This weekend saw the first edition of the best conference I’ve ever attended. Traverse 2013 was put together by lovely blokes Paul Dow and Michael Ball. They really excelled themselves with a programme of talks that were actually useful, sponsors that (over)fed and watered the delegates, and sunshine, which perhaps weather2travel brought with them.
On arrival in Brighton it was only appropriate to take advantage of the mighty fine weather and ride the oldest electric railway in the world…
And have a Mr. Whippy…
Before heading to the pub, then the bar on the seafront where Michael and Paul had arranged drinks.
The next day, the conference began. Michael said hello…
Then speakers spoke, pros conducted one-to-one sessions at pro bars, and sponsors laid on food. My favourite speaker was Adrian Land from My Destination, who spoke about SEO. Not only was his talk very comprehensive and well-informed, he also posted a couple of links to valuable resources – The Beginners Guide to SEO and an SEO Starter Guide, by Google.
After an excellent night that followed an excellent conference, the March for England thought they’d try and rain on the parade by, er, parading along the seafront shouting stuff. Most people couldn’t understand what they were shouting because it sounds a bit like a group of drunk people going, ‘wooaahh wooaahh, wooaahh, wooaahh… wooaahh.’ But I’m sure they were trying to make some kind of point. Happily, the people of Brighton made a louder and clearer point – “racist scum, off our streets.” Indeed. I made an audioboo. I wish it had captured the amazing sounds of Lady Marmalade which followed the March for England from a sound system as they marched, but it gives you an idea of who was louder.
Sophie Collard on Google+
Yes, that march was a bit of a downer end to a great weekend! At least they were met with strong opposition!
Indeed!
Like your summing up of the event Soph! And totally agree it was the best travel blogging event so far, followed closely by TBEX I think.
However, I dislike your use of the term ‘boo’ tho – especially in a sentence following one about shouting and riots. Isn’t it always ‘an audioboo’? If I get premature frown lines trying to work out your references I won’t be happy!
Anyway, good use of new media, as Steve Keenan made sure to emphasize in his talk. 🙂
🙂 I think they call it a boo – I don’t know, I used to do quite a few audioboos when I had an iPhone 3 – then it got nicked. But now I have a 4 I’m back in the game!
Nice article Sophie, love the photos!
Flattery from Peter Parkorr – “And totally agree it was the best travel blogging event so far, followed closely by TBEX I think.” Wow, I guess I can forgive you for the Saturday night handshake! 😀