I returned from Los Angeles late Thursday evening after a three-day trip focused on the annual GT Tested Awards celebration. As I wrote in last week’s blog, this afforded me a welcome and rare opportunity to meet with most of the Global Traveler staff. CEO and publisher Fran Gallagher hosted a delicious and boisterous dinner at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse (no, not that Wolfgang) in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night. This allowed everyone the chance to chat and get to know each other on a more informal basis before getting down to work at the staff meeting the next day.

Wednesday afternoon found four of the five members of the editorial team (senior editor Jan Hecht was sorely missed) meeting for lunch at the Montage Beverly Hills, editor in chief Lisa Matte’s roost for the stay. Managing editor Kim Krol works at GT world headquarters in Yardley, Pa., but the rest of us telecommute from home offices, each in a different state, so we really enjoyed the chance to have a lengthy and leisurely conversation, unfettered by the limitations of email and phone calls.

Of course, best of all was the awards celebration, held Wednesday evening at the stunning Peninsula Beverly Hills. What a beautiful hotel this is, made even lovelier with all the seasonal décor and a warm and hospitable staff. The food was fantastic, and the wines (generously provided by some of this year’s Wines on the Wing wine competition winners) were superb. What will really stay with me, though, are the people I met that evening.

I’m always a bit shy at these sorts of events, especially when I consider the impressive backgrounds and responsibilities of the attendees who represent such stellar companies in the travel industry as are our GT Tested winners. What struck me, however, was how personable and easy to talk to our guests were. I’ve learned, too, that when I’m struggling to start a conversation, merely introducing a travel-related topic (Where would you like to go that you have yet to visit? What off-the-beaten-track spot would you recommend for an oft-visited city?) soon gets folks sharing stories and tips like old friends. And believe me, these knowledgeable individuals are just the sort you want to consult for travel tips!

Yes, my brief trip to Los Angeles was memorable and rewarding both professionally and personally, a great way to end this year and look forward to the new one.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor