Big Connections. Small Conference. Endless Opportunities.

Welcome to Southern Travelers Explore (#STE), where travel storytellers, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), CVBs, and tourism brands come together for meaningful connections, professional growth, and a whole lot of fun!

Want to meet the mother-daughter duo behind #STE? Get to know Melody and Taylor on our About Us page!

Our multi-day conference brings together travel bloggers, content creators, influencers, journalists, and tourism professionals for engaging educational sessions, small-group discussions, networking opportunities, and our popular Sunday marketplace.

We believe the best collaborations begin with real conversations, and that’s exactly what #STE is designed to encourage. Whether you’re a content creator looking to grow your business or a destination seeking talented storytellers to showcase your community, there’s a place for you at our table.

And once you’re part of #STE, you’re family!

Southern Travelers Explore 2024 conference attendees posing together on a sunny Alabama beach beside a sand sculpture featuring the conference name.

Join Us in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, March 18–21, 2027!

We’re heading to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for our 8th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference, and we can’t wait to welcome familiar faces and new friends alike!

Our conference has become a highly anticipated event, with blogger and content creator tickets selling out in a record-breaking five hours for our 2025 Oconee County conference. Tickets for 2026 weren’t far behind!

With attendance intentionally limited, #STE offers something increasingly rare in the travel industry: the opportunity to truly get to know the people you’re meeting.

CVBs, DMOs, and tourism brands: Interested in attending, connecting with travel creators, or exploring sponsorship opportunities? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us for ticket availability and partnership information.

For conference announcements, registration updates, and a peek at all the fun, follow our Southern Travelers Explore Facebook page.

Explore Our Past Conferences & Retreats

Take a trip down memory lane! From our inaugural gathering in charming Thomasville, Georgia, to our latest adventures in Louisiana’s River Parishes, each Southern Travelers Explore conference has brought unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections, and plenty of destination inspiration.

Choose a destination below to explore the highlights and travel stories from each event.

We’ve also hosted smaller, more specialized experiences, including a photography retreat in Johnson City, Tennessee (#STEJohnsonCity 2021).

Each destination brings its own personality, local flavors, memorable attractions, and opportunities for our attendees to discover something new.

More Than a Conference. A Travel Family.

At Southern Travelers Explore, we’re proud of the friendships formed, partnerships created, and opportunities that continue long after everyone heads home.

We may be small by design, but the connections are mighty.

Come for the education. Stay for the connections. Leave as part of the #STE Family!

We can’t wait to see you in Tuscaloosa!

Why Attend Southern Travelers Explore?

Southern Travelers Explore isn’t your typical travel conference! We intentionally keep #STE small, creating a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere where travel creators, tourism professionals, and brands can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

  • Valuable Education: Learn from industry experts through engaging sessions, practical workshops, and honest conversations covering content creation, monetization, social media, industry trends, and more.
  • Meaningful Networking: Forget getting lost in a sea of hundreds! Our intimate setting makes it easy to build genuine relationships with fellow creators, CVBs, and travel brands. These connections often turn into lasting friendships and exciting professional opportunities.
  • Small Conference, Big Impact: At #STE, you’re more than a name badge. Our intentionally limited attendance encourages personal interactions, open discussions, and a supportive environment where everyone has a chance to be heard.

Our Past Conferences

#STELARiverParishes Recap: History, Culture & Cajun Hospitality in Louisiana

Three parishes. Unforgettable experiences. And a whole lot of Louisiana flavor!

Louisiana’s River Parishes rolled out the welcome mat for our 7th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference, treating more than 70 travel creators and tourism professionals to an extraordinary blend of history, culture, outdoor adventure, and authentic Louisiana hospitality.

Despite our growing #STE family, we maintained the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that makes our conference so special. As we explored three distinctive parishes, attendees discovered a destination rich in traditions, remarkable stories, delicious food, and memorable experiences.

From thought-provoking historical tours to thrilling outdoor adventures and toe-tapping entertainment, Louisiana’s River Parishes certainly gave us plenty to talk about!

Large group of Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees posing together on a staircase inside a modern building during the Louisiana's River Parishes event

Conference Highlights

  • Historic Plantation Tours: Knowledgeable historians, interpreters, and docents guided us through Louisiana’s plantation country, sharing honest, meaningful perspectives on the region’s complex history, including the lives and experiences of enslaved people.
  • Outdoor Adventures: From soaring through the treetops on a zip-line adventure to kayaking through Louisiana’s beautiful swamps with Zip NOLA, attendees discovered that the River Parishes offer plenty of excitement beyond their historic attractions.
  • Authentic Cajun Experiences: A hands-on cooking class at Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience introduced us to the flavors and traditions that make Louisiana cuisine so special. And yes, there was plenty of delicious food to enjoy!
  • Unforgettable Live Entertainment: A fantastic concert by powerhouse vocalist CeCe Teneal at the Lafon Performing Arts Center was an absolute highlight. What a voice, what a performance, and what a memorable evening!
  • Local Culture & Hidden Gems: From a fascinating tobacco tour and casino entertainment to discovering recognizable film locations throughout the River Parishes, our itinerary showcased the region’s wonderfully diverse attractions.
  • Warm Louisiana Hospitality: Incredible meals, welcoming locals, thoughtfully planned experiences, and genuine Southern hospitality made our attendees feel right at home from beginning to end.

Louisiana’s River Parishes went above and beyond to introduce our attendees to the people, places, and stories that make this region so distinctive. We came away with a deeper appreciation for its history, a newfound love for its hidden gems, and plenty of wonderful memories.

Most importantly, we strengthened friendships, created new industry connections, and discovered even more reasons to keep exploring Louisiana.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STELARiverParishes

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Louisiana’s River Parishes.

#STEOconeeCoSC Recap: Southern Hospitality in South Carolina’s Upcountry

A little adventure, a lot of Southern charm, and connections that last long after the conference ends!

Visit Oconee County rolled out the welcome mat for our 6th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference, treating attendees to an unforgettable introduction to South Carolina’s beautiful Upcountry.

With one-third of our attendees joining us for the first time and only three having previously visited the destination, Oconee County had a wonderful opportunity to showcase its attractions, local businesses, and hospitality to a fresh group of travel storytellers.

Collage featuring a Visit Huntsville tourism booth, a scenic lake sunset, and smiling Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees riding together in a passenger van during the Oconee County, South Carolina, event.

Conference Highlights

  • Dance Classes & Carriage Rides: We learned a few new moves, met adorable miniature farm animals, and enjoyed horse-drawn carriage rides beneath the stars.
  • One-of-a-Kind Meeting Venues: From educational sessions surrounded by gorgeous scenery at Chattooga Belle Farm to networking inside an actual water tank building (yes, really!), our meeting spaces were anything but ordinary.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Oconee County’s beautiful waterfalls, natural landscapes, and peaceful surroundings gave attendees plenty of reasons to fall in love with the Upcountry.
  • Welcome Reception at Off the Alley at Nimmons Hall: A fantastic kickoff filled with delicious food, friendly faces, and the genuine hospitality that makes this region so special.

Visit Oconee County went above and beyond to showcase the heart of its community, introducing our attendees to the people, places, and experiences that make this corner of South Carolina worth exploring.

From first-time attendees to familiar #STE faces, we left with wonderful memories, new friendships, and a fresh appreciation for this often-overlooked destination.

Large group of Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees posing outdoors beside a scenic lake in Oconee County, South Carolina, with bare trees and blue skies in the background.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEOconeeCoSC

One of the best parts of Southern Travelers Explore is seeing our host destinations come to life through the stories our attendees share. Take a look at some of the travel articles inspired by our time in Oconee County, South Carolina.

#STEAlabamaBeaches Recap: Sun, Sand & Southern Hospitality on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Beautiful beaches. Fabulous seafood. Unforgettable experiences. And a whole lot of #STE family fun!

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rolled out the red carpet for our 5th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference, treating attendees to a spectacular combination of coastal beauty, delicious food, exciting activities, and warm Southern hospitality.

With beautiful beachside accommodations, fantastic conference facilities, and an itinerary packed with memorable experiences, Alabama’s Beaches provided the perfect setting for learning, networking, and making lasting connections.

This was our biggest conference yet, but we still managed to maintain the intimate, family-like atmosphere that makes #STE so special. And with plenty of first-time visitors in attendance, we loved introducing new friends to one of the South’s most beloved coastal destinations!

Collage of Southern Travelers Explore attendees enjoying group breakfasts, networking, and evening outings, including a visit to Lulu's restaurant along Alabama's Gulf Coast.

Conference Highlights

  • Gulf Coast Seafood Boil: What’s a trip to Alabama’s Beaches without incredible seafood? Our delicious coastal seafood boil was the perfect way to enjoy fresh Gulf flavors while spending time with fellow attendees.
  • Sandcastle Building with Sandcastle University: Who knew playing in the sand could be so much fun? Sandcastle University helped us channel our inner artists as we created impressive custom sand sculptures. A little friendly competition and plenty of laughter made this an unforgettable experience!
  • Live Music & Coastal Entertainment: From talented musicians to the laid-back atmosphere of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, there was no shortage of entertainment to keep our attendees smiling.
  • Fantastic Dine-Around Experiences: Our attendees had the opportunity to discover the area’s excellent restaurant scene, enjoy local specialties, and connect with fellow travel professionals over memorable meals.
  • An Evening at the Legendary Flora-Bama: No Gulf Coast visit would be complete without experiencing this iconic beachfront entertainment destination! With live music, lively crowds, and its one-of-a-kind personality, Flora-Bama certainly delivered a fun-filled evening.
  • Beachside Networking & Southern Hospitality: Between educational sessions, networking opportunities, and time spent enjoying those gorgeous Gulf Coast views, Alabama’s Beaches provided the ideal backdrop for building friendships and professional partnerships.

As a longtime Southern Travelers Explore partner, Alabama’s Beaches went above and beyond to make our conference extraordinary. From thoughtful hospitality to unforgettable activities, our hosts showcased exactly why Gulf Shores and Orange Beach continue to capture the hearts of travelers.

One attendee even described the experience as one of the best days of her life! Now, if that doesn’t say something about the magic of this destination and our #STE family, I don’t know what does!

We left with sandy toes, happy hearts, wonderful memories, and plenty of new reasons to return to Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast

Collage of Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees participating in educational sessions, networking activities, and group outings during the Alabama Beaches conference.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEAlabamaBeaches

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

#STEIrving Recap: Texas-Sized Hospitality, Big Ideas & Unforgettable Experiences

Stetson hats. Gondola rides. Fabulous friendships. And a whole lot of Texas-sized fun!

Irving, Texas, rolled out the red carpet for our 4th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference, welcoming attendees with incredible hospitality, memorable experiences, and a fantastic setting for learning, networking, and growing our travel businesses.

The charming, retro-inspired Texican Court served as our conference headquarters, providing the perfect backdrop for educational sessions, meaningful conversations, and plenty of #STE family fun.

Our educational lineup was packed with valuable takeaways, including expanding into YouTube, mastering TikTok and IG Reels, repurposing content, affiliate marketing, and discovering new ways to earn income beyond traditional travel writing.

And when we weren’t busy learning? Visit Irving made sure we experienced some of the very best their city had to offer!

Collage featuring Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees posing for a group photo, a Texas-sized fun welcome sign, Irving waterfront scenery, and a conference presentation.

Conference Highlights

  • Custom Stetson Hats: Nothing says Texas quite like a Stetson! Attendees had the opportunity to customize their very own hats, creating one-of-a-kind souvenirs and embracing a little Lone Star State style.
  • Love Locks on Irving’s Bridge: We added personalized locks to Irving’s charming Love Lock Bridge, leaving behind a little piece of our #STE family in this beautiful Texas destination.
  • Surprise Gondola Cruises on Lake Carolyn: Talk about an unforgettable treat! Visit Irving surprised our attendees with gondola rides along picturesque Lake Carolyn, bringing a little taste of Venice to the heart of Texas.
  • Bonus Educational Sessions: For the first time, we introduced unofficial bonus afternoon educational sessions, giving attendees even more opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and strengthen their businesses.
  • Professional Headshots: Melody and Taylor treated attendees to professional headshots by Veronicajune Photography, providing a valuable takeaway that travel creators could put to work long after the conference ended.
  • Meaningful Networking & Texas Hospitality: Between informative sessions, shared experiences, and time spent connecting with fellow travel professionals, Irving delivered the welcoming atmosphere and personal connections that make Southern Travelers Explore so special.

Our partnership with Visit Irving made this conference particularly meaningful. A longtime tourism board friend, Visit Irving had already attended and sponsored two previous #STE conferences before welcoming us to their own spectacular city.

Their support of Southern Travelers Explore from the early days made it especially rewarding to finally showcase Irving as our host destination. And wow, did their team go above and beyond!

From thoughtful surprises and fabulous hospitality to memorable activities and valuable educational opportunities, Irving gave our attendees an experience worth remembering.

We left with new skills, stronger friendships, customized Stetsons, and a Texas-sized appreciation for a destination that truly knows how to make visitors feel special.

Collage of Southern Travelers Explore attendees networking at the Texican Court during the fourth annual conference.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEIrving

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Irving, Texas.

#STEHuntsville Recap: Rocket City Adventures, Southern Hospitality & Connections That Soar

Rockets. Rooftop views. Remarkable experiences. And a conference that was truly out of this world!

Huntsville, Alabama, welcomed our 3rd annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference with open arms, bringing together travel creators and tourism professionals from 21 different states for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of Rocket City.

The beautiful, brand-new 106 Jefferson Hotel served as our host hotel and conference headquarters, providing a stylish setting for educational sessions, networking, and plenty of #STE family fun. The staff went above and beyond, even surprising attendees with specially crafted food and beverage presentations delivered to their rooms each evening. Talk about feeling spoiled!

Our educational sessions tackled important industry topics, including building successful CVB/blogger relationships, understanding how tourism boards vet travel writers, and developing meaningful brand collaborations.

Of course, we also made plenty of time to experience the attractions, restaurants, and local culture that make Huntsville such an exciting destination.

Collage featuring a Welcome to Huntsville mural, Southern Travelers Explore educational panels, tourism industry networking, and group photos of conference attendees.

Conference Highlights

  • Opening Event at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center: What better way to kick off a conference in Rocket City? Our attendees enjoyed fascinating tours led by Emeritus Docents beneath the magnificent Saturn V rocket. An unforgettable setting for learning, connecting, and celebrating Huntsville’s incredible space exploration heritage!
  • Luxury Accommodations at 106 Jefferson Hotel: This gorgeous boutique hotel impressed our attendees with its stylish atmosphere, exceptional service, and thoughtful touches. From our meeting spaces to those fabulous evening room deliveries, the hospitality was first-class.
  • Rooftop Brunch at Baker & Able: A delicious, bountiful brunch paired with spectacular city views? Yes, please! The hotel’s rooftop bar provided a beautiful backdrop for good food, great conversations, and memorable moments with fellow attendees.
  • Dine-Around Experiences at Campus 805 and Stovehouse: Huntsville’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene was on full display as attendees explored these trendy local hotspots, discovering excellent restaurants, lively gathering spaces, and plenty of Southern flavor.
  • Music, History & Local Adventures: Our excursions introduced attendees to some of Huntsville’s standout attractions, including its fabulous music scene, historic sites, and unique local experiences that extend well beyond its famous space-related attractions.
  • Industry Education & Meaningful Connections: From understanding what CVBs look for when partnering with writers to learning how to build stronger relationships with tourism brands, our educational sessions delivered practical insights attendees could take home and put to work.

Our partnership with Visit Huntsville made this conference especially memorable. A longtime tourism board friend and previous Southern Travelers Explore attendee, the Huntsville team already understood what makes #STE special and worked tirelessly to help us create an extraordinary experience.

Their enthusiasm, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to showcasing their destination helped take our conference to the next level.

From standing beneath a Saturn V rocket to enjoying rooftop views and exploring Huntsville’s exciting food and entertainment scene, our attendees discovered a city full of surprises.

We left with valuable industry knowledge, stronger professional relationships, wonderful memories, and a newfound appreciation for everything Rocket City has to offer.

Collage of Southern Travelers Explore conference attendees networking, destination tourism giveaways, group photos, and an educational presentation in Huntsville, Alabama.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEHuntsville

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Huntsville, Alabama.

#STEJohnsonCity Recap: Picture-Perfect Adventures, Photography & Friendship in Tennessee

Creative inspiration. Charming small towns. Fabulous friendships. And memories worth capturing!

Our very first Southern Travelers Explore Retreat brought a talented group of travel creators together in beautiful Johnson City, Tennessee, for a weekend filled with creativity, hands-on learning, and plenty of #STE family fun!

Unlike our traditional multi-topic conferences, this intimate retreat introduced a new concept: single-skill programming, allowing attendees to focus on developing one important aspect of their content creation businesses. And for our inaugural retreat, photography took center stage!

The charming AAA Four Diamond Carnegie Hotel & Spa served as our home base, providing a beautiful setting for learning, networking, and exploring Northeast Tennessee.

With eight engaging photography sessions, attendees had the opportunity to sharpen their skills, exchange creative ideas, and discover new ways to capture the destinations and experiences they love sharing with their audiences.

And when the cameras weren’t clicking? Johnson City and the surrounding area made sure we had plenty of memorable experiences!

Collage featuring photography retreat attendees, a Northeast Tennessee tourism display, a vintage truck with welcome bags, and a group photo in front of a colorful mural.

Retreat Highlights

  • Eight Photography-Focused Sessions: From developing creative techniques to improving the way we capture and share travel experiences, our specialized educational programming gave attendees valuable skills to incorporate into their blogs, social media channels, and professional portfolios.
  • Opening Event at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery: We kicked off our retreat at the brand-new Tennessee Hills Brewstillery, where a lively atmosphere and warm welcome set the tone for a fantastic weekend. What a fun way to get everyone together!
  • Exploring Historic Jonesborough: A guided tour of Tennessee’s oldest town introduced attendees to its fascinating history, picturesque streets, and irresistible small-town charm. Talk about a photographer’s dream!
  • A Visit to Windsor Speakeasy: A little mystery, a little vintage atmosphere, and a whole lot of fun! Our visit to the popular Windsor Speakeasy added a memorable touch of sophistication and nostalgia to the retreat.
  • A Memorable Stay at Carnegie Hotel & Spa: This elegant AAA Four Diamond property provided a wonderful setting for our intimate gathering, combining beautiful accommodations with the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and professional connections.
  • Creative Collaboration & Lasting Friendships: With a smaller group and a shared passion for photography, attendees had plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen relationships within our growing #STE family.

Our inaugural retreat proved that sometimes focusing on one skill can open the door to a whole new world of creative possibilities.

Johnson City provided a fantastic backdrop for this new chapter of Southern Travelers Explore, from its welcoming hospitality and vibrant local businesses to the historic charm of nearby Jonesborough.

We left with fresh inspiration, stronger photography skills, wonderful memories, and plenty of new images to share with the world.

Most importantly, we discovered just how rewarding a smaller, specialized #STE experience could be!

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEJohnsonCity

The experience doesn’t end when the retreat wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Johnson City and Northeast Tennessee.

#STETupelo Recap: Southern Resilience, Meaningful Connections & the Birth of Our #STE Family

An unexpected winter storm. A conference unlike any other. And friendships that weathered it all!

Our 2nd annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference brought us to Tupelo, Mississippi, in 2021, where Mother Nature decided to throw a little unexpected adventure into our carefully laid plans!

Arriving on the heels of a major winter storm that brought much of Mississippi to a standstill, our conference faced icy conditions, business closures, and more than a few logistical challenges.

But if there’s one thing we learned that weekend, it’s that travel professionals know how to adapt, make the best of unexpected situations, and find reasons to laugh along the way!

Despite the obstacles, our determined attendees came together for a memorable conference filled with valuable education, meaningful conversations, and the kind of camaraderie that would become a defining part of Southern Travelers Explore.

We also embraced a hybrid conference format, allowing participants to join educational sessions both in person and through Zoom.

Three-photo collage from the 2021 Southern Travelers Explore Conference in Tupelo, Mississippi, featuring the host hotel's modern lobby and bar, a display of local wines, and conference organizers Melody Pittman and Taylor Hardy at the registration table.

Conference Highlights

  • Valuable Educational Sessions: Our programming covered essential topics for travel creators, including video creation, Pinterest strategies, SEO optimization, and tax preparation for bloggers. Attendees gained practical insights to help strengthen their businesses and expand their skills.
  • A Hybrid Conference Experience: By offering sessions both in person and over Zoom, we made it possible for attendees to participate despite the challenges presented by the winter weather. Flexibility became one of our greatest assets!
  • Overcoming Unexpected Challenges: With icy conditions and many local businesses temporarily closed, our attendees demonstrated remarkable patience, adaptability, and a willingness to make the most of every opportunity.
  • Meaningful Industry Connections: Even with a few changes to our original plans, we created valuable opportunities for travel writers, content creators, and tourism professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another.
  • The Spirit of the #STE Family: Perhaps the most important thing to come out of Tupelo wasn’t a particular educational session or activity. It was the genuine friendships, mutual encouragement, and sense of community that developed as we navigated an unusual weekend together.
  • Friendships That Continued Beyond Tupelo: One of the greatest rewards was seeing so many of our attendees return for the following year’s conference, reinforcing that Southern Travelers Explore had become much more than an annual industry event.

While Tupelo didn’t unfold quite as we originally envisioned, it gave us something even more meaningful: a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the people who make Southern Travelers Explore possible.

That weekend reminded us exactly why we started #STE in the first place. We’re in this business for our community, and the relationships we build matter just as much as the professional opportunities we create.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And that’s precisely what we did!

We left Tupelo with new knowledge, stronger friendships, unforgettable stories, and the realization that our attendees weren’t simply conference participants anymore.

They were family. Our #STE Family.

And that spirit has remained at the heart of Southern Travelers Explore ever since.

Destination Stories Inspired by #STETupelo

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Tupelo, Mississippi.

#STEThomasville Recap: Southern Charm, Big Dreams & Where It All Began

Twenty-five travel lovers. One charming Southern town. And the beginning of something truly special!

Our inaugural Southern Travelers Explore Conference took place in beautiful Thomasville, Georgia, in 2020, just two weeks before the world shut down. Talk about timing!

Twenty-five of us gathered in what Melody lovingly calls the “quintessential Southern town” for a weekend filled with education, exploration, delicious food, and the beginnings of friendships that would last for years to come.

Thanks to a vision and quick, hard work, our very first conference became everything knew it could be and more.

The gorgeous South Eden Plantation served as our conference headquarters, providing a picturesque setting for educational sessions covering podcasting, blog monetization, email marketing, and finding ways to stand out in the ever-changing digital landscape.

But one of the most unforgettable moments was welcoming Patricia Schultz, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. As one of Melody’s greatest travel inspirations, having Patricia speak at our very first conference was nothing short of a dream come true!

And when we weren’t busy learning and networking, Thomasville gave us plenty of reasons to fall in love with this delightful Georgia destination.

Collage featuring a modern hotel lobby bar, a display of local wines, and two attendees at the Southern Travelers Explore conference in Thomasville, Georgia.

Conference Highlights

  • An Inspiring Presentation by Patricia Schultz: What an incredible honor to welcome the bestselling author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die! Her stories and travel inspiration made this a particularly meaningful experience, especially for Melody, whose own travel journey had been influenced by Patricia’s iconic book.
  • Southern Elegance at South Eden Plantation: Our beautiful host property provided the perfect setting for our inaugural gathering, combining historic charm, welcoming hospitality, and an intimate atmosphere that encouraged meaningful connections.
  • Dining in the Historic Showboat Theater: Attendees enjoyed memorable meals in this remarkable venue, known for its connection to an early viewing of Gone with the Wind. What a unique place to gather, share stories, and enjoy Southern hospitality!
  • Taste of Thomasville Food Tour: Delicious local flavors, fascinating stories, and a wonderful introduction to Thomasville’s culinary scene made this guided food tour a standout experience. After all, discovering great food is one of our favorite parts of traveling and Deborah has been setting the standard in food tours for over a dozen years.
  • Education, Networking & New Friendships: From learning new ways to grow our travel businesses to exchanging ideas with fellow creators and tourism professionals, our inaugural conference established the welcoming, collaborative atmosphere that would become a hallmark of Southern Travelers Explore.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much the world would change just two weeks after we gathered in Thomasville.

What began as a dream to bring travel creators and tourism professionals together became something far more meaningful than we could have imagined.

Thomasville gave us the perfect beginning, with its beautiful historic setting, incredible food, welcoming locals, and a tourism team that believed in our vision from day one.

We left with new knowledge, fresh inspiration, wonderful friendships, and the excitement of knowing we had created something worth continuing.

Little did we know that those 25 attendees in Thomasville were helping launch a conference that would grow into the #STE Family we know and love today.

And to think, it all started in one of Georgia’s most charming small towns!

Destination Stories Inspired by #STEThomasville

The experience doesn’t end when the conference wraps up! Explore the blog posts, destination guides, and travel stories inspired by our attendees’ time in Thomasville, Georgia.

 Could Your Destination Be Our Next Host?

From charming small towns to exciting cities and beautiful coastal communities, Southern Travelers Explore has introduced travel storytellers to some truly remarkable destinations.

Interested in bringing #STE to your community? We’d love to discuss how your destination could become part of our conference story.

Contact Melody and Taylor to learn more about future hosting and sponsorship opportunities.

Melody Pittman and daughter Taylor Hardy, co-owners of Southern Travelers Explore, smiling for an outdoor selfie with a scenic vineyard and rolling hills in the background.

Southern Travelers Explore Testimonials

“I liked the size, which gave me an opportunity to interact with nearly everyone who attended.”

“This is probably the best conference I have ever attended due to the structure of meetings, balance of attendees, and overall subject matter.”

“If you are interested in sharing and writing about travel, attending a Southern Travelers Explore is a great conference to attend. As being a 3rd year attendee, there’s always new things to learn. Friendships are made. The host cities go all out to welcome our small group.”

“Southern Travelers Explore isn’t just a conference, it’s a family. This group of travel writers and content creators is so encouraging and supportive that it is worth the price just

to meet the other attendees. They also provide incredible value for the money from the local tours, included meals, and educational sessions. This is by far my favorite conference of the year!”

“I loved the exposure to CVB representatives in a casual atmosphere. Also loved the group discussions, they were candid and frank.”

“The STE Conference is hands-down one of the best conferences a Travel Writer and Influencer can attend. The attention to detail that Melody and Taylor put into the entire event is top-notch.”

“I enjoyed the opportunity to connect during meals and real, informative discussions.”

“Southern Travelers Explore isn’t just a conference, it’s a family. This group of travel writers and content creators is so encouraging and supportive that it is worth the price just to meet the other attendees. They also provide incredible value for the money from the local tours, included meals, and educational sessions. This is by far my favorite conference of the year and if you create content about the southern states then you need to be here!” Anna C.

“I absolutely loved this travel conference. It was dynamic and exciting!”