The primary focus of the Travel & Words conferences is to build productive connections between journalists and destination marketers. This takes the form of scheduled one-on-one meetings as well as plenty of casual networking opportunities. Expert travel and tourism industry presenters will share valuable insights into how journalists and destinations can effectively champion media coverage and promotion of responsible tourism. In addition to one-on-one meetings … MORE
The 2024 keynote presentation is "The City and the Sea" by Dean Burke. You might know Dean though his Insta handle, “Tacoma And The Sea.” He has been documenting and sharing experiences about our local waters for more than a decade. Or you might also know him as the President & CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Tourism Authority. The line between his job and his life is blurred, as his love of this city and region is a full-time affair. Dean … MORE
One of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve undertaken in my media career is chairing the Travel & Words Conference. Witnessing the connections that spark between travel writers and destination marketers is inspiring. And seeing the end result—a well-written published article by one of the writers in attendance about a destination represented at Travel & Words—is the ultimate reward.