The end of March, one week after returning from a month overseas, I was on a plane again heading to Boston, MA for the Women in Travel Summit (WITS15), the first and only travel blogging summit by and for women.
Why go?
Network
As I stood in line waiting to meet with keynote speaker Dina Yuen, who is CEO and Founder of AsianFusion, a girl came up and asked if she could join in. The more we talked the more we connected, and we’ve been friends since. Another example, as I mingled things would come up like, “I’m thinking of rebranding and need design help.” Well, perfect I’m a graphic designer and the conversation would take off (and I have a handful of exciting new projects from it)!
There are SO many opportunities, from the speaker sessions and to evening events. Meeting like-minded people not only inspires you, but it creates an opportunity to build partnerships. You never know who you’ll meet and what connections will form.
Inspiration + Positive Energy
The amount of support, energy and encouragement is amazing. No matter what your goal and journey, there are people you can relate to and be inspired by. Travel is in their soul and you can see that passion, that twinkle in their eye when they talk about it.
Travel changes people and their philosophies and attitude toward life when experienced with an open and understanding mind. When I came back from trips those around me said I changed and we couldn’t relate to each other any more. When I shared my adventures and new goals, I was told that’s not the “norm” or “reality”. At these conferences you are surrounded by many travel bloggers who have dealt with family and/or friends not agreeing with their nomadic lifestyle. They can relate and understand where you’re coming from so there’s no judgement, only curiosity and support. It is so refreshing.
For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery (caption with details about each)
Knowledge
You can learn a tremendous amount just by listening and talking with others. Sessions should be captivating, informative, and beneficial (at WITS they sure were). It is a wonderful opportunity to meet speakers face to face, if they are available to chat and answer questions. These type of settings spark new ideas, motive you, boost your confidence and offer clarity. Perhaps this is where you Adjust Your Focus™.
Travel
Why not use these conferences as a reason to not only network and learn but also explore a new place? This is a travel conference after all, and they are held in some pretty great destinations (domestic and international). Don’t forget all the great perks you get when attending too, from organized tours and travel swag to lovely accommodations at a discounted rate.
My experience
Although you’re in a full room, have you ever felt like someone was talking directly to you? That you find yourself nodding and holding on to each word? That the journey, struggle, life choices/changes and experiences they went through have shaped who they are and where they are today… and you can not only relate but it is nothing but inspiring? That was WITS, from the speakers to attendees.
Not knowing anyone was intimidating yet exciting, and the only option was to break out of that comfort zone. I’m normally shy until I get to know someone, but as the weekend went on it became easy to mingle and my confidence grew. It was overwhelming (in the best way possible) being around so many beautiful, adventurous, curious, creative, passionate, and inspirational like-minded women.
The most important thing I took away from WITS is that it is possible to live your dreams. I left inspired, motivated and confident. My focus changed and I wasn’t worrying what everyone else thought. Returning home I went to work on my vision, resulting in the launch of Adjust Your Focus™ in May 2015 (Check out About + Adjust Your Focus™ for more).
WITS was more than I ever expected. The conference brought together 300 women with a passion for travel and I can’t believe the friendships that were formed so quickly. Thank you Wanderful (formerly Go Girl Travel Network)! Looking forward to next year in Irvine, CA.
New connections
Check out these sites!
A few of the amazing sponsors and resources:
Revere Hotel
On Location Tours
WeWork South Station
Samsonite
Contiki
Delsey
Squeeze Pod
Wanderful
I had the opportunity to meet so many incredible ladies, from the speakers to attendees. Check them out:
Dina from AsianFusion
Catrice from BOSSLady of Branding
Kathryn from Unearth the World
Shannon from Camera & Carry On
Morgan from Epic Sexy You
Ana from The City Sidewalks
Adrian from Adrian’s Travel Tales
Michelle from Taste & See Life
Kate from Adventurous Kate
Melody from Wherever I May Roam
Erin from The Epicurean Traveler
Nicolle from Nicolle Merrill
Sarah from The Cash Odyssey
Hema from Nomadic Nutritionist
Megan from Travel-42
Courtney from Passport Elsewhere
Thoughts
This was my first travel conference but it definitely won’t be my last! If you’re thinking about going to a travel conference, I highly recommend it going. Get out of your comfort zone, mingle and give it a try. You never know what you’ll take away from it. Those who have been, share your experience.
Happy Travels!
Today’s tidbit
“Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don’t be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.”
― Kristin Armstrong