As many may already know, TBEX in Prague has been cancelled. Last week, TBEX founder, Kim Mance (@KimMance) was forced to make the tough decision to drop the TBEX Europe event in Prague scheduled for early November.
“There were just some logistical problems in Prague and rather than continue to get a headache over it and possibly wind up with it being haphazard, I just decided to pull the plug and do something during World Travel Market”, says Kim.
The official and off-site schedule of events during World Travel Market (WTM) is already quite packed, however the plan is, rather than going for sit-down style formal events like panel discussions, TBEX is intending to run some smaller, more intimate side events during WTM on a few morning or afternoons. The events will present the opportunity for travel bloggers to network with like-minded bloggers and others in the travel industry, see a bit of the city, and learn about or build upon a skill.
Possible examples could include bloggers taking a walk with a professional photographer or participating in a culinary tour. TBEX is beginning to develop these and other ideas in great locations for smaller events.
“I find it’s always nice to break up trade shows with something hands-on and interesting” , says Kim.
Cancellations are never a good thing. So what might be its significance on the future of TBEX in Europe?
Kim is upbeat:
“I’m actually really excited about the change, and the TBEX team is headed to Switzerland in a couple of weeks to do a site visit and planning for a TBEX Europe ’12.” Her team is looking forward to working with the Swiss people and “anticipate logistics to go off like clockwork”. Attendees can also anticipate some great perks in Switzerland.
“TBEX has always been a grass-roots event, so we’re scrappy and always excited to try new things. There’s no reason to be disappointed about getting together a bunch of great bloggers and industry [professionals] during a busy and fun time in London instead of Prague. Both [are] great cities.”
Are you looking for sponsors for your London events? Poland would be interested in discussing a future event in Europe after the Swiss one of course.