12 sure-fire sources for stellar press trips

A post-conference press trip to London

“Where to next?”

If you’re a travel writer, January is an important time of year. Travel conference schedules have been finalized and, although invitations or editorial assignments can come up any time, it’s worth planning your schedule now so you don’t miss key events. Or, get stuck going somewhere nasty. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, press trips will likely be part of the process.

In his recent post Who would want to be a travel writer?, veteran freelance travel writer Mark Hodson notes that “when the recession first hit, it looked for a short while that the press trip might go the way of the fax machine…but now tourist boards and tour operators seem as keen as ever to organise press trips, anxious for coverage both in print and online.”

Where can you find steller press trips? Here are some top spots:

1. Media Kitty: Sign up for a free membership to this chatty online information exchange that unites working travel journalists and PR professionals worldwide. Get story ideas, submit requests or browse the popular media trips board. Then get ready to compete for space on one of the many press trips listed.

2. Travelwriters.com Free membership in this online community of travel writers lets you pose questions, browse topics of interest, score assignments and consider press trips on offer. Sparse pickings of late but still work checking out.

3. Travel Media Association of Canada:  Canada’s national trade association representing qualified members of the travel media is holding its 2011 national conference in Ottawa, with exciting pre and post trips. Monthly Munch n’ Mingle events and directory listings offer the opportunity to meet with industry pros.

4. Society of American Travel Writers: Qualify to join this prestigious organization and you’ll be attending conferences ( and pre/post trips) in New Zealand 2011 and Indianapolis in 2012. Plus, you’ll be listed in a Directory that’s a go-to spot for PR and travel industry pros.

5. World Travel Market: The World Travel Market is the grand-daddy of travel industry events, drawing almost 48,000 industry professionals across four days from Nov. 7-10, 2011. Score an invitation to this conference and you’ll meet with reps from over 150 countries - Angola to Uzbekistan.

6. International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association:  This network of journalists covering the hospitality industry offers an annual conference as well as ongoing opportunities for press to participate in  Taste & Tour events in foodie destinations such as Missouri, Switzerland and California.  Become a member and you’ll sail to Alaska in 2010.

7. Travel Classics Writers Conference:  This event offers pre/ post conference trips ( for 2011 it’s in Dublin and Vancouver) and includes presentations & workshops with top magazine editors, one-on-one consultations with 6-8 guest editors (not for the tongue-tied).

8. VEMEX: Presented by the European Travel Commission, the Visit Europe Media Exchange (VEMEX) is a one day forum for industry professionals and travel media. Held in three locations in North America – New York, Toronto and LA ( or south Florida), it’s a whirlwind series of one-on-one appointments much like speed dating. Be ready to pitch your best story ideas to industry representatives at break-neck speed. If there’s a match, you may be invited on a press visit. If not, at least you’ll have a suitcase full of swag and plenty of story ideas.

9. GoMedia Canada Marketplace:  Sponsored by the Canadian Tourism Commission, this is where Canada’s provinces, territories and industry suppliers strut their stuff in a selection of first rate pre/post conference tours. This year’s shindig will be held in Edmonton, Alberta.

10. Travel South Showcase: Held in Atlanta in February 2011 and Louisville Kentucky in 2012, this conference is focused mostly on tour operators and suppliers but still offers plenty of networking and city FAM tours for travel trade journalists  looking for an excuse to visit Waffle House or enjoy some southern hospitality in the winter.* 

11. Travel Media Showcase:This annual event, held in different U.S. cities each year, offers an opportunity for travel journalists and travel industry professionals to meet one-on-one, at a single location. A wide range of often unique Pre/Post tours (Oklahoma City in 2011) can make it worth braving the gruelling appointment schedule.

12. Adventure Travel World Summit:  Strap on your mountaineering gear for this conference focused on outdoor adventure, extreme sports and professional development. To be held in Chiapas Mexico in October 2011, it features top notch speakers, networking, marketplace appointments with suppliers and plenty of opportunity to explore the host destination.

13. Central America Travel Market: This annual conference profiles the countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Honduras with a conference, business exhibition and several pre and post trips. In 2011, CATM will be held in Panama.

Anyone have any other sources or favourite conferences? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

Note: Most conferences require qualification by way of clips, significant publication circulation and readership stats and more. Competition for invitations can be fierce and press trip disclosure rules apply.