What past attendees have to say about Travel & Words:
Writers
“Attending any workshop or conference can be a leap of faith. Here’s why I continue to attend this one year after year. Productive one on one networking with other writers and hospitality reps. Value: low cost, high return. Ability to explore and confirm new writing markets. Practical workshops and speakers. Ability to apply for outstanding pre and post trips. Highly recommend!” — Linda Kissam, President, International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association
“Attending Travel & Words gave me the insider’s track to the NW. The conference was the perfect place to meet travel industry pros, learn more about this region and what I wanted to experience, photograph and write about. I recommend it to anyone living in, or planning to explore, the NW.” – Mary Charlebois, Freelance Travel Journalist/Photographer
“I loved meeting other travel writers, learning from some of the industry’s brightest minds, and connecting with DMOs and CVBs at the Travel and Words Conference. Whether listening to an inspiring keynote address or talking with writers and editors in smaller workshops, I came away with a better understanding of the industry, made valuable connections, and developed numerous story ideas over three awesome days.” — Matt Wastradowski, Freelance Writer
“Writing is most often a solitary task. Attending Travel and Words for the last two years has reminded me that I’m not in it alone. Annually, an incredible network of fellow writers, editors, and destination reps get together to teach, learn, and share every aspect of travel writing, from the craft itself to pitching strategies and social media marketing. This conference is a gold mine for travel writers of all levels. Each year, I walk away with more contacts and story ideas than I know what to do with.” — Brandon Fralic, Freelance Writer
“The Travel & Words Conference has provided me with many opportunities to learn from the top travel writers in our region, at the conference and long after through friendships formed during the weekend. It’s a great learning tool, a professional networking opportunity and a fun weekend spent talking about travel in the Pacific Northwest and beyond!” — Dena Weigel Bell, Freelance Writer
“Travel and Words offers a friendly venue where writers of every skill level can connect with editors, tourism professionals and other writers. Plus, you discover what’s new and exciting in the Northwest, often before anyone else does.” — Heather Larson, Freelance Writer
“Travel & Words has been a great opportunity for me to gain insight about Northwest travel destinations and trends. The pace of the conference is perfect and I’ve always come away with new story ideas. I enjoy the time to get away and connect with fellow writers, editors and tourism professionals. It’s been a smart investment in my writing career and I’m looking forward to the next conference.” — Linda Jenkins, Travel Writer
DMOs
“As a tourism professional, I find the Travel & Words Conference to be extremely valuable. It is well organized, informative and a terrific way to connect with freelance writers and share information about my region. I’ve made some great connections through this conference…which have resulted in more media coverage for my region. Travel & Words is well worth the investment.” — Kara Kuh, PR Manager, Travel Salem
“Every year Travel & Words builds on its success bringing together qualified, interested writers and diverse industry colleagues. As an exhibitor, I have made dozens of great connections and always look forward to learning new trends and strategies from the incredible speakers and panelists the conference attracts. Looking forward to meeting fresh faces and re-connecting with old friends at this conference. Cheers to next year!” — Stephen Hoshaw, Travel Lane County
“Travel and Words provides an exhibiting destination the rare opportunity to spend quality time with writers. I have not only developed enduring professional relationships from this conference, but I have met people who have become some of my dearest friends. Not just friends in the travel writing industry, but friends in every sense of the word. The caliber of people who attend is simply astounding. I highly recommend taking time to participate in the conference, at least once.” Sherrye Wyatt, Whidbey Camano Islands
“As a writer attending Travel and Words, I not only built lasting relationships, I learned from the many workshop sessions on working with editors and pitching story ideas. And as an exhibitor for Visit Tillamook Coast, I was able to share our story and focus on nature-based travel with dozens of writers who quickly followed up with published articles.” — Nan Devlin, Tourism Director, Oregon’s Tillamook Coast