29 Jan 2016
Mall of America and Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the TBEX (aka Travel Blog Exchange) North America conference, May 29 - 31 2016, at Radisson Blu Mall of America.
TBEX is “the world's largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, and social media savvy travel industry professionals.” This will be the greatest travel media event in the history of Minnesota, attracting bloggers, writers, editors, photographers, videographers, podcasters, travel PR professionals, destination marketing organizations and major national and international travel brands.
Destinations that host TBEX enjoy incredible cross-platform media exposure before, during and after the conference via social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs, podcasts, YouTube) and through travel industry outlets as attendees take part in events, activities and tours. This exposure aggregates to hundreds of millions of social media shares, views and comments by travelers and travel industry professionals - the equivalent of a gargantuan press trip.
The three-day event is composed of speed networking sessions, educational seminars, presentations and keynotes led by internationally renowned tourism speakers, influencers and thought leaders. Total attendance is expected to be 800 - 1000 domestic and international representatives from travel media and the travel industry. This event will boost Minnesota's fast rising tourism and livability profile to the upper echelons of U.S. and international traveler awareness.
As a champion of Brand USA, the international marketing effort to attract tourism to the United States, Senator Amy Klobuchar is one of many officials excited about the conference. “TBEX represents a unique and exciting opportunity to showcase the world-class tourist destinations that call Minnesota home,” Klobuchar said. “From the natural beauty of the North Shore, to the theater, shopping, and sporting events in the Twin Cities, to the Spam Museum in Austin, I'm confident that TBEX attendees will have plenty to write about while enjoying all our great state has to offer.”
TBEX Minnesota is sponsored by Mall of America and Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, working together with presenting sponsors Explore Minnesota, Visit St Paul and Meet Minneapolis.
Previous TBEX North America hosts have included Fort Lauderdale, Cancun and Toronto. There are also annual conferences in Europe and Asia. Current and previous TBEX sponsors include Hilton Hotels & Resorts, TripAdvisor, American Express, Southwest Airlines, Airbnb, Booking.com and countless destinations such as Destination Canada, the State of Virginia, San Francisco Travel and Visit Florida.
Visit the TBEX North America website for more information and details about registration.
Media Contact:
Leif Pettersen
Tourism Communications Manager, Mall of America
952-883-8814
About Mall of America®
Mall of America (MOA) is the largest retail and entertainment complex in North America. At 5.6 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.3 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Hard Rock Café; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America, a 14-screen movie theater with digital projection including 4K, digital sound and 3D capabilities; Radisson Blu Mall of America, a 500-room hotel connected by skyway to Mall of America. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mall recently unveiled a $325 million expansion project on all three levels on the north side. The expansion includes a 342-room JW Marriott hotel and office tower, new dining options, a tourist welcome center and large event space. Follow Mall of America on Facebookand Twitter or visit our blog.
