It has been a busy summer filled with vacations and business travel. I wrapped up the season with a trip to Dallas for the Global Business Travel Association convention, following a productive meeting in Chicago with Chicago O’Hare International Airport and United MileagePlus.
© Francis Gallagher
After Chicago, I tested the summer warmth with a short trip from ORD to SRQ to check on our Sarasota office. From there I connected onward to Dallas to attend GBTA and to host an event honoring the winners of The Trazees, the reader-voted awards from trazeetravel.com, our platform for travelers aged 25 to 40. This year marked the ninth annual Trazees. It was also an honor to present the Industry Leaders Awards announced in the August 2023 issue. Everything is going well, and I’m looking forward to more exciting trips this fall.
September is already full. I’m planning an engagement party at my home to welcome the Gallagher and Ogando families with an elegant backyard gathering. We’ve arranged tents, catering and a band to celebrate the upcoming nuptials with family and friends. I’ll also spend a few days in New York to mark our anniversary; we plan to enjoy Broadway shows, museums and outstanding restaurants.
Toward the end of September, GT will host a VIP reception for top United MileagePlus members at the Pierre Hotel in New York. The exact date is confidential, as this is an exclusive, invitation-only event. Last year’s gathering at The Peninsula Chicago was a favorite among the FXExpress team.
Fall also brings weddings, including that of my nephew and the daughter of Advisory Board member Carlos Cappuccio. I’ve scheduled some golf outings as well, including the Turkish Airlines golf event at Inwood Country Club in New York, where you can watch wide-body jets arriving at JFK — a perfect blend of aviation and golf for enthusiasts.
We’re excited about the Global Traveler-hosted AmaWaterways Danube River cruise in early October aboard the flagship AmaMagna, which features the only pickleball court on a river cruise. A few cabins remain available if you’d like to join us for seven days with FXG.
With fall arriving, expect more travel, events and golf on the calendar. Join the adventure and stay tuned for updates.
Francis X. Gallagher
CEO and Publisher