Checking In - West June 2010

May 3, 2010

Tyler Davidson

We’re traveling from first-tier to second-tier this issue, with coverage on perhaps the biggest of meetings destinations, Las Vegas, and a feature story on how value destinations are adding perks such as arranging greatly relaxed attrition terms, reduced room rates and programs that are highly customized to the individual needs of a group.

Vegas, of course, is all about glitz, and who better to chime in on this high-rolling destination than resident Robin Leach, former star of the iconic Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and current host of the Vegas Deluxe. Our WOW! Las Vegas story, explores the phenomenal group entertainment options available in Sin City, from the ever-popular Cirque du Soleil shows to eclectic offerings such as Blue Man group—be sure to check out the video in the digital edition to see the blue men in action.

Also on the visual side, our "Artful Lodging" story, examines some of the top hotels that place a premium on an art theme. Many of the properties also emphasize the work of local artists and can arrange for demonstrations for groups.

Enjoy this issue, and if you haven’t already, stop on by MeetingsFocus.com to see some of the great additional content that accompanies this edition.

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