10 Reasons Why TBEX Is More Than a Conference—It’s a Destination.

TBEX isn't just an event you attend... it is a fundamental part of your journey as a traveler, creator, and storyteller. Here is my experience attending TBEX, and why I will keep attending.

My experience with TBEX has been a transformative journey. From sharing stories, creating content, speed networking, and attending special events, each time that I attend, it reminds me that the travel community is special and unique, reassuring me that I am in the right place at the right time. My first TBEX event was in Puerto Rico on their North American tour in 2024, when I collaborated by working hand-in-hand with local creators and with the local DMO, Discover Puerto Rico. I had an amazing time, met wonderful people, and had significant moments. For instance, our DMO won Best DMO, my podcast was nominated for Best Travel Podcast, and, the big whopper, I won a content creator competition and the grand prize was my attendance to TBEX Quebec for the following year, all of that on the same night! In just a few days I will be attending their Wichita event in Kansas, USA.

Here is a list of 10 reasons why you should attend the next TBEX:

1. A sense of community

   
   

The traveling community is always looking to welcome new members who share the same interests, are open to listen and share stories, and are always up for any adventure that jumps their way; TBEX is no exception. The TBEX community prides itself in connecting fellow travelers in a plethora of activities, forums, day trips, FAM trips, and conferences. You will surely meet amazing people that may share the same interests as you, and even meet future friend along the way. Each event gives you the opportunity to meet up with old friends, and creates the chance to make new ones.

2. Networking 24/7

   
   

One of the principle reasons you may want to attend a TBEX event is for network opportunities which are very present. From hotels, brand deals, DMOs, affiliates, sponsorships, and paid collaboration are all up for grabs if you meet with the right people and present your portfolio. Each day is a new conversation with a key player that may change your life forever. You speed network by scheduling interviews and potential deals. Just make sure you put your best foot forward, polish your portfolio, and bring your business cards. Who knows what lies ahead?

3. Each destination is different and special

   
   

I have only attended twice; luckily, my first time was in San Juan, Puerto Rico (where I live) and the second one was in Quebec, Canada. As I mentioned earlier, in a few days I will be attending the Wichita event and have plans to keep attending more. TBEX has been around for 16 years and counting, they've been all over the world-Ireland, Spain, Thailand, North America, etc., with over 22k attendees and 91k meetings, to the present day, yet those numbers will go up. Each destination is filled with activities, visits and orientations, making each destination unique, and really making each place shine, helping visitors appreciate each other. Each year holds a surprise in each host destination and you get to choose which one you want to go next; PRE-BEX tours will help you get the most out of it. For each TBEX you attend you get a new star sticker that you collect on your badge. I've seen people with what would seem an entire galaxy of stars so I'm very excited to collect third one.

4. Define your journey

One of the most important endeavors you accomplish by attending is helping yourself define your journey. Listening to stories, attending breakout sessions, and being part of a community helps you get that push of inspiration you may be seeking for your niche or the angle you have in mind. Whether it's writing, photography, blogging, publishing, content creating, public speaking, or video creation you will surely meet people that have been in your shoes, and would happily help you out by pointing you in the right direction. It has definitely helped me, and I am confident that it has helped many others as well, so don't be shy, attend and look for that spark of inspiration you need to make that life-changing push.

5. They throw the best parties

There are parties, and then there are PARTIES. At TBEX they always makes sure to throw memorable events before, during, and after. From cocktails at castles in Ireland, to dancing at clubs and visiting speakeasy bars or just simply dancing on a cruise with chateaus in the background, it just doesn't get better. Bring your dancing shoes or simply take them off, because we dance till the music stops. There are always opening parties, closing parties, and evening events aside from the different cocktail parties. But that doesn't mean the party stops here, which brings me to the next reason...FAM Trips!

6. Go further out with FAM trips

As if TBEX events' itineraries weren't enough, there are FAM trip options available that can give an extra bonus to your visit. They aren't automatic, you would have to apply through the application process, and if selected, you would continue your trip after all the main conference events ends. Divided into small groups, you and a selected few would have extended visits to a different part of the host destination, filled with tailored activities and a lot of opportunities to create more content. Wichita will be my first ever FAM trip with TBEX and I'm very excited about its itinerary.

7. Valuable information

At TBEX you get to meet and listen to so many industry professionals that it is guaranteed that you will take back home valuable information, tips, and stories from life experiences that help you forge your business or brand with ease. From any breakout session you can choose from many topics, ranging from content creation, how to monetize on YouTube, how to pitch collaborations, how to land deals, how to use your camera properly, how to fly your drone, what equipment you should purchase, and so many more important information that each speaker has tailored specifically towards the TBEX audience, it doesn't matter if you are a veteran, a pro, or just getting started.

8. Open your perspective

My first time at TBEX I was kind of overwhelmed with all of the different aspects of content I didn't know about. From metrics, target audiences, affiliates, and brand deals, I felt like my original plans felt short. As the days went by and settled with the schedule and met more people, I knew right there and then that I was there to let go and unlearn what I thought I knew. When my first TBEX ended, I left knowing the pieces that I had to put together to make it work smoother. When my second TBEX came around, I saw the difference, my theories came to life and I was grateful of the "tweaks" I learned I had to do and the perspective I had to have.

9. You are investing in yourself

TBEX events are not free. You do have to pay for your ticket, whether you are an industry professional or a creator, you do have to book your flights and hotel, and you do have to make any arrangements needed before you get there. But the value you get back is simply out of this world. You are investing on your perspective, brand, knowledge, network, aspirations, dreams, and anything that would add value to your life. I promise you that you can't quite put all of the good things you get here together anywhere else. You travel, you create, and you make your dreams closer as you go along.

10. Friendships and business relationships are born

    
    

From world class creators, authors, tourism boards, marketing executives, the potential networking in TBEX is inevitable. But the more important thing is that you bond with these people, you have fun together, you take selfies, you casually eat with them at the dinner table, you dance side by side in the dance floor, because you are all equal and you are all there for the same ambitions, interests, and dreams. As travel lovers there is one thing that we can all agree on, when traveling you stumble upon people you may have never met if it weren't for that special trip. Since my first TBEX I have met amazing, down to earth people that root for my success. If TBEX attendees flourish, it becomes an accomplishment both ways.

As a creator and business owner I know the value that is given while attending TBEX, and the fundamental aspects that may be new or different from the ones I was or am applying. Take a chance on you, go for it. Reach out and get to know about what you need.