Before my first TBEX in Quebec City, I had a million questions. “Is TBEX worth going to for new creators? Will I feel imposter syndrome? What topics will TBEX cover?“
Since I’d been to other travel conferences like WITS and TravelCon, I knew a little of what to expect beforehand. But oh boy, I was not expecting to be sailing a cruise ship around the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac for the opening party. Or go on an epic whale watching tour.
Every TBEX has its own local twist based on the host city, but the general vibe stays the same. Let me break down for you exactly what to expect when you attend your first TBEX travel conference so that you can walk into the room with full confidence.
I’ll be sharing tips based on my first-hand experiences at TBEX Quebec City, a breakdown of the conference schedule, how to sign up for those crazy fun pre-conference tours, and more!
Table of Contents
What Is TBEX, Exactly?
TBEX stands for Travel Blog Exchange. It actually started off as a small meetup for travel bloggers in Chicago back in 2009. Word of mouth did its thing, and over 250 people showed up!
Since then, it’s grown into the largest gathering of travel bloggers, content creators, and travel industry professionals. TBEX hosts several conferences each year, attracting 500 to 700 attendees on average. When I found out that over 1,300 people attended TBEX Toronto, I was honestly shocked!
And despite the name, TBEX isn’t just for travel bloggers anymore. The conference now includes sessions on YouTube, social media strategy, AI tools, and more.
Whether you’re creating videos or social media content or running a podcast, there’s always something here for you.
Why I Decided to Attend TBEX
I’ve had my eye on TBEX for a while now, but the timing was never quite right. When they hosted it in Puerto Rico, I had just started a new job. I felt so much FOMO. Even now, I still regret not going because I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about TBEX Puerto Rico.
And because TBEX is a travel blogging conference, it stood out to me. As a blogger, I knew I couldn’t keep putting it off. So when they announced TBEX Quebec City, there was no hesitation in grabbing a ticket.
Quebec City also gives me the perfect excuse to go. A chance to step into “Europe” without even leaving North America? Sold!
Of course, with Quebec City being a drivable distance from NYC, I have to make it even more memorable and 10x more fun. I turned it into a siblings’ road trip!
What Happens at TBEX? A Breakdown of TBEX Schedule
If you’re anything like I was before my first TBEX, you’re probably wondering: What happens at TBEX?
So here’s a breakdown based on my experience at TBEX Quebec City so you know exactly what to expect!
Checking in at the Registration Desk
First things first: check-in. Before you can go on any tours or attend any parties, you’ll need to stop by the registration desk to pick up your badge and goodie bag.
In Quebec City, there was a fun little system where you added a star to your badge for every TBEX you’ve attended. Even if this is your very first TBEX, you still get one star! I found this super helpful for spotting other newbies.
Whenever I see an attendee with a badge filled with stars, I love asking them, “Which TBEX have you been to?”. It was an instant conversation starter!
Pre-BEX Tours (1–2 Days Before the Conference)
Before the main conference begins, TBEX offers free, optional day tours provided by the host city’s tourism boards. These are called Pre-BEX Tours, and they’re one of the best ways to explore the destination and connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed, small-group setting.
Don’t worry if you’re a new blogger or content creator; everyone can sign up for pre-TBEX tours! The tour registration opens up a few months before the conference, and it’s first come, first served. Because spots are limited, watch your email closely!
Pre-BEX Tours in Quebec City
In Quebec City, there were 13 tours available: from sunset kayaking to the Onhwa Lumina light show, and even hiking the Jacques-Cartier National Park. I’m not kidding when I say I had decision paralysis. After all, you only get to pick one!
I ended up choosing the whale‑watching tour in Charlevoix and it was incredible. It was my fourth attempt at whale watching… and finally, it happened! Even better, I got to share the experience with a group of travel bloggers.
If it’s your first TBEX, do not skip these tours. They’re fun, free, and the perfect icebreaker, especially if you’re a little nervous about walking into a room full of strangers. Bonding over a shared experience makes starting conversations so much easier.
Opening Night Party (Evening Before the Conference)
If your pre-TBEX tour is not scheduled on this day, then you’ll have all the time to explore the city until the opening party at night. I spent my time wandering through Old Quebec City.
At TBEX Quebec City, the opening night party was truly epic. Can you believe they hosted it on a cruise ship?
The crew gave us glasses of champagne as soon as we boarded the Croisières AML Louis Jolliet. We sailed past the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and enjoyed the beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River all night long.
There were unlimited drinks (I sampled all the creative mocktails) and delicious apps like lobster rolls and mini desserts. We ate, socialized, and danced the night away!
So even if you’re shy, it’s easy to make friends. Just smile, say hi, and you’ll find someone to chat with in no time.
TBEX Day 1: Keynotes, Sessions, and Speed Networking
The first day of the conference begins early and is full of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Things kick off with an impactful opening keynote speech, followed by breakout sessions.
Pro tip: Bring a power bank so you don’t run out of battery mid-session! This one is my personal favorite!
Breakout Sessions by Track
Since not all TBEX attendees have similar interests or platforms, TBEX thoughtfully divided the sessions into five tracks:
Digital Strategy
Video
Partnerships
Business Models
Food & Beverage
It’s great having the option to bounce between tracks depending on what I needed most.
These sessions can be expert-led or panel discussions. When it’s closer to the conference dates, you can check out the TBEX website for more information on each session.
They categorize each session by level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. So, no matter your experience level, you’ll definitely leave with lessons learned!
Networking with Brands at TBEX
One thing you’ll notice right away is the Sponsor Showcase, a large room filled with travel companies and tourism boards. This is available on both conference days.
You can stop by anytime to introduce yourself. Bring your business card and make some networking connections. There’s also a dedicated block of time for speed networking sessions. You get 8 mins to give your elevator pitch!
The Must-Attend First-Timers Session
Since this is your first TBEX conference, do not miss the First-Timer’s Session. I honestly think it was the most valuable session of the entire conference.
Tomiko Harvey, director of TBEX North America, led this at TBEX Quebec City. And she absolutely delivered. The session was full of gold nuggets, from how to approach brands to what you should include in your media kit.
Even better, there were representatives from destination marketing organizations (DMOs) who shared exactly what they look for in creator partnerships. It was one of the most practical and honest sessions of the entire conference, especially if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed.
TBEX Day 2: More Sessions + Closing Reception
Day two follows the same format: keynote, then more breakouts and panels. The conference officially wraps up with a Closing Night Party.
In Quebec City, the closing party was at the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury. We had musical performances and a fashion show by the Indigenous tribes of Quebec! Once again, the appetizers were delicious. I didn’t know I liked raw fish that much before.
Unless you’re going on a FAM trip after the conference, the closing party will be where you’ll say goodbye to all your new friends until you meet again.
FAM Trips After the Conference
FAM trips (short for familiarization trips) happen after the conference. It usually lasts around 3 to 7 days. They are typically sponsored by the cities where the travel conference is hosted. The FAM trips will cover all the costs, including accommodation, meals, activities, and transportation. Sounds amazing, right?
But because of the cost, they’re picky about who gets invited. Your audience size, content style, and platform you post on all matter. However, if you’re chosen, it’s an incredible opportunity to create high-quality content and deepen your relationship with the host destination.
TBEX First-Timer FAQ
Is TBEX Worth It for New Bloggers?
TBEX is absolutely worth attending as your first travel conference. While the presence of other travel bloggers is inspiring in itself, the knowledge, tips, and confidence that you’ll gain are invaluable if you’re just starting out.
And honestly, the tours alone make up for the investment. In Quebec City, they gave us privilege cards that let us explore the city at our own pace.
What’s Included in a TBEX Ticket?
A creator ticket gives you access to all main conference sessions, keynotes, the sponsor showcase, and all the parties. You’ll also have the chance to register for a free Pre-BEX tour and apply for post-conference FAM trips. Note: Spots for these are limited and not guaranteed.
If you’re wondering about ticket types, pricing tiers, and how to save money, I break it all down in this guide to getting the best TBEX tickets.
Do I Need A Large Following to Attend TBEX?
Definitely not. TBEX is very beginner-friendly. You’ll find many sessions suitable for beginners, teaching you about different ways of monetization, from streaming to UGC.
And for working with brands, it’s not always about the follower count. Many tourism boards and companies are more interested in finding creators who align with their brand values and can deliver high-quality content.
Will I Feel Out of Place Going to TBEX Alone?
It can be scary attending a conference by yourself. But trust me, by the time you leave, you’ll have so many friends to say goodbye to.
At my first TBEX, I didn’t know a single person going in. But at the closing reception, I made rounds saying goodbye to so many people. It’s such a welcoming community, and the shared experiences make it easy to connect, even if you’re going in alone.
And if you need inspiration for what to do between events? Check out these solo travel experiences that are perfect when you’ve got time to yourself.
Is TBEX Summit Different from TBEX?
If you’ve checked out the TBEX events page, you might have noticed there are several conferences happening in Europe, Asia, and North America. But what’s the difference between TBEX North America and TBEX Summit America?
Turns out, the TBEX Summit is for creators who are more advanced in their fields. Instead of the broader topics covered at the regular TBEX conferences, the Summit offers longer, more in-depth discussions and opportunities for collaboration.
It’s a great fit if you’re looking to dive deeper and connect on a more advanced level.
Should You Go to TBEX?
After my first TBEX experience, I was hooked! I actually bought tickets to TBEX Almaty right afterwards! So if you’re still considering attending TBEX, I hope this post helped turn your maybe into an absolute YES!
If you’re a travel blogger looking to connect with tourism boards, learn from experts, and find a like-minded community, TBEX is one of the best places to start. It’s inspiring, intense, and can be a little exhausting if you don’t pace yourself. Focus on what aligns with your travel blog or social media.
Hope to see you at the next TBEX!