Kevin Wagar Shares Insights on Independent Publishing Success at SATW 2024

Kevin Wagar, Juliana Broste, and Jennifer Dore-Dallas at SATW 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – November 10, 2024 – Kevin Wagar was proud to participate as a panel speaker at the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) annual convention in Istanbul, Turkey. Wagar joined a panel of industry experts, including Juliana Broste of Traveling Jules and Jennifer Dore-Dallas of Chasing Poutine, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small and independent publishers in today’s evolving media landscape. The panel was moderated by SATW board member Jane Woolridge, the business and visual arts editor for the Miami Herald.

The panel, titled “Show Me The Money,” explored strategies for achieving financial sustainability while maintaining editorial integrity and serving a loyal readership. Wagar shared his insights on topics such as:

  • Diversifying revenue streams: Exploring alternative income sources beyond traditional advertising, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and direct reader support.
  • Building a strong online presence: Leveraging social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization to reach a wider audience and engage readers.
  • Creating valuable content: Focusing on quality over quantity and delivering unique and compelling stories that resonate with a niche audience.
  • Cultivating community: Fostering a sense of belonging among readers through online forums, events, and other interactive experiences.

“It was a pleasure to share some of my experience with such an engaged and exciting group of professionals,” said Wagar. “Independent publishers have a vital role to play in the travel media landscape, and it’s so important for them to be able to find ways to succeed in an ever-more challenging media landscape.”

Wagar’s participation in the SATW convention underscores his commitment to supporting the growth and development of the travel publishing industry. His insights and expertise provide valuable guidance for small and independent publishers seeking to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of the current media environment.

The opportunity also underscored his publishing success, including winning second place in the Best Travel Blog category at SATW’s esteemed Lowell Thomas Travel Media Awards.

About SATW:

The Society of American Travel Writers is an international professional organization comprised of professional travel writers, photographers, editors, broadcasters, and public relations representatives. SATW provides its members with educational resources, networking opportunities, and industry recognition.

Leave a Reply