Checking In

January 1, 2009

Tyler Davidson

This year promises to be something special, and we here at Meetings Media are dedicated to helping you navigate it.

We’ve got some big news coming up—more on that next issue—but for now we’re focusing on the troubled economy, and bringing all of our resources to bear to give you the tools required to do your job more efficiently, prove your worth to the organizations you plan meetings for, and bring value and deliver on objectives for your attendees.

This issue we’re cutting to the chase to fill you in on the new negotiating atmosphere. Facilities are more willing than ever to wheel and deal, with some even loosening up on their attrition and cancellation penalties. Our “Let’s Make a Deal!” story, which offers a snapshot of what’s out there for those who dare to ask.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to tune in to our free 2009 Meetings Market Trends Survey webinar, which is available on-demand on our website, www.meetingstoday.com/webinars, along with a wealth of other subjects.

Interesting times, these.

About the author

Tyler Davidson is the vice president and chief content director for Meetings Today, which publishes the meetings industry trade magazine Meetings Today as well as MeetingsToday.com, various newsletters, webinars, the in-person Meetings Today LIVE! Hosted-buyer events and other meetings and events industry B2B channels.

Tyler has covered the travel trade for nearly 35 years. In his role with Meetings Today, which recently won the prestigious FOLIO: Eddies Award for best magazine issue, Tyler leads the editorial team on its mission to provide the most in-depth meetings content in the industry. Previously, he worked as the Asia, Canada, Pacific Northwest and Western U.S. editor at Travel Weekly magazine and TravelAge West. Before joining the dual editorial staff producing destination sections for Travel Weekly and TravelAge West, Tyler was the Africa, Israel, Middle East, Switzerland and Pacific Northwest editor at TravelAge West. He also undertook general news and feature assignments while working at the magazines.

Besides reporting on the travel trade, Tyler has covered the real estate industry, held various editorial positions at the San Francisco-based national satire magazine The Nose, wrote freelance technology industry pieces and covered the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders for a bilingual newspaper in San Francisco. He has a B.A. in Journalism from San Francisco State University, where he worked in various editorial capacities on its award-winning student magazine, Prism.

Contact: tyler.davidson@meetingstoday.com