How TravCon Changed My Life (and Why I Keep Coming Back)

6 Min Read Published August 12, 2025
How TravCon Changed My Life (and Why I Keep Coming Back)
How TravCon Changed My Life (and Why I Keep Coming Back)

I still remember my very first TravCon.

I walked into that buzzing hotel conference and exhibit hall in Vegas not really knowing what to expect—just a NICU nurse turned traveler looking to connect with a few people and maybe snag a free tote bag or two. What I didn’t know then was that this conference would become a pivotal moment in both my personal and professional life.

Fast forward to today, and I’m heading into my 5th year attending TravCon—and my 4th year proudly hosting a Travel Nurse 101 booth. It’s become one of the most meaningful events of my year. It's more than just a conference—it's where I found my people.

A Community of Like-Minded Healthcare Professionals

There’s something almost electric about being in a room full of healthcare travelers who just get it. The long shifts, the relocations, the last-minute housing scrambles, and the incredible moments that make it all worth it—we speak the same language. Whether you're a brand-new traveler or someone with 20+ assignments under your belt, TravCon brings us together with a shared sense of purpose and passion.

It’s the first place I truly felt seen as a travel nurse—not just for the job I do, but for the life I’ve built around it.

Enter To Win FREE TravCon Tickets

I'm giving away four FREE TravCon 2025 tickets! Simply follow the instructions on my Instagram post @travnurse101

What Other Travelers Have to Say About TravCon

One of the most powerful parts of TravCon is the community. It’s not just about learning or networking—it’s about feeling seen, supported, and inspired. Here’s what a few fellow traveler friends and Healthcare content creators had to say about how TravCon impacted their journey:

“TravCon changed my life! Travelers possess a very certain kind of spirit (one that dives headfirst into discomfort and adventure) and when I went to TravCon I knew I had found my tribe. TravCon us unique that it combines all those people into one place at one time, and I’m so grateful for it!

-Joscel J. (IG @josceljames)

“TravCon has been the heartbeat of my nursing journey. It’s where I’ve built lasting friendships, found inspiration, and connected with incredible healthcare professionals. It’s also fueled my passion for creating community through hosting group trips and supporting fellow nurses beyond the conference.”
- Leah H. (IG @Offtheclocknurse)


“TravCon influenced my travel journey tremendously. I was able to make connections with recruiters, agencies, and fellow travelers that I can now lean on for advice, support, or just a friend’s opinion. I’m truly grateful for TravCon—I don’t think I would’ve survived my first year of travel without the friendships I made. If you’re even considering travel healthcare, you need to attend TravCon!”
- Jourdan M.  (IG @JourdanMIller99)



“TravCon means growth, community, support and opportunity!This will be my 4th year attending, I’ve gone from being an attendee to an official speaker which allows me to pour back into the community that was poured into me” 

-Jahnik D. (IG@the_champagne_nurse)


“TravCon gave me the community I didn’t know I was missing. It reminded me that we’re not just out here chasing contracts—we’re building careers, friendships, and futures. Every year I leave fulfilled, recharged, and inspired to keep going.”
- Reva L. (IG @RevaMoments)


“TravCon helped me form connections and relationships that took part in shaping how I wanted to define my life in the next chapter of life.”
- Tobe M. (IG @MurseTobe)



“Travcon has brought me one of the most important things that I cherish, friendships. I have met, and have had fun with so many like-minded nurses. I look forward to getting together every year.”
- Brennan M. (IG @He.2.Smooth)

“I’ve enjoyed attending TravCon for the last 3 years as a way to meet different agencies and their recruiters. The best part is meeting other travellers in the industry and mingling with them.”

-Natalie D. (IG @Natalie_XO)

 

“I attended Travcon not knowing a single person, but I left with a lifetime of friends. It has shown me a community that I didn’t know I needed.”

-Nick K. (IG @nickkaiser13)

💙 From Being Mentored to Giving Back

This year marks a full-circle moment again as I host the Travel Nurse 101 booth for the fourth time—and trust me, I’m bringing the energy.

The theme? Pickleball! Because just like travel nursing, it’s fast-paced, a little wild, and totally about connection. Whether you’re new to the game or already a contract MVP, this year’s Travel Nurse 101 booth is all about bringing the energy.

I’m serving up travel nurse wins with resources, mentorship, and yes—plenty of prizes and good vibes.

  • Taglines we’re living for this year:
    “Smash Your Travel Goals with TN101!”
    “Let’s Rally for Your Next Assignment!”
    “Dink, Drink, and Discover Travel Nurse 101!”
    “Ace Your Next Contract with Us!”

Every year, I get to meet so many of you in person—nurses who’ve attended webinars, sent DMs, or joined mentorship sessions. Hearing your stories, answering your questions, and watching you take those brave first steps into travel nursing is why I do what I do.

I give away resources, hugs, and a few goodies (because who doesn’t love a giveaway?), but I leave with so much more—gratitude, connection, and a renewed fire to keep pouring into this community. Come find me, connect, and take your next shot—on and off the court.

Setting You Up for Success—One Session at a Time

Every year, I walk away from TravCon with CEUs, resources, and tips I didn’t even know I needed. There are tons of educational sessions backed by industry leaders designed specifically for travelers, where you can soak up industry knowledge and earn valuable CEUs while you’re at it. Whether you're diving into compliance tips or learning how to navigate your next big move, there’s something here for every stage of the journey. 

Bonus moment I’m extra excited about? I’ll be speaking at Traveler Success Bootcamp on Saturday, 9/21 at 1:15 PM, leading a session called “Acing the Interview & Landing the Travel Job You Really Want.”

This one’s all about setting you up for success during your interview—and reminding you that you’re interviewing the hospital and manager just as much as they’re interviewing you. After 23 assignments, I’ve had my fair share of interviews (some amazing, some… not so much), and I’m ready to pass on the insider tips I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.

Food, Fun, and the Afterparty at Drai’s

Let’s not forget the fun side of TravCon—because yes, you’ll eat well, laugh hard, and make memories that have nothing to do with nursing acronyms. From breakfast and lunch with fellow travelers to afternoon happy hours and, of course, the legendary afterparty at Drai’s.

That view of the Vegas skyline from the rooftop, surrounded by travel nurses dancing, smiling, and letting go for a night? This year’s theme? Under the Sea So yes, we’re already planning our “fits”—and you know it’s going to be a whole VIBE. Mermaidcore, seashell sparkle, maybe even a travel nurse Triton or two? I'm here for all of it.

There's no shortage of celebration and connection. It’s the perfect balance of education and fun!

Why I Keep Coming Back

TravCon changed my life because it reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. It gave me the tools to thrive, the people to grow with, and the platform to help others do the same.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your travel journey, unsure of your next steps, or just in need of a reset—TravCon is where you need to be!

I’ll be there again this year, booth and all, ready to meet you, cheer you on, and maybe play a little Pickleball! 

Let’s learn together. Let’s laugh a lot. Let’s keep building this community—one traveler at a time!

🤔 Nurses, have you ever been to TravCon? Let me know about your experience in the discussion forum below. 

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Brandy Pinkerton
RN, Travel Nurse
Brandy Pinkerton
Nurse.org Contributor

Brandy Pinkerton is a seasoned RN with a diverse and exciting career as a travel nurse. For the first ten years of Brandy’s career, she worked as a NICU and PICU nurse and then switched to a critical care float pool role at a children’s hospital in her home state of Texas. This opportunity gave Brandy the experience she needed to float to different units, including cardiovascular, hematology, oncology, and many others. She pursued travel nursing, allowing her to travel to states across the nation, including Colorado, Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, and Montana. Learn more about her on site: TravelNurse101

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