Joining Matador Creators is not just about landing press trips and paid gigs. It’s a community where you can network and gain tips and tricks from those who’ve successfully built a career in the travel industry. You’ll also learn about platforms to help monetize your passion and grow your audience, as well as events where you can get out from behind the screen, meet industry leaders, and attend seminars.
Photo: TravelCon
Matador Creators Tool Spotlight: TravelCon, the Travel Conference That Helps Your Career
Here, we chat with TravelCon owner Philip Taylor. TravelCon is an annual event where travel creators, brands, DMOs, and tourism boards connect in person to learn more about the industry and how to stay ahead in the travel content niche. 2025 TravelCon will be held in Tucson and promises to be an unforgettable experience packed with engaging workshops, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Matador: How do creators benefit from TravelCon?
Philip Taylor: TravelCon offers those working in the industry an opportunity to connect in person with other creators, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
We want to help travel creators win, which can mean many things depending on their craft. Sometimes, it’s best practices for structuring and executing their businesses, and other times, it’s the ability to network with destinations and travel companies to arrange campaigns, including paid travel opportunities. Travel creators and business experts will learn from each other, gaining valuable insights and strategies to increase their income and help their businesses thrive.
Photo: TravelCon
Are specific creators a better fit for TravelCon?
TravelCon is designed to support all types of travel content creators, whether YouTubers, TikToks, Instagram influencers, bloggers, or podcasters. We focus on helping those who are on the brink of going full-time or already full-time and looking to scale up. We host specific sessions and meetups tailored to each platform, ensuring valuable connections and insights for everyone.
Photo: TravelCon
What made you decide to bring TravelCon back in 2024?
After the original founder shut the doors, we recognized the brand’s strength and the community’s need for it. Many creators expressed how much they missed TravelCon and wished it would return. The 2024 event in Portland, Oregon, was a tremendous success, with over 500 creators attending. Our speaker list included Jeff Jenkins of Chubby Diaries, Christina McEvoy, and Nathan Barry, founder of Kit. Travel brands in attendance included Stay22, Travel Portland, and GigSky.
How do you pick the location each year?
We survey our email list of creators to find out where they’d like to go next. We also look for locations that are excited about partnering with travel creators. Ideally, the locations offer unique and interesting experiences and are easily accessible.
Photo: TravelCon
What can we expect for TravelCon 2025?
Creators can look forward to an even bigger and better event at TravelCon 2025, which includes an exciting lineup of speakers, more in-depth sessions, and plenty of networking opportunities. Attendees can also expect to connect with leading brands in the travel industry and explore a fantastic new destination in Tucson. Stay tuned for more details. 