TBEX in Ireland: Ready for My Time in the Sun

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Gary Arndt talks about what really matters, and it's not just numbers.
Gary Arndt talks about what really matters, and it’s not just numbers.

It’s Thursday morning and I’ve been here enjoying the fine company of hundreds of travel bloggers at TBEX in Killarney, Ireland.  There is no place I’d rather be than here with so many people who live much the same life as I do–writing, traveling, photographing, and sharing their travels with the world.

Today at 10:30 I’ll give my presentation about travel writing.  Today I got a little kick out of hearing a guy next to me at breakfast saying that he’s going to go to my seminar. Yessss!

I  am giddy with excitement, but not nervous like I usually get at the NY Times Travel Show. This time I feel like I really know what I need to say, and am completely comfortable in my element, talking about what I’ve spent the past 20 years learning how to do.

At the opening night party at Killarney horse racing track, we met a local politician from Kerry.
At the opening night party at Killarney horse racing track, we met a local politician from Kerry.

Gary Arndt is a noted travel photographer who did a very good keynote opening address, stressing that being an authority is really the key…and that the quality of your images and writing really do matter. It’s not just numbers, as he pointed out, which can be so easily manipulated, but it’s the engagement, it’s the passion with which people view your work that really matters.

Mickela Mallozzi talked about pursuing your passion to build your business, and she certainly has. I met her ten or twelve years ago in NYC when she was first developing her very popular television program about dancing around the world. Three Emmys later and she’s seen in 102 million households, and yet she still is as humble as ever and always looking to help others. That’s her secret–generosity, single-minded determination, and a wonderfully charming smile.

A rocking band consisting of a squeezebox and guitar rocked out the bar at the Brehon hotel with Pink Floyd and other rock songs.
A high energy band called Scannell, consisting of a squeezebox and guitar, rocked out the bar at the Brehon hotel with Pink Floyd and other rock songs.

So I’ve got my own 60 minutes of time to share my secrets, and my passion, and to draw out some of the talented writers who have shared wisdom with me, and put it out there to help both new and seasoned travel writers create better stories.  Wish me luck, I’m excited and as usual, hoping it all works out!