STEIrving: All You Need To Know

The 4th annual Southern Travelers Explore Conference is taking place March 10-12, 2023 at the fabulous Texican Court in Irving, Texas. #STEIrving will be an educational vacation with a true southern experience for those in the travel world.

Here is everything you need to know about #STEIrving!

What Is The Southern Travelers Explore Conference?

The Southern Travelers Explore Conference is a small-scale travel conference created in 2020 by Melody Pittman and Taylor Hardy (owners of Travel the South and Wherever I May Roam Blog).

#STE travel conference brings bloggers, journalists, CVBs, and DMOs from across the country together for a weekend of educational sessions, small group discussions, and a marketplace, while enjoying all that the host city has to offer.

Southern Travelers Explore Conference has taken place in Thomasville, GA (#STEThomasville February 2020), Tupelo, MS (#STETupelo February 2021), and Huntsville, AL (#STEHuntsville February 2022). #STE has also expanded to include small scale retreats, the first taking place in Johnson City, TN (#STEJohnsonCity 2021).

The fourth Southern Travelers Explore Conference will be held March 10-12, 2023 in Irving, Texas–thus, named #STEIrving.

Who Is Invited To #STEIrving?

All travel writers, bloggers, influencers, journalists, CVBs, and DMOs who want to learn skills related to their profession, network with others in the travel industry, and experience a fantastic southern destination are invited.

You don’t need to attend this conference with a friend or know anyone there. Melody and Taylor will see to it that you are “with friends” as soon as you arrive in Irving. 

How Much Does #STEIrving Cost?

Tickets for travel writers, bloggers, influencers, journalists, and travel enthusiasts are $229 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Your ticket includes all programming, local activities, meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners), networking opportunities, transportation during the conference (to and from the Texican Court), and a gift bag courtesy of our product sponsors.

If you are a CVB or DMO, please reach out to travelthesouthbloggers@gmail.com for information about tickets and sponsorships. We even have virtual sponsorships available for destinations unable to attend.

There are a limited number of #STEIrving tickets available.

Where Will I Stay In Irving? 

The beautiful Texican Court will serve as both our meeting venue and host hotel for #STEIrving. Transportation will be available to/from all #STEIrving events from here.

“Retro chic meets modern appeal at Texican Court, a distinctly Texan spot with no shortage of throwback charm. You will dig the Americana of this motor-court-style hotel where you can sip coffee in the rocking chair outside your room or soak in the sun at the pool. Nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards, Texican Court offers outdoor fun with lawn games like Jenga and cornhole, a circular outdoor swimming pool, comfy loungers, fire pits and complimentary bicycles.”

Texican Court blends relaxed luxury and modern amenities with the Timeless Hospitality that Valencia Hotel Group is known for. It is in the Irving/Las Colinas Entertainment District across the street from the Irving Convention Center and Toyota Music Factory in North Irving.

The Texican Court is offering a discounted room rate of $129 per night for #STEIrving attendees. Booking details will be sent in your ticket confirmation email.

You’re welcome to seek other lodging options in Irving, but you will be responsible for your own transportation to all conference events.

What If I’m Flying In?

Transportation to and from Irving will be provided the day the Southern Travelers Explore Conference begins and ends from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), if you arrive before 4 PM on March 10th and depart after 3 PM on March 12th.

Airport arrivals outside of that timeframe will be responsible for their own transportation to the Texican Court.

What Will I Learn At #STEIrving?

There will be educational sessions and a few small group discussions during #STEIrving. Three educational sessions have been announced.

How To Create Content By Working Smarter Not Harder

Led by: Megan Bannister of Olio in Iowa

Whether you’re a writer or working for a CVB, the constant churn of creating content can feel like an endless and daunting task. But there are tips and tricks you can use to get more out of the content you capture whether you’re on the road or promoting places in your own backyard.

With experience as both a content creator and a destination marketing professional, Megan will share how to capture and create content in a way that allows you to work smarter, not harder in this Educational Session.

Cashing In Beyond Writing

Led by: Melissa Garcia of Roaming My Planet and Consumer Queen

In this educational session, we will explore some of the ways that content creators and destinations can work together to create more than just a blog post. We will discuss how influencers can form long-term relationships with destinations and DMOs, incorporate non-travel brands into campaigns, and create multiple revenue streams.

By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how content creators can earn a sustainable income while still promoting their favorite destinations and more. You will also know how to better utilize the strengths of both content creators and destinations to create a plan that goes beyond a blog post.

*Blogger Only Session

How To Unlock Affiliate Growth In Unexpected Ways

Led by: Kimberly Stroh of Savvy Mama Lifestyle

Now that blogging is more competitive than ever, an edge in affiliate marketing can make all the difference in your net income. Unlock potential growth and change your mindset about affiliate marketing, as Kimberly from Savvy Mama Lifestyle shares little tweaks that make a big difference.

*Blogger Only Session

#STEIrving Weekend Overview

Friday March 10

• Attendees meet at the Texican Court for the #STEIrving opening followed by the kickoff event hosted by Visit Irving Texas.

Saturday March 11

• Breakfast followed by small group discussions and educational sessions. Then, #STEIrving attendees will split into small groups for lunch and local activities arranged by Visit Irving. After some brief downtime, attendees will enjoy a dine around Irving for networking, good food, and great fun.

Sunday March 12

• Breakfast followed by blogger only educational sessions and small group discussions. #STEIrving attendees will transition into a marketplace, allowing the opportunity to meet with CVBs and DMOs in an intimate setting. Last, the #STEIrving closing and goodbyes.

Why Irving?

If you like a nice big steak saddled up with your samba, farm-to-table with your honkytonk, or a little rock ‘n roll with your southern hospitality… you’re guaran-darn-teed to fit right in in Irving where you’re invited to stay and play in the heart of Irving’s Las Colinas Urban Center.

With culture, adventure, and entertainment all in one compact, accessible footprint, there are more than enough things to see and do in Irving to fill up your weekend getaway. Las Colinas, with a beautiful lake and Venetian-inspired waterways, makes gatherings scenic, charming, and safe.

Now, we all know that any good getaway starts with an amazing stay, and your Irving weekend oasis in Las Colinas (the L.C.) has a one-of-a-kind vibe, pool scene, foodie fun and unique amenities like yard games, firepits for roasting s’mores and local musicians. Whew!

As if that’s not enough to get excited about, the Texican Court is located smack-dab in the middle of Irving’s walkable entertainment district with eateries & drinkeries galore, axe-throwing, live music, water sports, waterfront dining, patios on patios, lakeside strolling and more.

Yippie ki-yay! Go ahead and pack those boots, the ones that were made for walkin’!

Join Us For #STEIrving!

We would love for you to join us in March for a weekend of educational sessions, small group discussions, and a marketplace, while also enjoying some of what the beautiful city of Irving has to offer.

Stay up to date with all things #STEIrving on our Facebook page.

Learn more about the Southern Travelers Explore Conference.

*Tickets are nonrefundable

*All ticket holders must be at least 21 years old