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Think about the last conference you attended. It was probably for work… full of stuffy professionals in suits handing out business cards and making small talk over happy hour. You probably spent most of the day trying to find the right time to sneak out. I know I did.
I want you to forget everything you know about conferences… because there’s nothing like a travel exhibition. They’re an informative, fun, and engaging way to learn more about travel and trends away from your computer screen. Yes, Instagram and YouTube are great ways to discover new parts of the world, but experiencing those cultures and destinations in-person is way better!
On May 11, 2019, Experience Expositions and Dream Vacations are hosting The Travel Expo Los Angeles, at the Pasadena Convention Center. Tickets are free, all you need to do is register here.
The Travel Expo LA is a one-day event showcasing tourism boards, industry associations, hotels, and airlines from around the world, as well as travel-related brands and experts. It’ll open your eyes to new and inspiring destinations they may not have been on your radar, featuring people, cultures, and cuisines from every corner of the globe.
Expand your horizons, become inspired, and #SayYesToTheWorld!
Here are the top 10 reasons why everyone who loves (or wants) to travel should attend a travel exhibition:
1. Immerse yourself in different cultures
Travel conferences give you the ability to learn about different cultures from one central location. It’s never been easier or more convenient. If the culture beyond the convention center doors is unfamiliar to you, take the time to immerse yourself in the culture of the attendees and presenters that are attending. You can hop from one continent to another with a few steps, but make sure you’re prepared to immerse yourself in a wide variety of traditions, tastes, and languages. It’s the best way to plan and prepare for your upcoming trips in 2019!
2. Meet fellow travelers Who attends travel conferences
Travel lovin’ travelers! Meet your new travel buddy and surround yourself with people who can talk about travel all day long. Being around fellow, like-minded travelers will surely motivate you to take the next step of your craziest travel dreams. If you’re about to go on your first solo trip abroad, it’s an excellent way to connect with other inspiring nomads and traveler! Grab a few of your friends and make a day out of it – we know you’ll leave feeling more motivated and excited than ever! Swap Instagram handles and be sure to update your Stories will all of the exciting new things you learn.
3. Start planning your next trip
There are the travel hotspots — Bali, Ibiza, Dubrovnik, Thailand, Rio — but what about the thousands of other destinations in the world? Travel conferences bring tourism boards and representatives from all over the world so you can explore unique destinations to add to your bucket list! Raise some eyebrows when you tell your friends and family about your upcoming trip to Colombia! Planning your next trip has never been easier with access to the best travel experts, tour operators, as well as influencers… it’s an excellent way to get started planning your 2019 travels. It all starts with itchy feet, curiosity and the desire to explore somewhere you’ve never been before!
4. Open your mind to the world
Travel exhibitions are perfect for someone with zero stamps on their passports and to someone who has gone through multiple passports! There’s a little something for all levels of experience. For the amateur traveler, travel conferences can present different traveling opportunities and destinations. For the more seasoned, a conference can showcase new and exciting ways to see the world. While you’re learning about these exotic cultures right in your backyard, no matter who you are, it slowly opens up your mind to the rest of the world. A more worldly perspective has never hurt anyone, am I right?!
5. Seize the networking opportunity
One of the main reasons conferences exists — networking! Connect with traveling entrepreneurs that are looking for someone with your background and skill set to partner on a project. You never know, your “big break” into the travel industry could be one handshake away! On the other hand, if you’re already working in the travel industry or if you’re a travel influencer, this could be a brilliant opportunity to make new connections.
6. Learn more travel tips
You can never have too many travel hacks in your back pocket. Travel conferences are the leading place to find the latest and greatest travel hacks before they go viral. You can learn about the new travel trends, acquire knowledge about new ways to travel and hear it directly from the experts. Being surrounded by travel lovers means that all you’ll talk about is travel-related and travel experts know how to save you some bucks!
7. Listen to the inspiring speakers
Travel conferences bring together some truly thought-provoking speakers. Listen to motivational travel stories, learn how tourism impacts third world countries or be inspired by travelers who are making a difference in each country they visit. You’ll leave the conference in awe. There’s surely a lot you can learn from the travel experts!
8. Meet experts and travel influencers
Meet the travel influencers and experts that have been at your virtual fingertips, in person! Vloggers, bloggers and inspirational content creators all flock to travel conferences to give talks and meet fellow travelers. Some of them have been on the road for quite a while and it’s an excellent way to meet up and learn from the best!
9. Learn about the latest travel trends
Dark tourism in Colombia, eco-tourism in Costa Rica, the digital nomad phenomena — travel conferences are the best place to learn about the latest travel trends before they’re even trends. Stay ahead of the game. Joining a travel conference means you’ll be well aware of the upcoming destinations and how to make the most of your next travel adventures.
10. Explore new destinations
Attending a travel exhibition is another excuse to hop on a plane and explore a new destination (who doesn’t want a reason to visit LA?). Travel conferences are held all over the world, but The Travel Expo LA is right in your backyard. Plan a weekend trip to LA, and after soaking in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and wandering the Santa Monica Pier, stop by the Pasadena Convention Center (less than 15 minutes from the center of LA) and explore exotic, new destinations from across the world! The Travel Expo highlights cultures, experiences, and people from all around the globe.
From flights to cruises, from hotels to excursions, there’s a lot to cover when it comes to traveling the United States or the world. By joining the Travel Expo, you’re giving yourself a chance to explore new destinations, to catch up with the latest travel trends and to make new connections with the travel industry experts. Will you #SayYesToTheWorld?
