From Right: Carolyn from Vancouver, Desertwriter, Clarktwins, Firegrl820, Karasw, Jenhaha, and Hope from Atlanta.

Travel Media Showcase 2007 was held in Palm Springs, CA at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa. This was a wonderful opportunity for travel writers and destinations to meet face to face. It was also a great networking opportunity.

A few travelwriters.com members met up for a quick group picture at the closing dinner. Other members in attendance, but not pictured, include: Candy Harrington, Sunbeltsue, CPfeiffer, lurkers, and a few anonymi.

Next year's TMS will be held Sept. 2-5, 2008 in Kansas City, MO.

Travel Media Showcase

Willesha Lakin and myself

Travel Media Showcase is an industry gathering that has been described as "speed dating for travel writers" by my friend and colleague, Hillary Easom. This is a very good description. Travel writers from all over North America gather together for networking and appointments with destinations and public relations companies. In 2006, it was held in Fayetteville, North Caroline. I met some new friends, like Williesha Lakin.

Me, Brenda Potter Reynolds, and Kimberly Button

I also was able to meet some gals from BellaOnline.com, one of the websites I contribute to. This next year (2007) it will be held near Palm Springs, CA. I hope to be able to attend, but it all depends on schedules and airfare.

Fort Bragg

My friend Ernest Robl provided these pictures. I did some "training" where the 82nd Airborne trains at Fort Bragg. This was made possible on a day trip during Travel Media Showcase 2006. It was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I don't know how these guys and gals jump out of airplanes. I know I was very scared and I had a few false starts before I was able to get myself to jump.
But, I finally jumped. There's something unnatural about stepping off into air. I've done all my firefighter training and like to do adventurous things, but jumping without any tension in a line is just downright scary. I was so glad after those first four seconds and I felt the safety of the line.

It's a good thing I went to the bathroom before I jumped, because I would have peed in my pants otherwise.

So, to our men and women who jump out of airplanes and such for our freedom.....I salute you. You are some very brave people. And now, I have satisfied my curiousity and know that I will never desire to bungee jump.