Brian Jewell
After shepherding the editorial development of Small Market Meetings since its launch in 2000, editor Vickie Mitchell will leave her post in December to pursue new challenges as a professional writer and editor.
However, Mitchell will continue her long association with the magazine as its new monthly columnist beginning in January.
“We have been very fortunate to have had Vickie’s editorial leadership for such a long period of time,” said Herb Sparrow, partner and executive editor [for Pioneer Publishing, Inc.]. “As a longtime editor myself, I know how critical this role is for a successful magazine, and Vickie has exceeded all our expectations ever since our launch 14 years ago. To retain her services as a columnist moving forward offers a thread of continuity that we are very happy about.”
Mitchell will be succeeded by Brian Jewell, who will serve as the magazine’s editor beginning in January. Jewell, who also serves as executive editor of The Group Travel Leader Inc., will oversee the magazine’s editorial operations and story development, as well as its production staff.
“Brian has done a superb job as the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader Inc’s three travel industry publications since his promotion 15 months ago and will bring a great deal of expertise to Small Market Meetings in the months ahead,” said partner and publisher Mac Lacy.
“Brian’s organizational skills and writing expertise have been evident here for a long time, and we’re confident this magazine is in very capable hands.”
Mitchell said she has enjoyed her tenure and looks forward to writing about the industry as a columnist.
“Getting to create Small Market Meetings from the ground up was an amazing opportunity, and I’ll always be grateful to Herb and Mac for giving me the chance,” said Mitchell. “Going in, I had little to no understanding of the impact of the meetings industry, especially in terms of its economic effect on America’s second-tier and smaller cities.
“I’ve found that the people in the industry — meeting planners and hospitality professionals — are incredibly professional, but also incredibly pleasant and fun. That and the fact that our staff here is the best I’ve ever worked with makes it hard to leave. But it is time for a change, and I know Brian will move the magazine in new and important directions.”
Jewell said that Small Market Meetings will continue to meet needs that have been ignored by other meeting publications.
“Small Market Meetings fills an important role in the industry, giving meeting planners insights into many destinations, attractions and venues that larger organizations often overlook,” Jewell said. “We’re going to continue bring you ideas about great meetings venues and resources that you won’t find anywhere else, and provide expert advice on ways to make your events more creative and more successful.”
