Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, networking is a necessary evil—unless, of course, you work in a cave and are required to stay in said cave and never leave. Most of us in the professional world need to attend lunches, evening soirees, and breakfast events to grow our network and to build mutually beneficial relationships; this is also referred to as business development. It isn't that hard, right? You just show up, have a couple of drinks, make conversation and BOOM!—a great relationship is born. Wouldn't it be great if it were really that easy?

The recent USA Today article "5 Myths About Group Tours" addressed some unflattering group travel fallacies. In the article, Everett Potter and a team of group travel experts dispelled many inaccurate assumptions about the act of group travel. We wondered how some of our Groups Today readers and tour operators would respond to these myths. Here is what Damon and Jason Allan from Maxima Tours and Darla Moore from DarlaTours have to say.

According to the new Project: Time Off white paper report Groundhog Day Every Day: America's Repeating Vacation Problem, we are a nation of worker bees. Project: Time Off wanted to know why Americans forgo their vacation days—and whether this decision impacts business success, happiness and personal relationships. It also suggested ways to get America vacationing again.

Again this year, Groups Today magazine recognizes the Most Influential Women in Group Travel. The 2016 nomination period has begun! Tell us about the women you believe are at the top of the group travel market. Click here to access the 2016 nomination form. The winners will be featured in the upcoming print edition of Groups Today magazine. Read on for a brief look at some of the previous winning women.

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes." Who knew David Bowie's famous song "Changes" would apply to the group travel industry? None of us are truly immune from change. As such, we must all adapt to stay relevant and successful.