Publisher's Note

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

IF YOU’VE BEEN READING my past few notes, perhaps you can tell that I have been perplexed – to say the least – about the future of our industry.

It’s like “The Perfect Storm.”

With a combination of the weak economy, the perception issue, and virtual meetings, the meeting and travel industry has been challenged like never before.

But, as the old saying goes, “It’s always darkest just before the dawn.”

I’ve recently had the great pleasure of talking with four industry leaders who each tell an enlightening story of a brighter future for our industry. Mickey shared her passion for “experience orchestration.” Hugh talked about how the virtual world will enhance face to face. “Who dat” Kelly talked about her beloved Saints and a new beginning in New Orleans, and Q (that’s right, it’s not a typo) is seeing the results of 20 years of effort in Dallas. Thanks to each of you for providing a generous dose of “positivity” to this old cynic.

If you’re a regular reader of MPG*, perhaps you missed the Winter issue. For “strategic” reasons (I wanted some time off at Christmas) we chose to rework our schedule and will publish the Winter 2010 issue at the end of this year.

Happy trails,

P.S. I don’t know why I’m fixating on George Clooney movies, but, if you haven’t seen his latest, “Up in the Air,” it clearly shows why it’s so important to actually BE THERE.