I’ve never been a huge fan of the Olympics, but I’ve dabbled (in watching, not competing). Since my wife always gets excited about watching the Games every couple of years, I dutifully played along and feigned interest in the gymnastics and diving broadcasts from Paris.

But then a funny thing happened: Track and field events started, and a couple of hours into the javelin, hammer throw and hurdles, I found myself completely invested—even overlooking the tedious commentators and their obsession over whether the athletes were smiling often enough (some were and some weren’t, apparently).

My enjoyment peaked watching an event I never would have previously considered watching: the men’s marathon, an investment of nearly two-and-a-half hours from the comfort of one’s couch.

While it was fascinating to watch the athletes and the subtle strategies and methods employed throughout the run, just as impressive was the backdrop. After starting outside city hall, the runners traversed the streets of Paris, passing sights such as the opera house, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.

The runners surely weren’t in the right frame of mind to appreciate the views, but the coverage must have been a boon for the tourism board. My wife and I have visited Paris several times, and like any sane people who have been to the City of Light and then watched this marathon, we are now dying to go back. If nothing else, the marathon gave us a chance to reminisce about some travel memories that we’ll always hold on to—though we secretly hoped the marathon would conclude at "The Gates of Hell" at the Rodin Museum.

Travel is important to most of our lives, and in the meeting and event industry, it’s also a critical component of our individual and collective success. So, in this issue of The Meeting Professional, we present our travel theme—with travel tips from events pros, a look at how meeting pros are traveling more (with longer, less satisfying travel experiences) and much more.

I leave you with this eloquent tip from Luca Vernengo of the MPI Italia Chapter: "Always travel with an open mind and an open heart and embrace the diversity of each destination."