In the spring of 2022, I boarded a plane to Kansas City, MO for my first-ever travel conference: WITS (Women in Travel Summit). I didn’t know what to expect and I was nervous, but I knew that I wanted to meet other women who understood the infinite desire I had of wanderlust and the challenges of breaking into the travel industry, especially as a Latina. It was surreal to me that it was a possibility to generate livable income from content creation!
I met so many women making full time 6 digit plus incomes from their blogs and YouTube Channels and it was mind blowing. WITS was the first time that I was able to see that establishing a content creation business was something I could take seriously.
Fast forward to 2025, I have now attended four WITS conferences (amongst other travel conferences) in four different cities, and each one has not only helped me grow my travel brand but also reinforced why these spaces are so necessary for women, especially Latinas.
If you’re on the fence about attending a travel conference, I wrote this for you. Here’s what I learned from attending WITS four years in a row, and why it might just be the game-changer your travel career (or dreams) needs.
Even though at this time, I do not receive any affiliate income from recommending WITS, I will add my disclosure below because I received travel from WITS. Visit Utah (see below), Discover Puerto Rico and Casa Alternavida in Puerto Rico.
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TL;DR: Why Travel Conferences Matter
- Powerful experience: building a community with like minded people
- Business Connections that can lead to paid collaborations and long-term friendships
- Workshops that teach actionable skills (like SEO, email marketing and pitching to brands)
- A space where representation matters and diverse voices are valued
WITS Throughout The Years
Attending four WITS conferences over four years has given me a unique lens into how this event evolves, empowers, and impacts. Each city brought new lessons, deeper connections, and unexpected growth in my confidence as a Latina traveler and content creator.
Below, I’m sharing what stood out to me most from each experience, so you can get a real feel for what it’s like to show up, plug in, and grow at WITS.
WITS 2025 – DownTown Manhattan, New York City
The energy in downtown NYC was unmatched.
NYC drew in a diverse crowd, cool activities, and an electric pace that matched the city’s spirit of hustle and bustle. Workshops on personal branding, media strategy, and email marketing were packed with value.
I met travel journalists from major travel outlets, travel show producers with shows currently on PBS like Mickela Mallozzi, collaborated with travel influencers I’d admired for a really long time, and left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and fire lit in my soul.
What stood out? Representation.
More diverse speakers and panels directly addressing issues people with diverse backgrounds often face in the travel space. It felt like home.
The team from the NYC Downtown Alliance did an amazing job at working with local business to provide us with walking tours, cooking classes, sunset cruises, access to museums, observation decks and partnering with local vendors that would help us learn more about Downtown Manhattan.
They say that Downtown Manhattan is the world in one square mile and not only do I believe it, I saw it with my own eyes. There is a ton of diversity in food and culture in this small and yet, enormously important enclave of the city. This one square mile is where the city of NY was born and continues to be a leader throughout the world.
WITS 2025 felt like a full-circle moment for me. Although I haven’t spoken at WITS (yet!), I’ve been actively involved in the travel conference world.
In fact, I’ll be speaking for the second time at the Latino Travel Fest in Chicago in June 2025, a space that celebrates and uplifts Latinx/a/o/e voices in travel. The growth I’ve experienced—personally and professionally has been deeply shaped by events like these, especially WITS.
Through WITS, I have met powerful women whose stories have left a lasting impact on me and moved me to tears. The speakers provide value by sharing not only their personal journeys but also actionable steps that we can apply to grow and succeed.
To be completely honest, I wish I would have applied for FAM trips but I did not this year.
Why? Because I’ve been to NYC about 30 times and even lived here. I didn’t think it made sense for me to apply. For some reason I told myself that I had seen all there is too see in NYC, but it is almost impossible to see all of NYC. So now I seriously regret it! I actually wrote an entire thread about Latinas being more audacious because here we are, trying to get brand deals, etc and there is no excuse as to why I (and many other Latinas) did not apply for FAM trips this year.
Key Takeaways
? Using Pinterest to drive traffic to your website is still extremely important, especially as AI search becomes more predominant.
? AI may be able to generate millions of pieces of content but what it can’t generate is YOU. You are the secret ingredient in your content.
? We must continue to raise our voices to advocate for accessibility. If we are currently able bodied, many of us will acquire disabilities as we age, We heard from Quemuel Arroyo from the NYC MTA (Metropolitan transit authority). Best quote: “I may be disabled but my money is not”.
? Be more audacious and apply for all opportunities: FAM Trips, pitch podcasts, pitch brands and tourism boards!
WITS 2024 – Salt Lake City / Park City, Utah
Utah was a surprise in the best way possible. Utah is a state that is mesmerizing, stunning and breathtaking. Honestly, I was so taken by Utah’s beauty! Utah delivered an experience that felt more like a full travel immersion than just a conference. .
One of the highlights for me was being selected for a one-day FAM (familiarization) trip organized by the WITS team and the team from Visit Utah. I was chosen for the Treasure Hunting in Topaz Mountain experience, and it was unforgettable.
We began the day exploring the historic mining town of Eureka, Utah for a few hours. We heard stories about the people who built the town and learned that Amelia Earhart once spent a few days there after having crashed in a nearby field.
After visiting city hall, the Tintic Mining Museum, and a local coffee shop, we toured a rock and mineral shop. Deborah and Dixon of Precious Minerals gifted us with travel sizes of their skincare Precious Minerals . They use a type of clay found only in this part of Utah, which has special properties to keep your skin hydrated.
Afterwards, they took us to Topaz Mountain, a desert landscape famous for its sparkling topaz gems. We watched a dynamite blast at the quarry and spent a few hours digging through the rocky ground for topaz. I found a few small pieces, but what stayed with me was the experience of being out there, surrounded by quiet and open space. We did not want to leave once we began finding the different topazes.
As the sun set, we shared an outdoor dining experience surrounded by stunning landscapes of the mountains in Juab County. It felt like something out of a movie and remains one of the most memorable dinners I have ever had.
Beyond the FAM trip, WITS 2024 continued to deliver in terms of community and professional growth. Workshops covered everything from storytelling techniques to brand pitching strategies, and the Networking Market offered attendees an incredible chance to connect directly with travel brands looking for authentic voices.
The rest of the week opened up even more of Utah. I spent a day at Snowbird Ski Resort. I did not ski but took the cable car to the top of the mountain. The views were mesmerizing and the air was sharp and clean. Snowbird’s spa was a welcome break. We enjoyed their saunas, steam rooms, and a heated pool to relax in.
WITS organized the opening party at The Natural History Museum of Utah. We spent the night viewing the exhibits filled with fossils and minerals. Music filled the space. Good food and easy conversations made it one of the better conference openings I have attended.
At some point during the weekend, we took a bus to Park City. WITS and Park City’s tourism board offered a list of outdoor activities. I chose snowshoeing and spent the morning out on the trails. Later that day, a scavenger hunt took us through Park City’s streets and small businesses. It was fast, sometimes chaotic, but a good way to see parts of the town I would have otherwise missed. I ended up winning the prize — a return trip back to Park City.
Before the weekend wrapped up, we gathered for the Bessie Awards and a closing brunch where the next WITS destination was announced: Downtown Manhattan.
WITS 2024 was an experience built around Utah’s stunning beauty but there was so much more that I found at the conference. I found friends that I see only once a year, I found business opportunities and knowledge all in one place.
Every time I leave a WITS conference, I walk away with more than just business cards and notes. I leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to stay in this line of work and keep going.
Key Takeaways
? FAM trips offer more than sightseeing because they give you a deeper sense of a place. It is an honor to be selected for one as you will receive 1-4 days of in depth travel in exchange for you to create content. At WITS there are no strict deliverables but it is a way to shine with your content if you are building your portfolio.
? Small towns (like Eureka) carry stories that are easy to miss if you rush through when traveling. Slowing down makes a difference. Yes not everyone can slow travel but you can incorporate visiting smaller towns or lesser known places in your travels.
? Group dinners at conferences are worth showing up for. Some of the best conversations happen when the schedule ends and the plates are still full. I met Madi Rifkin and Casey Evans from Mount and became a Mount Steward. It all stemmed from a dinner at WITS Salt Lake City.
? Joining the activities offered by the local tourism board and the WITS team is one of the easiest ways to network with other content creators and even with brands. Their representatives are also able to join the activities. It is a great informal way to meet them and build solid connections with other attendees.
WITS 2023 – San Juan, Puerto Rico
As a Latina, attending WITS in Puerto Rico was incredibly meaningful. The cultural connection, local speakers, and emphasis on ethical travel made this summit unforgettable. Also, this was the conference of the party!! We went on tours and sessions in the daytime and then partied late into the night.
We danced Bomba, Salsa, Reggaeton, both at the opening party and the Bessie Awards. Overall, we enjoyed the sazón of Puerto Rico at all of the events. Bad Bunny was playing EVERYWHERE and this conference was an entire vibe.
I made lifelong friends at this conference. It was the first time I truly saw my identity not as a niche, but as a strength in the travel industry.
WITS 2023 also gave me two important firsts. I was selected for my first FAM trip — a two-day stay at Casa Alternavida in Río Grande.
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This retreat center focuses on personal growth and connection to nature. It sits near El Yunque National Forest and offers organic, locally sourced meals. The space is built for slowing down, not rushing through. It was an experience that shifted how I think about travel and how it connects to well-being while traveling.
During my time in San Juan, I also joined the SPOON walking tour of Old San Juan. The tour blended food, history, and culture in a way that made the stories of the city stick. How? Well we tasted local dishes and walked streets layered with history, led by a guide who knew how to bring it all together. When you hear history through dishes and the history of restaurants that become local institutions, then you tend to remember and retain more of the information because you are involving multiple senses.
Outside of the conference schedule, and during the week, we visited La Factoría, a bar in Old San Juan that has ranked among the best bars in the world. The entrance is unmarked, but inside you find a series of rooms, each with its own feel. The cocktails were thoughtful and the smaller spaces gave us room to slow down and talk without the pressure of a loud, crowded bar.
La Factorìa will get louder and more crowded during the weekends as tourists and locals come to enjoy their cocktails, DJ that has a sign that says he plays everything EXCEPT Bad Bunny, and have a great time.
One evening we went to La Terraza de Bonanza in Santurce for live plena music. It was a regular Monday night, but La Terraza was filled with people and the sound of joy. Another evening, I went on a tour of La Perla, a neighborhood rich with history and known for its strong community that has often faced marginalization.
We also spent time at Santurce es Ley, a mural festival that turns walls into works of art. Walking through the streets of Santurce showed us how much pride local artists take in telling the stories of the island through their murals.
WITS Puerto Rico (and Camp Indie) also marked the moment I fully committed to creating this blog and to be more serious about content creation. Inspired by a workshop on short-form video, I launched a series of mini travel vlogs to help women travel solo.
@lewildexplorer, @lainflight and @akemisadventures
WITS 2023 Travel Conference.
Key Takeaways
? It is extremely important that travel conferences, such as WITS, and others, invite local guests to speak at panels. We heard from a young woman that discussed Puerto Rico’s food situation. Most things are not grown on the island and they end up having to import almost everything. She and others are leading a movement to grow food on the island and to teach other young people about local agriculture.
?. Local events like live plena nights and mural festivals enrich your experience at a travel conference because it gives you a complete picture of local life.
? Committing to content creation starts by moving past the idea of perfect timing. You move forward by starting.
WITS 2022 – Kansas City, Missouri
Ah, the beginning, I arrived wide-eyed and overwhelmed. I didn’t know anyone. I was worried and second guessing myself if I belonged. That changed quickly.
The first workshop I attended on SEO for blogs was fully packed. I remember sitting toward the back, not sure if I should introduce myself to anyone. Within a few minutes, the woman next to me started a conversation, and it made the room feel smaller and more welcoming. Most people come to conferences hoping to meet others who understand what they are building and I found many women that were on a similar journey for content creation.
Throughout the weekend, I attended workshops on social media, branding, and pitching, but what stayed with me more than any one session was the atmosphere. People were open, not competitive. They shared real stories about their wins and failures. It was clear that WITS was not the kind of place where you needed to pretend you had it all figured out.
By the time the first networking mixer rolled around, I had already made a few connections. Some were women who were just starting to build their blogs or social platforms. Others had been working in the travel space for years. It was valuable to hear from both. One offered ideas I had never considered; the other reminded me that growing slowly was still growing.
I left that first WITS with a sense of direction. I had a list of real steps to take. For the first time, it felt possible to move from seeing content creation as a hobby to something more serious.
One of the best things that came out of that weekend was meeting my dear friend, Diana Janisbel, a fellow Latina travel content creator. Years later, we still keep each other on track, sharing wins, losses, and everything in between. Having someone who is local (in South Florida) and understands not just the travel world but the layers that come with content creation has made all the difference.
Why I Keep Coming Back to this Travel Conference?
Each WITS travel conference has given me something different, but these are the constants that keep me returning:
Community That Gets It
WITS draws people who understand what it means to build a travel-centered career from the ground up. There is no need to explain why you choose this path or defend the risks that come with it. The people you meet at WITS respect the work behind the content.
Conversations move quickly past small talk. You hear about what others are building, how they are funding their projects, and the real challenges they face. The community is not performative. It is built on people who are serious about the work and are willing to share what they have learned.
No one determines whether or not they will speak with you based on how many followers you have or not, and I LOVE THAT!
Representation That Matters
Latinas are still underrepresented in the travel media space, not just on stage but behind the scenes where decisions are made. WITS makes space for that to change. Seeing Latinas and other women of color leading workshops, negotiating brand deals, and speaking openly about their careers changes what feels possible.
It reminds me that our voices are needed and that there is room to claim a place at the table without having to change who we are to fit the industry mold.
Obviously, we need more Latinas to join Wanderful and attend WITS and other travel conferences.
Tangible Career Growth
Each year I leave with concrete steps to move my work forward. One year it was building an email list from scratch. Another year it was learning how to approach brands with a partnership pitch.
The people I have met through WITS have led to collaborations, paid work, and opportunities that would not have come from sitting behind a screen and guessing at the next step.
Deeper Learning and Understanding of the City or Region where the conference is held
When you purchase a ticket to WITS, you are not only buying the ticket to the conference. You also have the opportunity to apply to FAM trips (extended travel opportunities) and also tours that help you learn more about the city you are visiting. This gives you the opportunity to see and experience things that you may not have been able to during a regular visit. Also, you have the opportunity to create content and build your portfolio. These tours and opportunities are of no additional charge to you (unless you don’t show up).
WITS usually also brings speakers that are at the forefront of the reality of the issues that their communities face. It gives attendees a full picture of how our tourism dollars and content impact the areas we visit.
Is a Travel Conference Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to grow your travel blog, brand, or platform?
- Are you looking for real community in the travel industry?
- Do you want to learn from people who get your hustle and your vision?
- Are you ready to invest in your career and personal growth?
If you answered yes to any of these, attending a travel conference might be the move you’ve been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking about attending a future WITS, the next one will be held in Chattanooga in 2026. Every city brings something different to the experience, but what stays the same is the community, the access to real opportunities, and the space to grow your work.
So if you’re on the fence about attending a travel conference, let this be your sign. Come find your people, your voice, and your next big opportunity.
And if you’re still unsure, DM me.
I’ll tell you the truth: It’s worth it.
Resource List
? If you are Latine/a/o/x, we need you to show up at conferences, but especially travel conferences. Find out why by reading this blog post on How we can change the face of travel.
? If you are interested in attending travel conferences but don’t know where to start, check out this post so you are in the know for the MUST Attend Travel Conferences.
? Did you know that Camp Indie offers adult summer camp as a travel conference? Click here to read how I healed my inner child at Camp Indie. While Camp Indie is not a travel conference per se, it is for people that are considering being location independent or currently are location independent.
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