#ECMeetUp 2018 Bloggers and Influencers conference held in Nelson Mandela Bay largest in Eastern Cape

The ECMeetUp team and Travelstart representatives inspired bloggers at the 2018 ECMeetUp with informative presentations and insights into the latest trends. Eleanor Douglas - Meyers, ECMeetUp Director; Lyle Scritten, Travelstart Digital PR Strategist; Ais

Nelson Mandela Bay was host city to the biggest blog conference in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, 2 June 2018 when around 80 digital influencers converged at the Fairview Race Course. The EC MeetUp team in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and Herald Live welcomed guest speakers, renowned bloggers and social media influencers Megan Kelly who runs By Megan Kelly and Travelstart who are Africa’s leading online travel agency.

ECMEETUP Directors Ms Luchae Williams and Ms Eleanor Douglas shared, “The ECMeetup has grown since conception in 2016 from where it started with 30 guests in attendance to over 80 guests this year.  We strive to create a platform to put the Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay on the blogging map while allowing digital influencers to network, grow and support one another.”

Eastern Cape businesses and brands fully supported and got on board with the event to harness the power and collaborations they can build with the blogging community. Blogging is one of the most effective ways to reach a diverse audience for sales conversations or to create awareness about a product and brand.

 “Having a dynamic blogging community in Nelson Mandela Bay and the collaborations with such influencers are vital for NMBT as a destination marketing organisation as this aligns with the digital marketing strategy of the organisation. Blogging is one of the most influential tactics a DMO can use to share authentic stories about the destinations offerings and attractions.” Confirmed, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Marketing manager, Mr Titus Chuene.

The annual ECMeetUp provides a platform for experienced and novice bloggers to interact, grow and gain knowledge about the digital sphere and how to improve working with brands. Blogging infiltrates, a global audience with a wide scope of topics from parenting blogs, lifestyle nature and travel. This year’s MeetUp had guest speakers from Travelstart Africa Who are Africa’s leading on-line travel agency to inspire and motivate travel bloggers.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism utilised the opportunity to showcase some of the destination highlights to the Travelstart team and to build possible relations to enhance the destinations accessibility and showcase the offerings. The team kicked off the 2-day visit with a Route 67 and city tour and enjoyed the food and lifestyle buzz of Stanley street for dinner while The Kelway Hotel sponsored the beachfront accommodation.

Lyle Scritten, Digital PR and Outreach Strategist at Travelstart shared “The ECMeetUp is definitely a must-attend event for Bloggers, Brands and anyone looking to grow their online presence. Everything from the venue, the food, the talks, the goodie bags, were all top notch. Thanks to the organisers and sponsors for a truly spectacular gathering of the minds.”

Travelstart shared some insights and tips with regards to the travel industry on-line platforms whilst introducing the affiliate program to the bloggers. Megan Kelly’s insights of brand etiquette and working with PR representatives and how to make money from your blog kept the delegates intrigued.

For more about the ECMeetup and future events visit the Facebook page - Eastern Cape Bloggers