9 Top Meetings Industry Writers to Know

July 14, 2022

As the meetings industry revs back up, research from IACC is giving us hope that in-person meetings will be back in force sooner than later. While that’s good news for meeting planners, it’s a sign that destination marketing organizations and CVBs need to get back to work attracting the media actors who can tout the benefits of their convention centers and hotels to decision makers.

It’s time to get back on meeting planners’ radars, and these top meetings industry writers are some of the best journalists to know. They are the gateway to the meeting planners who create short-lists of destinations to host their next big conference or meeting. They write and edit for the top industry publications that meeting planners read, so get your destination in their headlines.

Give your hotel partners and convention center the best possible chance of getting noticed by reaching out to any and all of these top meeting industry writers.

1. Barbara Palmer is deputy editor at Convene, published by PCMA, and covers all sorts of topics in educational content and professional development. For news in the meeting space, developing trends, or even profile pieces, start pitching to Convene to connect with the meeting planners who will be interested in what’s going on within your destination.

2. Sarah J.F. Braley, who goes by“Sally,” is a managing editor at Northstar Meetings Group, publishing stories through one of the biggest and most reputable meeting groups in the world. Look to her if you have general news stories in your destination that you want to be sure land in front of meeting planners’ eyes. With coverage on the Northstar Meetings Group website, you’ll be sure to maximize your visibility among planners.

3. David Swanson is a freelancer who covers the events industry for publications including Corporate & Incentive Travel. He covers trends and emerging destinations as well as general news relevant to meeting planners. David often seeks the inside scoop from meeting planners who have hosted their groups in your destination, so be ready to connect him with planners who are in the know! 

4. Matt Swenson contributes to BizBash, a global trade media platform for event venues and resources. He has a keen interest in sporting events, making him a unique ally for destinations looking to attract attention among planners who specialize in competitive and recreational activities.

5. JT Long is the content chief at Smart Meetings, an integrated media company for the meetings, travel and hospitality industry. She focuses her publishing on news and trends in the meeting space as well as bigger issues that affect the events industry like wellness and social justice. If there’s something deeper happening in your destination, reach out with pitches for placement in Smart Meetings.

6. Solomon Herbert is both the publisher and editor in chief of Black Meetings & Tourism, a publication specifically addressing Black meeting planners and industry workers. Consider him a strategic ally for all stories and efforts that are seeking to promote inclusivity and other conversations pertinent to Black readers in the events space.

7. Sue Hatch is the content director at MeetingsNet, an online publication for planners in the MICE industry. Reach out to her with stories about event safety, new venues, tech innovation, and basically any sort of newsy topic that will highlight what’s happening in your destination. She and her team of top events industry writers are strong partners for sharing what’s up and coming.

8. Andrea Doyle is the senior editor at Skift Meetings, a leading industry publication for trends and technology in the events space. Recent topics touch upon cannabis, accessibility, and safety, demonstrating how she keeps her finger on the pulse of what’s new and relevant in the events industry. If there’s something cutting edge or dynamic happening in your destination’s convention center, for example, Skift Meetings is the publication to pitch. 

9. Danielle LeBreck is the lead destinations content strategist at ​Meetings Today, publishing stories about events destinations worldwide. To land coverage about new CEOs, new hotel openings, or any other big news item in your destination, reach out to her with pitches that are fresh and current.

Are there gaps in your convention center’s calendar? DCI has more than 60 years working with destinations to make sure that decision makers and meeting planners know why they should choose our clients for their upcoming business events. And all it takes is some elevated public relations. Get in touch with Kayla Leska at [email protected] to make sure your PR strategy connects your destination with these and other top events industry writers to create the results you envision.