The event moves across the country, offering various destination marketing organisations (DMO) to showcase their destination and attendees to see more of the country or even visit a city they haven’t been to before. The itinerary naturally is also different year to year, depending on the host destination’s offerings and conference sponsors. However, attendees can always count on a lineup of professional development (PD) sessions, group activities and socials, and the infamous media marketplace.

The conference is open to trade/industry and media members who are able to participate in the event as attendees, volunteers, organisers, speakers, and sponsors. Media attendees can also opt in for pre- and post-tours – destination-hosted press trips taking them to see the geography beyond the conference centre.

The 2025 TMAC addition took place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and 2026 will take us to Richmond, British Columbia.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Key notes for first-timers 

Conference-related emails will provide you with all of the information you need for planning. Each email also has a contact you can reach out to with questions or technical concerns, while the national Facebook group is a great resource for common questions brought up by other members. 

A few quick tips for TMAC first-timers:

• Follow the packing recommendations shared in the pre-conference emails and leave some room in your luggage for various swag.
• Some events have themes, and people are very serious about dressing for the theme. Plan those outfits ahead of time, or you might feel left out (imagine being the only person not wearing a Canadian tuxedo!) 
• TMAC team asks all first-timers if they are interested in having a conference buddy to help you orient yourself at the event. This person will be your resource throughout the conference, introduce you to other attendees and basically shapparon you at the First-Timers Welcome event.
• Attend your local chapter meeting to get to know the members within your geographic community.
• Do submit for awards. If you are media, each member is entitled to two free entries in the National categories. Additionally, there is a People’s Choice option, as well as Recognition Awards for more creative outputs. Industry are also eligible to submit for the People’s Choice and Recognition Awards. Read the awards guide carefully and follow the rules – they are there to make things fair and to not overwhelm the awards committee.

Tip from Katie Conklin
Senior Marketing Project Manager, Discover Halifax
2025 Conference Committee Chair
discoverhalifaxns.com | @discoverhalifax

“My biggest tip for anyone attending the conference for the first time is simple: attend everything. It’s the best way to make connections, build friendships, and feel fully immersed in the experience. It all starts with the First-Timers Welcome. This opening event brings all first-time attendees together, includes a welcome from the President, and offers a chance to ask questions and meet your “buddy” if you opted into the program. From there, try not to skip the events, dinners, or late-night activities. These are where some of the best conversations and networking moments happen. Don’t worry—there’s plenty of free time built into the itinerary so you can catch up on work or take a breather when needed.”

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Host destination dinner at Champetre County. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Tip from Jay Kana 
Owner, Modern Traveller & Modern Mississauga
Co-chair, TMAC Ontario
moderntraveller.ca | modernmississauga.com | @itsjaykana | @moderntraveller.ca

“There are no silly questions. Period. Full stop. Everyone had a first conference experience at some point and had questions. There’s a wealth of information presented to you in the months leading up to and at the conference, and it can be overwhelming. A question I asked at my first conference was in the hotel, and it was, “Can you tell me where the restroom is?” The person smiled and pointed above my head to the restroom sign. I laughed. She laughed. We laughed. You’ll always be encouraged to ask questions at TMAC conferences, and you’ll always get an answer.”

Conference events

The conference kicks off with a Welcome Reception, typically held in a unique location. This event has a keynote speaker, beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and works as your first networking opportunity to find someone you know or make new acquaintances. TMAC is better with friends and facilitates new friendships very easily. It’s a great way to start the week and get introduced to the destination.

Tip from Ashlyn George
Content Creator, Writer, Photographer, Speaker
thelostgirlsguide.com | @thelostgirlsguide

“First off, don’t be nervous. TMAC members are genuinely some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and you will make connections. My biggest recommendation is to take advantage of every opportunity and be intentional about meeting people. Sit with different people every meal, on tours, and don’t be afraid to walk up to someone and say, ‘Hey, I don’t think we’ve met yet.’ TMAC is an incredible opportunity to build relationships (and friendships) across the industry, and the benefits will come back to you tenfold. But it starts with putting yourself out there.”

Daily breakfast is offered at both hotels before the activities begin, often following an optional mindful morning event (yoga or meditation) at the host hotel. Lunches are provided at the conference centre and most dinners are associated with evening activities. As such, most of your meals are covered by the conference. Plan to spend some money on snacks and beverages if the limited alcoholic beverage tickets provided are not sufficient.

Every night, there is an optional after-hours party, an informal gathering of folks willing to stay up and socialise at a nearby pub or bar. While you might not want to attend every night, going at least once, be it just to fulfil your curiosity, is recommended. Every event is a networking opportunity, but it is also a chance to learn from others, make new friends, meet future collaborators, get to know magazine editors, and generally build long-term relationships in the industry. 

Tip from Jerry Grymek
Executive Vice President and Managing Director, LMA Digital
President, TMAC
lma.ca | @lmacommunications

“First-timers should know that the Marketplace is not the only time that you will get to meet with members. From PD sessions to local tours to dine around dinners over the 4 days, you will have ample opportunity to talk with different media and industry members and truly have deeper conversations. TMAC members are natural communicators, so they are always happy to speak. For the different dinners, try to sit at different tables so you can ensure meeting someone new. We are told time and time again that the TMAC Conference is one of the best for networking and for the cost.”

Media marketplace 

Media Marketplace is what most people come to TMAC for, it is a fantastic opportunity to get face time with destinations and travel organisations. The appointments need to be booked ahead of time and work both ways: trade can request appointments with media, and media can request appointments with trade. Keep a close eye on the booking system, popular destinations book up fast, and you might have appointment invitations waiting for you. It is okay to decline an invitation if it does not fit your goals, trade will decline yours for similar reasons. Make sure to complete your TMAC Conference attendee profile, it’s what the industry members will be looking at when booking appointments. 

Tip from Yashy Murphy
Travel Writer, Lifestyle Content Creator and Social Media Consultant, On-Air Personality. 
TMAC National Communications Committee member
parentingtogo.ca | @yashyanthi

“Bring a large, sealed mug filled with warm water and drop in a lozenge like Ricola. Sipping it during your 1:1 marketplace appointments keeps your voice warm, steady, and ready for back-to-back conversations.”

The media marketplace is set up in a large open room with trade seated the entire time and media travelling from table to table. A map of the seating chart will be shared with you via email and posted outside of the room. Appointments are 13 minutes long, with 2 minutes of travel time (15 minutes total). These few hours go by fast and can feel quite intense.

To make the most of these meetings, come prepared to speak to who you are and what you do, what you offer. The destination representative will speak to their focus, be prepared to tailor your request and offerings to address those needs on the spot. Bring business cards or prepare QR codes, people might not ask, but it’s better to be overprepared. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Dine around: St. Tropez Bistro, Saskatoon. Images by Kateryna Topol.

Tip from Davindra Ramnarine
Owner of goatrotichronicles.ca | @goatroti
TMAC Ontario Co-Chair

“First timers may leave the conference very positive about their meetings and may be expecting the offers to come flooding in, but they shouldn’t be discouraged if they don’t come right away. Use the conference to build long-term relationships. Destinations need to learn about you and your work before they reach out. Also, walk with lip balm and cough drops because you’ll need them for 2 days of meetings”

Personal development sessions

These sessions are spread across two days and divided into media, industry, or all members. The sessions cover a range of topics pitched by the community or brought forward by the organising committee based on feedback from previous years. The 2026 PD session schedule is already up, so you can plan ahead. Attendance is first-come, no need to sign up.

The closing keynote, typically takes place over lunch on the last day, in a way, is also a learning opportunity. Notable guests like writers, community leaders, and government representatives come to share their impactful stories and insights learned through years of experience. Next year’s destination is revealed at the closing lunch, so you won’t want to miss this event. 

Tip from Tania Kedikian
Vice President, DCI
TMAC Conference Chair
aboutdci.com | @aboutdci

“As the Chair of TMAC 2026, my biggest advice to first-timers is to trust the flow of the conference. Every element, from the PD sessions to the tours to those late-night socials, is designed with intention, so you’ll get the most out of TMAC by leaning into the rhythm of the week. Come with curiosity rather than expectations, because the moments that end up meaning the most are usually the ones you don’t plan. And looking ahead to Richmond in 2026, we’re building a program that truly reflects the spirit of the destination: warm, welcoming, and full of opportunities to connect. If you show up open to the experience, TMAC will surprise you in the best ways.”

Cocktails at the PARLoR cocktail bar, a family-owned and operated establishment with a green roof serving arguably the best cocktails in Saskatoon. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Opening reception at Remai Modern. Image by Kateryna Topol.

Host destination events  

A lot of your time will be spent on pre-planned conference events, but if time permits, use it to explore the destination on your own. My wishlist in Saskatoon included a few cocktail bars, which were a great opportunity to catch up with friends and get to know new people in a more intimate environment. 

Some of the host destination events are open to all attendees, while others are broken up into smaller groups. During conference registration, you will have an option to choose three local tours you are most interested in. The conference team will choose one for you, based on demand and availability. Saskatoon tours included Indigenous community visits, beer crawls, active adventures, and in my instance, a farm visit. A small group of us were shuttled out to Farm One Forty, where we spent time with farmer-operator Arlie LaRoche, who raises cows, pigs, sheep, and manages an amazing garden. The visit wrapped with a cooking demo and a cheese tasting.

Among other evening meals are dine-around and the local host dinner. Saskatoon local host dinner took place at Champetre County, a “breathtaking Ranch in St Denis”. Before sitting down for a large communal dinner, delegates had time to wonder about the ranch, take pictures, pet horses, and enjoy breakout conversations in a beautiful setting. The dinner at the ranch was served family style, with a few speeches and a musical performance by a local artist.

Dine around, on the other hand, is a more intimate gathering. Conference attendees are broken up into much smaller groups to either walk or take a shuttle to a local restaurant. My group of about ten people had the pleasure of dining at St. Tropez Bistro, owned by the same couple who operate PARLoR cocktail bar. An environment like this one is a great opportunity to really get to know people beyond your quick media marketplace meetings. 

The big event is the TMAC Awards Gala and Dinner. This is a formal seated, coursed dinner, with a black tie dress code. Award winners are announced throughout the meal, and once the official reception is over, people stay back to dance and mingle. 

Some years also include other evening activities, like karaoke nights and other fun socials. 

Tip from Jay Kana 
Owner, Modern Traveller & Modern Mississauga
Co-chair, TMAC Ontario
moderntraveller.ca | modernmississauga.com | @itsjaykana | @moderntraveller.ca

“Rest, rest, rest, rest, rest. There are meetings, seminars, more meetings, connecting with friends, making new ones, managing your schedule, evening events and more. If you’re sluggish and tired on the second morning, it can be difficult to re-energise yourself for the balance of the conference. Prioritise rest, whether it’s sleeping longer at night or power naps during the day when time permits, being well-rested is crucial. Instead of a third point, let’s call it a bonus point in addition to rest: drink plenty of water!”

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Local tour to Farm One Forty. Image courtesy of TMAC.

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Firepit at Farm One Forty and owner operator Arlie LaRoch; images by Kateryna Topol.

Pre- and post-tours

The pre-and post-tours selection is curated by the host destination. There are always at least three options before and after the conference to choose from. Much like with local tours, media members can pick three tours they are most interested in and will be placed into one by the TMAC planning committee.

These tours are essentially press trips hosted by regional destinations. They include accommodations, activities, and meals with an expectation that attendees produce a story about the destination.

Travel & Accommodations 

TMAC attendees can take advantage of discounts with major airlines within a specific travel timeline (inclusive of pre- and post-tours). Booking instructions and codes can be found in the emails.

Delegates are offered a discounted rate at the host hotel and an additional nearby hotel option. In Saskatoon, for example, the host hotel was Delta Hotels Bessborough, only a short walk away from the secondary option, Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown. Bessborough is an older, castle-like property with intricate traditional finishes and tall ceilings. Delta Downtown, on the other hand, is a newer, only slightly smaller property with very similar amenities. Booking instructions can be found in the conference emails and on the TMAC conference website.

Upon arrival, all delegates are greeted by a local team and can take advantage of the conference shuttle, also available on departure. Throughout the week, a shuttle will also be available for all off-site events and activities. 

TMAC 2025, Saskatoon. Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown room and view of the host hotel Delta Hotels Bessborough from the room window.

The post TMAC Conference guide for first-timers appeared first on Paths to Travel.

Atlanta Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/atlanta
Date: January 11-12, 2025
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

IMM

travmedia.com/immnorthamerica
Date: January 22-23, 2025
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Free, must apply as active media and be selected to attend.
Membership requirements: TravMedia.com, free.

Programming: TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace (IMM), one-on-one meetings, and a one-day summit.

Who is this event for: The travel industry, active media, broadcasters, and influencers.

Inclusions: Trade floor, appointments, summit.

FAM/press trip options: N/A

New York Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/new-york
Date: January 25-26, 2025
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: None.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

TravelCon

travelcon.org
Date: March 14-16, 2025
Location: Tucson, AZ
Cost: $99 – $399 for creators, $699 for industry.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Expo, sessions, meetings with industry, meetups.

Who is this event for: Travel creators and industry.

Inclusions: Expo, sessions, meetings with industry, meetups. All-access creator pass has reserved seating and lounge access. Free 1-Year Access to Online Creator Community.

FAM/press trip options: Available.

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/san-francisco-bay-area
Date: March 15-16, 2025
Location: San Francisco, California
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, YouTube Travel Star, Drew Binksy and The Points Guy Columnist, Scott Mayerowitz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show

travelshows.com/shows/washingtondc
Date: March 29-30, 2025
Location: Washington, DC
Cost: Free, must apply for press credentials as active media.
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Learn the latest travel tips, trends and advice in 4 theatres located right on the show floor, and get the chance to meet your favourite travel celebrities including Award-Winning Travel Writer, Director and Producer, Andrew McCarthy, CBS Travel News Editor, Peter Greenberg, Travel Guide Book Legend, Pauline Frommer, and NY Times Bestselling Author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Patricia Schultz.

Who is this event for: Trade, media, advisors.

Inclusions: Access to the tradeshow and programming as well as access to over ten thousand dollars in travel savings, trip giveaways, and exclusive show-only deals.

FAM/press trip options: NA

WITS

witsummit.com/downtownnyc
Date: May 16-18, 2025, May 13-21 inclusive of FAM trips.
Location: New York, New York
Cost: Creator non-member $444, member $364; beginner BootCamp is $120, and industry is $1,199.
Membership requirements: Membership* is optional, on sale now for $9/month ($29 normally) for a traveller membership and $24/mo ($44 normally) for a creator membership. A 14-day trial is available.

Programming: Three days of sessions, tours, networking events, and industry meetings. I attended in 2024, here’s more on how WITS Utah went.

Who is this event for: Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, media, DMOs, and industry.

Inclusions: All sessions and workshops, media Marketplace, official parties and happy hours, tours and events, Sunday Brunch, and a ticket to the Bessie Awards.

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are multiple days and include overnight stays. Pre-conference FAMs are May 13-15, and post-conference FAMs are May 19-21. I attended two last year, they were maxed out at 5 people. Access by application.

AdventureELEVATE

events.adventuretravel.biz/adventureelevate/north-america-2025
Date: May 23-30, 2025
Location: Denver, Colorado
Cost: Free, must apply as active media, travel content creators, and broadcasters.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Content focused on building your business or brand in North America, establish connections with media, buyers, and suppliers from North America, learn about cutting-edge trends, access motivational talks, and business solutions, and join exciting outdoor activities.

Who is this event for: Industry and media.

Inclusions: Marketplace and media connect sessions, day of adventure, plenary sessions and accelerator workshops, and multiple networking opportunities. Approved media will receive:

• Official Media accreditation at ELEVATE and entry to AdventureELEVATE conference sessions and networking events (29-30 May 2025)
• Accommodations at the Hyatt Regency in Denver (4 nights total)
• Round-trip economy airfare to and from Denver and ground transportation and meals within the destination
• Day of Adventure in Denver: 28 May 2025. Travel costs to the destination will be covered for fully-hosted media with the requirement to participate in a Day of Adventure.

FAM/press trip options: NA

22nd Annual NATJA Conference & Marketplace

natja.org/conference
Date: June 2 – 5, 2025
Location: Palm Springs, California
Cost: Media cost is $799, industry cost is $1,599, there are also lower tickets available if you’d like to bring your partner.
Membership requirements: NATJA membership, by application, $200 USD fee.

Programming: The annual conference brings together NATJA media and destination marketing organization members, from all over the world, for three days of professional development, networking, and tours of the host destination. 

Who is this event for: Media, creators, and industry.

Inclusions:

• 3-Night Stay at Margaritaville Resort, NATJA coordinates hotel reservations on your behalf.
• Professional Development Sessions, Marketplace, and Networking
• Afternoon Tours and Press Trip Opportunity
•  All scheduled conference meals and Airport Transfers

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are multiple days and include overnight stays. Last year there were five post-conference trips, Access by application.

TMAC Conference and Media Marketplace

travelmedia.ca/tmac-conference-2025
Date: June 4-8, 2025, May 31- June 12 inclusive of FAMs
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Cost: CA + tax: Media Members $220, Industry Members: $1,400 plus tax.
Registration opens on February 3, 2025
Membership requirements: TMAC membership, by application, CA$225 + tax media membership fee.

Programming: Gathering of industry professionals, media experts, and travel enthusiasts as we come together to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and innovations in travel media

Who is this event for: Travel Media Writers/Creators/Photographers and Travel Media Industry Representatives.

Inclusions:

• Media marketplace, Professional Development Sessions,
• Local Tours, Pre and Post Tours
• TMAC Dinner and Awards Gala
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Onsite transportation

FAM/press trip options: This year there are local tours, media members can pick either PRE or POST FAM, this year there are 6 tours available.

IPW

ipw.com
Date: June 14-18, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Free if approved. Media interested in attending IPW should submit their name and credentials for review to the International Advisory Committee (IAC) Chair in their region, along with several examples of recently published articles in accredited news outlets (within the past 12 months). Articles must be about travel within the United States. Info for USA-based journalists, info for international journalists.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: IPW connects travel buyers and media with America’s top travel exhibitors through an efficient face-to-face show format with abundant business and networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Working journalists and media.

Inclusions:

• Access to the IPW Online Press Room, offering comprehensive press materials, 30 days in advance of IPW and 3 months after.
• Exclusive Press Brunch and Destination Experiences on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
• Brand USA Media Marketplace activities on Monday, June 16, 2025.
• Opportunity to request additional appointments with exhibitors who did not participate in the Brand USA Media Marketplace.
• All meals and related functions.
• Year-long organization listing on ipw.com and online access to all registered exhibitors.

FAM/press trip options: NA

TBEX North America 2025

tbexcon.com/north-america-2025
Date: June 16-19, 2025, June 16-23 inclusive of FAMs.
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Cost: $597 CA for travel creator ticket, $897 for industry.
Membership requirements: NA

Programming: Inspiration, education, and serious business meetings, leave with actionable tips, tricks, and advice you can put into practice right away, networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, industry.

Inclusions:

• All Keynotes, Breakout Sessions, and Session Recordings.
• Pre-BEX Day Trips.
• Speed Networking.
• Sponsor Showcase Access and Evening Events.
• Any Included Meals, and Coffee Breaks.
• Access to Advanced Workshop Registration.

FAM/press trip options: FAMs are available by application, this year there are 10 post-event trips.

TBEX Summit America

tbexcon.com/summit-america-2025
Date: October 1-4, 2025
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Cost: Travel creator is $227, industry is $497
Membership requirements: NA.

Programming: Inspiration, education, and serious business meetings, leave with actionable tips, tricks, and advice you can put into practice right away, networking opportunities.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, industry.

Inclusions:

• All Keynotes, Breakout Sessions, and Session Recordings.
• Pre-BEX Day Trips.
• Speed Networking.
• Sponsor Showcase Access and Evening Events.
• Any Included Meals, and Coffee Breaks.
• Access to Advanced Workshop Registration.

FAM/press trip options: Pre-bex day tours are not yet announced.

IFWTWA Conference

ifwtwa.org/2025-ifwtwa-conference
Date: October 12-16, 2025
Location: Lafayette, CA
Cost: Member early bird by December 31 is $225, non-member is $359. After that, the costs go up periodically to $299 member and $399 non-member.
Membership requirements: IFWTWA is an International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, membership is by application, membership fees are $105 to $255 USD.

Programming: IFWTWA 2025 is a great opportunity for professional development and networking with each other and sponsors during the conference. In addition, pre- and post-trips as well as activities during the conference.

Who is this event for: Media, creators, and industry.

Inclusions: Not clearly listed, assuming event access and opportunity to apply for FAMs.

FAM/press trip options: Pre-conference FAM trips are available by application, last year there were 7 multi-day trips offered.

The post Which North American travel conferences should you attend in 2025 appeared first on Paths to Travel.

The first thing to note is the conference does change year to year depending on the sponsor destination. However, from what I’ve seen and heard at #WITSUtah, it is only getting better. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.  

Professional & Personal Connections 

Some of the women I’ve met in Mexico City, some of them I’ve met online, and connecting with them throughout this week was really fun.  One thing I heard from the event participants constantly is that their favourite part of the summit is meeting other women and learning from each other. Friendships are made fast in these environments and they come with longevity tied to community.

The second aspect is all the professional connections you are able to make with destination representatives, travel businesses, and other incredibly successful women. You can also book mentor meetings with creators and writers of your choice to learn 1-on-1. Some of the connections I made during the virtual visits back during the dark days have actually led to collaborations (see Québec Maritimes for example). This year we had an active media marketplace of travel industry vendors who took 1-on-1 meetings with creators. Having attended a few meetings I cannot wait to see what grows out of these relationships.

The Conference

The conference itself is 3 days of talks and group activities. There is a separate stream for beginners where aspiring creators and bloggers can learn from the industry’s best. The rest of the talks ranged from learning to inspiring and everything in between. We talked about financial stability, dove into taxes, went in-depth on the difficult topics about travel, ethics, and diversity, learned how to be better writers, and better photographers, and how to turn all those no’s into yes’s. 

This year the destination partners, Visit Utah and Park City, chose to spend one of the days in Park City where the entire group of (400+) attendees got to select activities in the region and then came together for a massive celebration dinner. It was a spectacular event hosted by Empire Canyon Lodge high up in the snowy Utah mountains. 

All the Fun Celebrations & Opportunities to Create

We had a Gala for the Bessie Awards, we had an opening party, we had beers on the rooftop, group meals and excursions, and chose to hang out with one another after official events. For the opening party this year the group was bussed out to the Natural History Museum of Utah for cocktails, food, and live music. Parts of the museum were open for exploration as well. With opportunities like these, the summit offers a lot of room for fun and photography and all of us left Utah with plenty of reels, images, and stories to tell. I have a few posts and many stories and still much more to share.

FAM trips & Day Trips

The summit is attended by travelers, travel creators, business owners, and members of destination marketing groups. All WITS attendees are invited to participate in a range of day trips and excursions. These are offered on a first-come basis, no need to be a creator, though you might be inspired to become one. There were walking tours, hiking tours, skiing tours, sake and whisky tasting tours, active tours, and chocolate-making activities, and some attendees even drove out to the Salt Flats for a photoshoot! 

The creators are invited to apply for a range of overnight FAM trips (familiarization trips). Those accepted, join other creators on small guided group tours fully financed by the destination. I was able to participate in two trips, one before and one after the summit. These trips were themed and expertly guided. We saw a lot of the state, tasted amazing food, stayed in exciting hotels, and connected with other creators.

As mentioned, the FAM trips and excursions take place before and after the summit, so the event is not just 3 days. My trip inclusive of all excursions was 10 days. That of course, was also my choice. 

Above: tasking with Tsuki Sake, a woman-run Salt Lake City sake company.
Below: tour, tasting, and lunch at High West Distillery, was so happy to do this one! Learned a lot about their production method and the hearty lunch.

Opportunities to Win

Personal wins are of course plenty but you can also win tangible gifts. The 2024 summit had 3 contests: 

• Salt Lake City airport social media challenge where the winner got a free Creator Ticket to WITS 2025 ($444 value) + a swag goodie bag from SLC International Airport.
• Park City scavenger hunt the winner of which wins a free trip to Park City.
• Sponsor prize from Influencer Kit that included a $250 Amazon Gift Card, a free ticket to WITS 2025, a lifetime Wanderful Creator Membership, and a lifetime InfluenceKit Grow. It was a raffle and I won, which honestly I am very excited about!

A Few Tips & Considerations:

1. Book your hotel rooms in advance and take advantage of the host hotel rate, it was quite significant. If you change your mind the rooms are typically refundable until quite close to the event date. 
2. Book flights ahead of time, and if you can book flex in case you need to change the dates.
3. FAM trips get announced about two months before so the above pre-planning is important if you are trying to save money on travel.
4. Stay on top of the tours and excursions schedule, they can book up fast.
5. Check the media marketplace listings a few times, they are not all added at once. 
6. Add an extra day or two to explore the host city on your own time.
7. Join the Wanderful network in the meantime to continue learning and networking throughout the year. 

WITS 2025 will be held in Downtown NYC from May 16th to 18th, get more info and tickets at witsummit.com/downtownnyc.

The post What’s it like to attend WITS, Travel Creator Summit appeared first on Paths to Travel.