BlogStock 2015: Meet Michael Ball

This month in our series, The Travel Scene we feature Michael Ball, Director of BlogStock, the first and only bloggers festival in the world. This year marks the second edition taking place September 4-6 in Elstree, North London. In between planning and organizing, Michael stopped to chat with us about the festival and what we can expect. 

Who is the festival for?

BlogStock is for bloggers and people who work with them, as well as anyone who has an online presence, whether they be YouTubers or social media experts who want to take their passion to the next level.

Why was BlogStock created?

Through the Traverse Conference, we had done two hugely successful conferences for travel bloggers specifically, but we were keen to do something different for all types of bloggers. We wanted to make this one different from other conferences out there already – we reasoned that bloggers are much like your typical fun, festival crowd so the idea of BlogStock came from that. Our format is what makes us different.

What is a BlogStock festival like?

Everyone comes down for the weekend and camps over. We have 35 odd sessions for bloggers and brands which are very professional, but usually in a different setting to your typical conference. We have talks in tipis, marquees, tents, photo walks around a lake, and outdoor sessions. We also run loads of sessions that are not directly related to blogging, but are great fun like cocktail classes, yoga, pizza making schools and sometimes even live music, bouncy castles and of course a few great bars. Our parties are legendary, especially the closing event.

What or who can we expect at this year’s event?

So far, we have over 20 sessions and speakers announced and the entertainment and activities. We have so much more to add in the next seven weeks, so keep an eye out!

What is your best tip for bloggers who want to get into the industry?

Start small and produce content you love and are comfortable with. Writing comes across a million times better when the author is really into their subject matter.  If you do it this way, press trips, paid content and a whole lot more will come. Networking is important too, get to some if you can. Travel Massive is perfect for that and of course you can learn loads at the bigger events like Traverse, BlogStock and WTM conferences.

Where do you see the travel or travel-tech industry in 2-5 years?

I think we’ll see some more virtual reality becoming popular. I also hope to see this industry become a bit more professional in the way brands and bloggers work together, it can be a bit disjointed at the moment with no regulation and a lot of people still learning the ropes.

Is there anything new or upcoming at BlogStock?

Traverse will this year be running the blogger sessions at WTM. If you can’t make BlogStock then we’d love to see you at WTM! We have also recently launched Traverse Connect, which provides training, consultancy and the very best blogger outreach services to the travel industry.

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

Probably South America, I have never been there yet and am desperate to watch some football (soccer) in Argentina and of course sample the culture (steak) that the country has to offer. I also don’t think I’ve ever met a Latin American that I didn’t get along with, they all seem so much fun!

Follow Michael at Traverse on Travel Massive to receive a 15% off your ticket!

For a list of travel industry conferences around the globe, bookmark our list.