Publisher's Note

Joel Hueske
MPG* Meeting Planners Guide
joel@meetingplannersguide.com

“IN SCOTLAND, between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Tay, lies the Kingdom of Fife – known to certain lovers of that land simply as ‘The Kingdom.’  There, on the shore of the North Sea, lies a golfing links that shimmers in my memory – an innocent stretch of heather and grassy dunes that cradles the unlikely events which grew into this book.”

These are the opening lines in Michael Murphy’s 1972 book, “Golf in the Kingdom.”  Michael tells the story of a mystical day of Scottish golf with an equally mystical golfer, Shivas Irons.  It’s one of my favorites.

So what does any of this have to do with meetings and travel?

Not much really.  But, later this summer, I will be traveling to Scotland for some golf.  It’s my first visit to the UK, certainly my first golf in the Kingdom and, I’m getting excited.  That’s what traveling is all about.

Speaking of travel, after talking with the industry leaders we interviewed for this issue, it’s clear that, in the first quarter of 2010, people are beginning their return to traveling and meeting, particularly for business.  Although I believe it may be a long recovery, that’s great news for our industry.

We talked with Denise Coll about Starwood Hotels, with Arlinda John about a recent conference of the Navajo Nation, with Dan Quandt about the Texas Gulf Coast and with Betty Garrett about the importance of booking the right speaker.  Thank you all for your insights, your advice and, most of all, your passion for travel and meetings.

Here’s to “being there,”