EDITOR’S LETTER

Teresa Kenney, editor

TERESA.KENNEY@TIGEROAK.COM

Gone to Texas

SIX YEARS AGO, I MOVED TO TEXAS IN THE SPRING. So I think it’s only fitting that my first issue as editor of Texas Meetings + Events is the spring issue.

In the six years that I’ve lived here, I’ve experienced the devastation of Hurricane Harvey—and the compassion and humanity it generated. I’ve gone antique shopping at Round Top, roseate spoonbill spotting in Galveston and Christmas caroling in College Station. I’ve walked in the Zen gardens of a Buddhist temple in Port Arthur and sat in the shadow of the state Capitol. I’ve toured the back stages of Houston’s theater district, experienced the whirlwind of festivities of the Renaissance Festival, sat behind the glass of mission control at NASA and shopped at the booths of an art festival in Salado.

I think what surprises me the most about Texas is that I’ve only scratched the surface of everything to see and do here.

For example, this issue’s Destination about Lubbock (page 28) has me itching to head to the Panhandle Plains to snap a selfie behind the oversize glasses in front of the Buddy Holly Center and take a tour of the public art at Texas Tech. I’m also ready to hit one of the 200 lakes in Texas—particularly some of those at the resorts highlighted in this issue’s Venue Report (page 24).

I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know our industry’s thought leaders. We spoke to some for our feature articles on fun food trends (page 37) and engaging meeting breaks (page 32). The creative genius among the meetings and events professionals in Texas is impressive, and I can’t wait to learn more.

With that said, I encourage you to reach out to me at Teresa.Kenney@tigeroak.com—whether you have an idea to share, a story to tell or just want to say hi! One thing I know without a doubt about Texans: You’re a friendly bunch. I can’t wait to meet you.

Cheers,

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What’s the best tx.meetingsmags.com swag you’ve received at an event? EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Teresa Kenney Morgan Halaska I have a cute collection of stu ed animals at my desk.

A beautiful tweed pouch ” SENIOR EDITOR DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Megan Gosch Julianna Fazio Sharon Danitschek, Roger Gordon, Belinda Lichty Clarke, Julie Scagell, which is the perfect Melissa Sersland size to carry my EDITORIAL INTERNS Jenna Barbari, Taylor Hafner,

Kindle! Kendall Van Horne

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VIP pack at SXSW 2007: About 3 dozen CDs of music and a voodoo doll.

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A wireless, Bluetooth speaker

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