5 minute read
EDITOR’S LETTER
Teresa Kenney, editor
TERESA.KENNEY@TIGEROAK.COM
Harvest Some Fun
IT’S FALL IN TEXAS, Y’ALL. And you know what that means: replying to every Facebook post from friends up north complaining about the cold weather with a sincere, “Bless your heart.” Here in Texas, on the other hand, we want to shout it from the corn maze haystacks: “Football season is finally here!” It’s also the season to head to Roundtop, Wurstfest, the State Fair of Texas and the Texas Renaissance Fair. Quite frankly, autumn is one of the best times for us to shine!
In this issue’s Destination (page 30), we highlight one of the state’s top spots to spend the season in: Big Bend National Park. Contributing writer Roger Gordon details some of the spaces your group can meet and stay in while you’re exploring the park’s 880,000 acres of wilderness.
We also take a look at some of the Lone Star state’s zoos, aquariums and gardens where you can host a memorable event. Did you know that you can actually mingle with gorillas? Hang out with a laughing kookaburra? Cook up a recipe in a culinary garden? Yep, it’s true. Read all about it in our feature “Gorillas, Dolphins and Orchids, Oh My!” on page 34.
One of the worst-kept secrets in the state is how much Texans love their wine. In fact, Texas is the oldest wine-growing state in the country. In our feature, “Pour on the Fun” on page 43, we explore some of the newest wine bars in Texas where your group can gather for private tastings or parties.
For ideas on how to set the table for the season, be sure to check out the gorgeous seasonal tablescape by Swift + Co. (page 24). From the charming mini-pumpkin place cards to the centerpiece bursting with colors and textures, this is one setting to be thankful for.
And finally, flip to the back of this issue to read our profile on Gail Davis, who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her company, GDA Speakers. She has a story that is as fascinating as the speakers she represents.
As always, thank you for spending your time with us. If you have an event you’d like for us to consider profiling, an idea for an article or just want to introduce yourself and say hi, reach out to me at Teresa.Kenney@tigeroak.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers,
Find, Friend, Follow
Find us online at tx.meetingsmags.com, and make sure to “like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay in the loop between issues.
/TXMEETINGSMAGS @TXMEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSMAGS /MEETINGSEVENTSMAGS
Photography!
tx.meetingsmags.com
EDITOR Teresa Kenney
Tap dancing. I think it could really spruce MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR Morgan Halaska Megan Gosch up my interviewing process ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kassidy Tarala DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Julianna Fazio
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Deborah Elias, Roger Gordon, Julie Kendrick, Chelsea Phillips, Julie Scagell, Melissa Sersland EDITORIAL INTERNS Jakob Bermas, Megan Ekstrand, Sophie Jonsson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Chris Arredondo, Eclipse Entertainment • Yvette Audrain, Simply Mox • Andy Austin, Andy Austin Entertainment Kelly Bagnall, Dykema Gossett PLLC • Deborah Elias, Elias Events • Kevin Foster, Conference & Catering Consultant Services • Christy Hill-Howard, Christy Hill Events Rob Keating, M&M Event Rentals • Steve Kemble, Steve Kemble Event Design • Cindy Lo, Red Velvet Events Inc. Terri McBride, Austin Convention Center • Jim Monroe, J. Monroe Designs • Catherine New, The Statler • Diana Pfaff, Irving CVB • John Shore, Shore Public Relations • Laurie Sprouse, Ultimate Ventures • Leigh Stem, AFR Event Furnishings Dayne Sullivan, Adventures LLC • Marla Watson-Werst, PeaPod Productions
I would love to have the skill to sing and play piano. Patience
DESIGN DIRECTOR Courtney Nielsen
ART DIRECTORS Traci Zellmann, Taylor Kilgore, Olivia Curti
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Dianne Talmage PROJECT COORDINATOR Brittni Dye
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jeremy Wieland SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING SPECIALIST Emily O’Connell Speed reading
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE Leanne Warzeka CREDIT MANAGER April McCauley ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST Jared Lawson
WEB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Powell WEB ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Angela Beissel
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER– NATIONAL SALES Ryan Miller 469.264.7657 ryan.miller@tigeroak.com
California Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Colorado Meetings + Events • 303.617.0548 Illinois Meetings + Events • 312.755.1133 Michigan Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Minnesota Meetings + Events • 612.548.3148 Mountain Meetings • 303.617.0548 Northeast Meetings + Events • 586.416.4195 Northwest Meetings + Events • 253.732.7133
Reprints: For high-quality reprints of 500 or more call 1-800-637-0334 or email reprints@tigeroak.com.
For address changes, ordering single copies, cancellations, or general questions about your subscription please contact customer service at 1-800-637-0334 or customerservice@tigeroak.com
Texas Meetings + Events accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork; they will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
TIGER OAK MEDIA
FOUNDER & CEO R. Craig Bednar CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Bill Nelson VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT Susan Isay DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & Jim Younger
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
900 South Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: 612.548.3180 Fax: 612.548.3181
Published quarterly Texas Meetings + Events, Fall 2019 © 2019 Tiger Oak Media. All rights reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Masterpiece
IRVING ROCKS Innovative Meeting and Event Space
irvingtxmeetings.com
discoverirvingconventioncenter.com
(972) 252 7476
(800) 2 IRVING
#visitirving
the perfect the perfect galveston island retreats galveston island retreats for business or pleasure for business or pleasure
ASK ABOUT WYNDHAM’S PICK YOUR PERKS PROGRAM
Hotel Galvez & Spa and The Tremont House
have long been the locations of choice for corporate retreats in Galveston. The beachfront location of Hotel Galvez & Spa offers expansive Gulf views, the island’s finest spa, the Galvez Bar & Grill and an award-winning Sunday brunch. The Tremont House, located in the historic Strand District, is within walking distance of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Both hotels provide ideal venues for intimate and grand gatherings in a unique and historic setting. Call today and let us assist you in meeting your goals.
