Introduction to TravCon: The Ultimate Travel Healthcare Conference
TravCon, the Travelers Conference, is the premier annual event for travel healthcare professionals in the United States, held every September at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. As the only conference dedicated exclusively to travel nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare travelers, TravCon offers a unique blend of education, networking, and celebration in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. For first-time attendees, the conference can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience, with opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs), connect with industry peers, and explore career-enhancing resources. In this article, recruiters Aaron and Kalie, seasoned TravCon attendees, share their expert tips to help first-timers make the most of their experience at TravCon 2025, scheduled for September 21–24. From planning strategies to networking advice, this comprehensive guide ensures that new attendees can navigate the conference with confidence and maximize its benefits.
Understanding TravCon’s Unique Appeal
A Community of Like-Minded Professionals
TravCon stands out as a one-of-a-kind event that brings together a diverse group of healthcare travelers, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). As Kalie notes, the conference creates a sense of community, making the expansive travel healthcare industry feel like a close-knit family. Attendees have the chance to meet fellow travelers who share similar experiences, aspirations, and challenges, fostering immediate connections that can lead to lifelong friendships and professional partnerships.
The event’s location in Las Vegas adds an extra layer of excitement. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, with its iconic entertainment and hospitality, complements the conference’s dynamic energy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or considering your first travel assignment, TravCon offers a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and celebrate the unique lifestyle of healthcare travelers.
Opportunities for Education and Networking
TravCon is more than just a social gathering; it’s a hub for professional development and networking. The conference offers up to 14 hours of CEUs, covering topics such as travel nursing best practices, tax strategies, and clinical advancements. With over 100 exhibitor booths, attendees can explore agencies, connect with recruiters, and discover resources tailored to their careers. Social events, including happy hours, themed parties, and the legendary AfterParty at Drai’s nightclub, provide ample opportunities to network in a relaxed and fun setting. For first-timers, understanding the scope of these opportunities is key to maximizing the TravCon experience.
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees
Plan and Organize Your Schedule
Create a Roadmap for Success
One of Kalie’s top tips for first-time attendees is to approach TravCon with a plan. The conference is packed with sessions, exhibitor booths, and social events, making it easy to feel overwhelmed without a clear strategy. Kalie recommends obtaining a map of the exhibit hall and researching the companies and booths you want to visit in advance. This preparation allows you to prioritize your time, ensuring you attend must-see sessions and connect with key agencies.
To stay organized, bring a notebook to jot down important information, such as session takeaways, recruiter contacts, and booth giveaways. Kalie suggests mapping out each day to balance educational sessions, networking opportunities, and spontaneous activities. For example, the TravCon website provides a detailed schedule of events, including the Newbie Bootcamp, a Sunday intensive for new travelers, and sessions like “Travel Nursing 101” and “Financial Strategies for Travelers.” By planning your days, you can ensure you don’t miss critical opportunities while leaving room for unexpected discoveries.
Balance Structure with Spontaneity
While organization is crucial, Aaron emphasizes the importance of being spontaneous. TravCon’s vibrant atmosphere fosters instant connections with like-minded individuals, and unplanned interactions can lead to meaningful relationships. For instance, you might meet a group of travelers at a booth and decide to join them for a company-sponsored pool party or happy hour. These spontaneous moments often result in some of the most memorable experiences at TravCon, so remain open to deviating from your schedule when opportunities arise.
Arrive Early or Stay Late
Maximize Your Time in Vegas
Both Aaron and Kalie strongly recommend arriving early or staying late to fully experience TravCon and its surrounding events. Many travelers arrive as early as Friday or Saturday to attend pre-conference activities, such as pool parties, dinners, or agency-sponsored events. Staying until Wednesday allows you to participate in post-conference gatherings, including the farewell brunch. Extending your trip ensures you can connect with more companies and travelers, as some events overlap during the official conference days (Sunday through Wednesday, September 21–24, 2025).
Aaron shares that clinicians often plan their assignments around TravCon, requesting time off to attend the conference and its extended activities. By arriving early, you can explore Las Vegas, attend unofficial events, and build relationships before the conference begins. Kalie admits that she and Aaron have yet to fully embrace this strategy but plan to do so in 2025, highlighting the value of extra time in Vegas.
Explore Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a wealth of entertainment options, from shows and dining to outdoor activities like hikes and tours. TravCon’s location at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino places you in the heart of the Strip, making it easy to explore the city during downtime. Take advantage of your extended stay to enjoy a show, dine at a world-class restaurant, or join fellow travelers for a group activity. These experiences enhance the fun and camaraderie of TravCon, making it a well-rounded professional and personal adventure.
Leverage Networking Opportunities
Build Relationships with Recruiters
Aaron emphasizes the importance of being intentional about networking, particularly with recruiters from agencies you’ve connected with prior to the conference. Visiting their booths allows you to put a face to the name, build rapport, and strengthen professional relationships. For example, Aaron recounts a traveler who, after meeting him in person at TravCon, submitted job applications the following Monday, demonstrating the immediate impact of in-person connections.
To prepare for these interactions, bring business cards or a digital QR code with your contact information to share with recruiters. Take notes on the agencies you meet to keep track of their offerings and follow up after the conference. These interactions can lead to new job opportunities, better contract terms, and a deeper understanding of the travel healthcare industry.
Connect with Fellow Travelers
TravCon’s community-driven atmosphere makes it easy to form connections with other travelers. Kalie highlights the joy of meeting people who “get” the travel healthcare lifestyle, from the challenges of navigating contracts to the excitement of exploring new destinations. These connections can lead to lasting friendships and even future travel partnerships. Aaron shares stories of clinicians who met at TravCon and later traveled together on assignments, illustrating the power of the conference’s networking environment.
To enhance your networking, join TravCon-specific Facebook groups, such as the Official TravCon Group or the Unofficial TravCon Events page, before the conference. These groups provide insights into events, help you connect with attendees, and keep you informed about agency-sponsored activities like happy hours, dinners, or Vegas tours. Engaging on social media also allows you to share your TravCon experience, tag new friends, and build your professional network.
Take Advantage of Swag and Giveaways
Don’t Miss the Exhibit Hall
The TravCon exhibit hall is a treasure trove of resources, with over 100 booths offering everything from agency information to high-value giveaways. Kalie and Aaron highlight the excitement of collecting swag, such as $500 gift cards, travel vouchers, and even luxury items like Louis Vuitton bags. To make the most of the exhibit hall, visit as many booths as possible, but don’t just “grab and go.” Take time to engage with representatives, ask questions about their services, and learn how they can support your career.
Kalie advises bringing an extra bag to carry the swag, as the volume of giveaways can be substantial. Many attendees regret not planning for this, sometimes spending money to ship items home or purchase additional luggage. By coming prepared, you can fully enjoy the perks of the exhibit hall without logistical hassles.
Maximize Engagement for Rewards
Some booths offer raffles or contests for high-value prizes, so be sure to participate. Engaging with companies can also lead to exclusive invitations to off-site events, such as dinners or happy hours, where you can network in a more relaxed setting. These interactions not only yield tangible rewards but also strengthen your connections with agencies and recruiters, potentially opening doors to future opportunities.
Educate Yourself and Others
Spread the Word About TravCon
Kalie encourages recruiters and travelers to educate others about TravCon, as many clinicians are unaware of the conference. Sharing information on social media, such as posting stories or photos from the event, can inspire others to attend and build excitement within the travel healthcare community. Kalie notes that even after years of promoting TravCon, she still encounters travelers who are surprised to learn about it, underscoring the importance of raising awareness.
For recruiters, educating clinicians about TravCon can enhance their relationships and demonstrate a commitment to their professional growth. For travelers, sharing your TravCon experience online—whether through posts, stories, or tags—helps build a sense of community and encourages others to join the conversation.
Attend Educational Sessions
TravCon offers a wealth of educational opportunities, including sessions that provide CEUs and cover critical topics like travel taxes, contract negotiations, and clinical skills. Kalie advises first-timers to prioritize these sessions, as they offer valuable insights that can save time and money in your career. For example, the Newbie Bootcamp on Sunday is ideal for those new to travel healthcare, providing a comprehensive overview of pay packages, contracts, and agency relationships.
Take notes during sessions to capture key takeaways and actionable advice. These resources can help you navigate the complexities of travel healthcare, from understanding tax homes to avoiding housing scams. By investing in your education at TravCon, you’ll leave the conference as a more confident and knowledgeable traveler.
Save Money with Included Amenities
Take Advantage of Free Meals
Aaron shares a practical tip for budget-conscious attendees: TravCon provides high-quality breakfast and lunch buffets during the conference days, included in the ticket price. These meals, described as “better than the food at my wedding” by some attendees, help you save money on dining in expensive Las Vegas hotels. Additionally, the conference hosts a happy hour on Monday and a farewell brunch, further reducing your food costs.
By relying on these included amenities, you can allocate your budget to other experiences, such as evening dinners, shows, or agency-sponsored events. Aaron notes that the quality of the provided meals surprised him during his first TravCon, making this a valuable tip for first-timers looking to manage expenses.
Budget-Friendly Strategies
To further save money, consider booking a room at a nearby hotel like the Flamingo, which offers TravCon’s discounted room rates and is a short walk from the Paris Las Vegas. Joining Caesars Rewards, a free program, can also unlock exclusive room rates and perks at affiliated hotels. For those on a tight budget, planning your meals around the conference’s offerings and sharing accommodations with fellow travelers can reduce costs while enhancing the social experience.
Making TravCon a Memorable Experience
Embrace the Fun and Camaraderie
TravCon is not just about professional development; it’s a celebration of the travel healthcare lifestyle. Aaron and Kalie emphasize the importance of having fun, whether at the exhibit hall, social events, or spontaneous gatherings. The conference’s festive atmosphere, combined with Las Vegas’s entertainment options, creates a unique environment where you can connect with others who understand the joys and challenges of travel healthcare.
Kalie shares that meeting travelers in person strengthens business relationships, making them feel more like friendships. These connections add an element of trust and camaraderie, transforming recruiters from “random people on the phone” into valued partners. By embracing the fun and community spirit of TravCon, you’ll leave with memories and relationships that last a lifetime.
Plan for Future Attendance
For many attendees, TravCon becomes an annual tradition. Aaron notes that clinicians often request time off for future conferences after their first experience, hooked by the fun, connections, and professional growth opportunities. To ensure you can attend again, plan your travel assignments around TravCon’s dates (September 21–24, 2025) and register early to secure discounted tickets. The TravCon website offers refundable tickets, so you can commit early without risk.
