Leader of the Pack: Lia of Kiev

This week, Kiev Travel Massive will be holding it’s next event to meet and network with online travel industry professionals in Ukraine. In this month’s Leader of the Pack series we meet Lia Andrienko, co-organizer of Kiev Travel Massive. We caught up with Lia before the next event for a glimpse into what meet-ups are like in her city and why you should attend.

What is your connection to the travel industry?

I opened my first travel agency in Kiev, Ukraine in 2007 and in 2010 I became an owner of a travel agency in Prague, Czech Republik.

Why did you decide to organize Travel Massive meet-ups in your city?

I’ve always wanted to organize a Ukrainian event about travel that gathered travellers, bloggers, travel media and other people in the travel business under one roof.  I first learned about Travel Massive meet-ups from my friend Sergei Zadiraka, who organized Travel Massive in Saint Petersburg.

What is the best thing about being a part of Travel Massive?

The format of the meetings is informal and more like a friendly chat than a business seminar. This helps people from the travel industry to feel relaxed, share their professional experiences or just find new friends.

Why should people attend Travel Massive in your city?

At each of our events, people share their experiences, talk about their own insights and mistakes, discuss new marketing strategies, establish useful contacts and find like-minded people. It’s a great way to connect and learn from one another.  

Favourite go–to travel site(s) or blog(s)?

My favourite blogger is Alex Cheban. I also like Aviasales.ru. It’s very useful for finding airline offers and making reservations.

Favourite travel app for Kiev?

Yes! It’s the Ukraine All About You app. It helps you find tours, excursions, restaurants, activities and things to do in Ukraine.

Best advice to a new comer who wants to attend a Travel Massive meet–up for the first time?

Take a lot of business cards with you and don’t be shy to communicate with others!

If you could book a ticket tomorrow, where would you go?

London!

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Leader of the Pack is a monthly series that profiles organizers of Travel Massive meet-ups around the world. Follow Lia on Travel Massive