two strategic pathways: Go Pro and Scale.
“Go Pro” sessions are tailored for part-time creators ready to transition into full-time careers. Topics include:
- Expanding your reach using advanced SEO, paid advertising, and email marketing strategies
- Adopting creator tools and automation to boost efficiency and output
- Diversifying income through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and brand collaborations
- Building productive, long-term partnerships with CVBs, DMOs, tourism boards, and local agencies
“Scale” sessions support full-time creators aiming to grow their brand, audience, content output, and profitability. Key themes include:
- Assembling the right team, tech stack, and service partners to support expansion
- Developing additional revenue streams — such as digital products, online courses, or membership communities
- Maintaining sustainable work-life balance amid the demands of full-time creation and remote work
- Integrating AI and emerging technologies to enhance content creation and business operations
Networking Opportunities
At its heart, TravelCon is about forging real connections — between creators and brands, peers and mentors, ideas and opportunities. We’ve designed multiple touchpoints to make those connections organic, intentional, and impactful.
- Expo Hall – Featuring over 40 participating travel boards, global and regional brands, CVBs, DMOs, and creator-focused service providers — many offering exclusive partnership opportunities and tailored resources for attendees.
- 1:1 Matchmaking – Use our dedicated event platform to schedule personalized meetings with sponsors, brands, and tourism representatives — open to all registered attendees.
- Niche Meetups – Join small-group gatherings organized by platform (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Substack) or specialty (e.g., family travel, solo female travel, adventure content) to find your ideal collaborators.
- Creator Conversations – Intimate, discussion-driven mini-masterminds led by experienced creators on hyper-relevant topics — blending learning with peer-to-peer insight and community building.
- Evening Socials – Unwind and connect at the Welcome Reception, themed Dinner Clubs, Late Night Meetups, and other relaxed, relationship-first events.
Speakers
TravelCon continues its tradition of assembling world-class talent. A full speaker lineup is available on the official site, and confirmed presenters include:
- Founder and host of TravelCon
- Jeff Jenkins, Chubby Diaries
- Raime Iacofano, Raimee’s Travel
- Rand Fishkin, SEO thought leader and founder of SparkToro
- Preethi Chandrasekhar, The Eager Traveler
- Jessica Serna, My Curly Adventures
- Katherine Fan, award-winning freelance writer and editor
- Kemoy Martin, travel and lifestyle creator
- Kristin and Siya, Hopscotch the Globe
- Rachel Rudwell, Rachel Roams
Come join us for what many consider the most actionable, creator-first travel industry event in North America. Designed from the ground up by creators — for creators — TravelCon prioritizes tangible takeaways, authentic relationships, and professional growth — all within a vibrant, supportive environment.
Tickets are $499 and available now via the official registration page.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Portland!
