Meet Melissa, Chapter Leader of Toronto Travel Massive

Have you met Melissa Shearer yet? Melissa is a full-time photographer, part-time blogger, and one of Travel Massive’s Toronto chapter leaders.

In an effort to get Travel Massive members better-acquainted with their chapter leaders, we’re featuring some of our leaders of the pack so that you’re well equipped for the next meet up.

So, we’ve asked Melissa a few questions about how she got involved in Travel Massive, why she’s a chapter leader and what loves about connecting in the travel industry.

How did you first get involved with Travel Massive?

Back in 2010, I was planning my working holiday trip to Australia. I got in touch with Alicia Taggio – a longtime friend, and the co-founder of the Toronto chapter – to see if she had any contacts in Sydney, since she had just been there.  She put me in touch with Ian Cumming who was kind enough to meet me on my first day, invite me to his New Years Eve party and stay in touch as a great local contact. I attended a couple Sydney meetups, and upon my return to Canada, I made it a priority to go to the Toronto events each month, network and foster friendships. When Alicia moved to Vancouver, Cristina asked me if I’d be interested in helping out and nearly 3 years later I’m still helping out!

What motivates you to be part of Travel Massive?

In Toronto, we have such an incredible community, with such varying backgrounds.  I love knowing that there are over 130 more chapters around the world, ready to welcome anyone with open arms.

Do you do anything unique at your meet-ups?

We try to incorporate an open mic session prior to the presentation from our sponsors – this is a way for our members to share what they’re up to, if they have anything special going on, introduce themselves if they’re new, etc.  It also gives companies/ startups/ DMO’s a chance to explain how they’re looking to work with our community members, any contests that they may have running, or fam trip opportunities. It’s something we’ve implemented since 2014 and has been hugely successful with fostering new relationships and work opportunities.

How has Travel Massive helped you professionally?

Travel Massive has been great for me in terms of forming new relationships with brands and other bloggers.  As a traveling photographer, I have a seemingly endless supply of potential customers worldwide, and a platform that I can connect with all of them.  It’s also been beneficial to foster relationships with tourism boards and companies who may be able to partner with me and utilize my different services– photography, blogging and VA services.

Do you have a past event that was your favorite? Why?

Our road trip to Hamilton! Hamilton Tourism rolled out the red carpet for us and made us feel like true VIPs. It was an entire afternoon and evening of exploring an up-and-coming neighbourhood, meeting local business owners, eating SO MUCH delicious food… we even wrapped up the evening at a local brewery –Collective Arts- where they had a band rocking out while we got a brewery tour and sampled some great craft beers!

What is your best advice to a newcomer who wants to attend a Travel Massive event for the first time?

It can be quite intimidating coming to a Travel Massive event for the first time – you walk into a room of strangers who all seem to know each other, you may recognize a few from following their successful blogs, and you may not feel like you should turn and walk out the door.  DON’T!

Tell whoever is in charge of check-in that this is your first time attending – most times it’ll be one of the co-ordinators or a longtime Travel Massive attendee who can help introduce you and break the ice.  Our community members in Toronto are super welcoming – but you have to be willing to put yourself out there to make the most of it!

Leader of the pack is a monthly series that profiles organizers from Travel Massive meet-ups around the world. You can follow Melissa on Travel Massive, Facebook and Twitter.