The Javits Center was brimming with energy as journalists from around the world stood in line to pick up their press passes and make their way to the entrance of The New York Times Travel Show. As I proudly hung my press pass with its blue lanyard around my neck-representing The Pin the Map Project as a travel blogger-I walked into the cavernous space that held over 500 exhibitor booths of countries from around the world and more than 100 cultural presentations.
Like a blast to the senses, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, colors, music and sights emanating from each section of the room that represented a different part of the world. Near the Asia booths dozens of ornate, hand painted umbrellas were spun as dancers performed traditional routines; near Europe the decorative rugs of Morocco and tattoo designs of henna artists were seen; while in the Caribbean area photos of pristine beaches and turquoise waters called out to all who walked by.
Each year the New York Times Travel show brings together people from the travel industry, journalists, bloggers and consumers to regale themselves in a weekend of worldly bites, travel seminars and global performances. Everything from on-site deals, trip giveaways and traditional crafts are offered to attendees who are bound together by nothing more than a deeply-rooted love of wanderlust.
As a travel blogger, the weekend presents the unique opportunity to introduce oneself to tourism contacts and learn about opportunities to join upcoming press trips and cover various destinations. My first day at the travel show proved a whirlwind as I roamed from exhibitor to exhibitor, unsure of where to begin. If planning on one day attending The New York Times Travel Show, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your visit:
Register as Press
To register to join The New York Times Travel Show as press, simply visit: http://nyttravelshow.com/press/ and fill out the application for your website or publication. While anyone can purchase a consumer ticket to the show, press will receive a complimentary pass for all 3 days of the event and entrance to the Friday trade day open to travel professionals only.
Come with a Plan
Imagine entering a department store around the holidays without any idea of what to buy your loved ones; as the minutes tick by you find yourself wandering around aimlessly for hours as you grow increasingly frustrated by the crowds and eventually walk away empty handed. This is what it’s like to enter The New York Times Travel Show without a plan. When visiting The New York Times Travel Show, take a look at the interactive map of exhibitor booths and decide on which you will visit. A fellow travel writer and travel editor I know gave the best tip of only visiting the tourism boards of countries you anticipate seeing in the upcoming year as you will have a more productive conversation and form a stronger connection.
Network Before You Walk In
As a registered press pass holder you will receive an Excel of all the PR and tourism contacts that will be at The New York Times Travel Show (also known as striking travel writing gold!). Before even setting foot in the Javits Center, send an e-mail to the contacts you’d like to network with and introduce yourself and your website. Each exhibitor booth will be rampant with consumers and journalists looking to make a connection or gain information, so it helps to introduce yourself in advance and set up a time to meet.
Connect with Other Travel Writers
A reader once wrote me an e-mail about her time spent travel blogging and mentioned that although we all wade through a fascinating world, it is often a lonely one. The fact is that all travel writers and bloggers are on the move and looking to that next great trip and great story to write, so friendships are formed online through blog post comments and e-mails. When large travel shows and festivals take place, it is a time to bring all of us together and bond over our mutual passion and respect for the world of travel writing. As part of the NYC Travel Writers group (a fantastic Facebook group to join if you are a New York based writer), I was able to meet fellow travelers for drinks prior to the NYT Travel Show and build connections.
Confidence is Key
Although The Pin the Map Project has come a long way since I first pressed “publish” a year ago, it is still a growing travel site and nowhere on par with some of the great travel blogs out there. On my first day at the NYT Travel Show I felt a bit intimidated by this room full of editors, travel journalists and established bloggers but the fact is that confidence is truly key when it comes to events such as these and representing your work. Stand behind your blog-regardless of how novice it may be in the field-because if you don’t believe in your writing, no one will.
