Best Décor/Design
Mosaix Group, a DMC Network Company
Succession Woodstock and Bridgerton Come to Town!
Mosaix Group successfully delivered three remarkable nights, defying replication. The "Summertime Soiree" blended sophistication and picnicking, inspired by Succession. "Keep It Weird" took guests to a Woodstock-inspired outdoor venue, and "Secret Garden" exuded Bridgerton's charm. Challenges included coordinating numerous suppliers and battling unexpected rain. The program featured unique elements, sustainability, and local culture infusion. Safety was paramount. Rave reviews solidified a strong partnership with the client. Our team continues to raise the bar for exceptional event experiences.
Best DEI Initiative
Destination Philly AC, a DMC Network Company
An Inclusive, Accessible Experience in Atlantic City
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are must-have ingredients for any event, to foster belonging from the first moment an attendee arrives. This proved to literally hold true during an August 2023 program where Destination Philly AC operated in Atlantic City for a client that serves disabled veterans. We provided barrier-free transportation services to and from an annual convention for 600+ delegates, working hand-in-hand with our client to understand the unique physical and mental challenges their attendees faced and thoughtfully making it as easy, safe, and welcoming as possible for this group to enjoy their time with us.
Best Destination Marketing
Eventis Destination Services
"It's A Wrap!"
Visit Newport Beach, a Southern California DMO, is tasked with marketing the city, attracting visitors to its’ Hotels, venues and activity vendors, bringing valuable tax dollars to the City.
An equally important part of their responsibility is marketing to the Meetings & Incentive sector, as they commit large blocks of rooms to hotels and spend money on local group experiences.
For input on what those experiences might be, Visit Newport Beach turned to Eventis with an invitation to partner on the design, planning and execution of carefully curated scenes of group enjoyment for their upcoming marketing campaigns.
Best Entertainment Production
Spaintacular, a Hosts Global Member
"One Night Sultans" Celebration Party
Spaintacular developed, implemented, and operated "Sales Champions Winner Circle” -- the client's top 2022 EMEA incentive program for four days in Tenerife at the unique Canary Islands. Top achievers enjoyed an outstanding agenda, including various activities, social events, and surprises. The program’s peak points were the three-party events: Al-Andalus Nights Welcome, The Pool Party, and One Night Sultans Celebration Party, the perfect opportunity for celebrating the company's corporate identity. The corporation's executives and their meeting planner defined the program as “EPIC!” Once again, Spaintacular demonstrated its love for creating new concepts and showing that their work is their passion!
Best Event - $100,000 or less
ETHOS Event Collective Chicago
Breakfast At Trinity's
The luck of the Chi-rish was abundant in this mesmerizing fete curated by ETHOS Event Collective. The annual river dyeing in Chicago is a must-see event that attracts locals and tourists alike to the city’s riverbank. To celebrate this notable festivity, “Breakfast At Trinity’s” was born - where chic ambiance meets artful cuisine. This luxe brunch features rustic elegance and contemporary countryside lounges as guests indulge in Dublin decadence. Our stylish Audrey Hepburn greeter paired with an authentic Irish folk duo, and Trinity Step Dancers channeled the theme in an interactive and exciting way.
Best Event - $100,001 - $250,000
360 Destination Group - Irvine, CA
Fit for a President
With a two-month lead time, 360 Destination Group’s client requested a custom-curated event to wow their top executives. Without hesitation, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was chosen as the event backdrop, blending historical depth with modern flair. In one evening, guests experienced intimate tours, dined beneath Air Force One, and danced the night away to a surprise musical act: The Beach Boys. From local sourcing to seamless event progression, they showcased their ability to create unparalleled experiences with innovation and precision. It was truly an event fit for a President.
Best Event - $250,001 - $500,000
Newport Hospitality, a DMC Network Company
Summer Outing
In June of 2023, with 8-weeks from initial RFP to program start, the Newport Hospitality team successfully planned and executed a 3-day DMC program in Newport for 90 corporate guests. The client’s goal was to host a fun-filled summer outing for their growing team. Programming included airport a local restaurant dinner, registration and hospitality staffing, on and off-site teambuilding, including a field day and city scavenger hunt, transportation logistics, two off-site themed dinners, including a classic nautical evening and an extravagant Gatsby evening featuring a cabaret show, dueling piano show and stilt walkers, corporate social responsibility, and small group activities.
Best Event - $500,001 - $1,000,000 USD
Spaintacular, a Hosts Global Member
"One Night Sultans" Celebration Party
Spaintacular developed, implemented, and operated "Sales Champions Winner Circle” -- the client's top 2022 EMEA incentive program for four days in Tenerife at the unique Canary Islands. Top achievers enjoyed an outstanding agenda, including various activities, social events, and surprises. The program’s peak points were the three-party events: Al-Andalus Nights Welcome, The Pool Party, and One Night Sultans Celebration Party, the perfect opportunity for celebrating the company's corporate identity. The corporation's executives and their meeting planner defined the program as “EPIC!” Once again, Spaintacular demonstrated its love for creating new concepts and showing that their work is their passion!
Best Event - Over $1,000,000 USD
Mosaix Group - A DMC Network Company
Beyond the Boundaries: The Ultimate Experience!
A remarkable achievement unfolds as our team conquers intricate event complexities. Three unforgettable nights - "Summertime Soiree," "Keep It Weird," and the enchanting "Secret Garden" - defied replication. Overcoming challenges in decor coordination, staff education, and multi-city team mobilization, we executed a monumental program. Sustainable practices and robust risk management ensured seamless operations. Rave reviews from clients and attendees reaffirm our role as a future event powerhouse. A triumph of collaboration, creativity, and adaptability, we've set a new standard for event excellence!
Best Group Activity
Metropolitan DMC & Events Management
Growing Together: Cultivating a transformative volunteer experience to benefit young adults with autism
The client mandate was for a physically demanding and challenging CSR project that would make a tangible and sustainable difference to the lives of those it benefited. Company CSR efforts historically focus on young adults and children, so Metropolitan DMC were inspired to design a day to benefit a non-profit center for young adults with autism. The center’s expansive garden had remained untended for several years, rendering it unusable. 100 volunteers transformed the garden into an accessible space offering horticultural therapy, vocational opportunities, and a serene retreat for students to enjoy and benefit from, for years to come.
Best Incentive Program
ETHOS Event Collective Chicago
Success 2023: Trip Of A Lifetime
ETHOS Event Collective is always up for a challenge, and this action-packed program three years in the making was a true labor of love. A full week of high-energy activities was on the agenda: comprised of a 200-person farm tour, a river cruise along the iconic Chicago River, a stylish rooftop welcome reception, a speakeasy chic soiree, and a glamourous disco gala. With an abundance of interactive entertainment, show-stopping décor and design, seamless transportation, as well as carefully curated food + beverage options, every detail was meticulously planned to curate a truly unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Best Logistics
Destination Philly AC, A DMC Network Company
Standout Support for Those Who Served Us
Our client decided to try their luck with an August 2023 annual convention that brought hundreds of disabled veterans to Atlantic City — requiring client-supported airport transfers for the first time ever in the event’s history. Destination Philly AC was honored to be their trusted transportation partner and left nothing to chance, stepping up to provide outstanding accessible transportation solutions. Through thoughtful pre-planning and skillful onsite execution, our team coordinated transfers for 600+ veterans and provided extended after-hours and onsite support to make sure this very special group had an excellent time in our beachside destination.
Best Overall Program
The CE Group, a DMC Network Company
U.S. Travel Association's IPW 2023
San Antonio was chosen to host U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2023, an international trade show that draws over 5,000 travel professionals to each host city. As project managers for Visit San Antonio, The CE Group was responsible for planning and producing the special events, tours, and logistics of this five-day convention in downtown San Antonio and creating “wow” factor moments for attendees from over 60 different countries. The results included 5 days of 14 special events, 75+ community, hotel, airport, and vendor partnerships; 70 entertainment groups, 24 tours, ADA shuttles, a lighting initiative, and much more.
Best Public Event
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
American Heartland Theme Park & Resort Announcement
Get Your Kicks with the newest attraction on Route 66—American Heartland Theme Park & Resort—a $2 billion, 1,000-acre development. With a 10-day notice, factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma collaborated with the most talented individuals in the industry to produce what would be a once in a lifetime event. Limited access to vendors in rural Oklahoma didn’t shy the team away from sourcing catering, hotels, entertainment, transportation, parking, security, and audiovisual and technical aspects of the program all while under an NDA. Event planning is much like a rollercoaster filled with unexpected twists, turns, and lots of adrenaline!
Best Six Week Challenge Event
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
American Heartland Theme Park & Resort Announcement
Get Your Kicks with the newest attraction on Route 66—American Heartland Theme Park & Resort—a $2 billion, 1,000-acre development. With a 10-day notice, factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma collaborated with the most talented individuals in the industry to produce what would be a once in a lifetime event. Limited access to vendors in rural Oklahoma didn’t shy the team away from sourcing catering, hotels, entertainment, transportation, parking, security, and audiovisual and technical aspects of the program all while under an NDA. Event planning is much like a rollercoaster filled with unexpected twists, turns, and lots of adrenaline!
Best Sustainable Initiatives
odsturkey
Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2023 in Antalya
odsturkey, as the first and only Biosphere Sustainable Certified DMC in Turkey, proudly hosted the 2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference, uniting 300 experts in sustainable tourism. We passionately championed the SDGs by emphasizing SDG5 in selecting our team and suppliers, highlighting SDG11 through our PGI menu, utilizing energy-efficient electronics for SDG7, and practicing waste sorting in line with SDG12. Our event minimized paper use (SDG9), measured and offset carbon emissions (SDG13&SDG17), and promoted wildlife awareness at Perge Ancient City (SDG15). The event set a prime example as it showcased flawless integration of responsible tourism, aligning with Turkey's sustainable tourism standards.
Best Use of Technology
The CE Group, a DMC Network Company
A Spotlight on San Antonio
During U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2023, The CE Group was tasked with finding a spectacular way to elevate guest experience and showcase the city of San Antonio in a new light. Our solution was a lighting initiative that would kick off at our opening ceremonies and would carry out throughout 5 days for our nearly 5,000 international and domestic guests to explore and enjoy our destination. Through our use of technology, we were able to illuminate 38 city buildings, light up miles of downtown, and culminate the initiative with a 400-drone light show that left a lasting impression on attendees.
People's Choice
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
Visit OKC & Society for American Travel Writers
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma collaborated with Visit OKC on every detail of the Society for American Travel Writers’ Western Chapter Annual Conference. These travel writers experienced the energy, excitement, and welcoming spirit of OKC. While here, they were immersed in amazing venues, unique attractions, rich culture, and unexpected experiences. From the opening reception at the First Americans Museum to the closing dinner at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum to everything in between — educational sessions, dine-around with classic cars, curated tours, and photo competition — guests were welcomed with authenticity and overflowing kindness.
Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award
Cynthia Alford, DMCP
Destination South Meetings + Events, a DMC Network Company
"Cynthia's unwavering commitment, and exceptional contributions to the destination management industry are not just remarkable; they are a testament to her enduring legacy in the field."
Lorri McQueary, DES
Vice President
Destination South Meetings + Events, a DMC Network Company
Cynthia Alford is a shining example of what it means to be a leader, a mentor, and a trailblazer in the world of destination management, making her a most deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
When asked about her legacy as the founder of Destination South and its leader for 28 years, she cites that for her, it's all about the people she's connected with and connected to. The young planners she's mentored, her volunteer service to the industry, and the careers she's helped flourish are her greatest achievements.
Carol Norfleet Destination Management Rising Star
Rachel Keyes, DMCP
Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member
"She is a star that is rising fast! She is just at the beginning of an amazing career and we are excited to see all she can accomplish at Juice Studios and in our beloved DMC Industry."
Kris Shea, DMCP
Vice President of Sales
Juice Studios, a Hosts Global Member
While Rachel has only been in the DMC industry a few short years, you would never know it. She has the insight and intuition of a 20+ year veteran DMC professional. Juice Studios is extremely lucky to have such an amazing talent on our team.
Once she joined Juice, it was clear we had a special person on our hands.Once she joined Juice, it was clear we had a special person on our hands. Within a year, she was promoted to Director and is undertaking creating a department and managing/creating new processes for a quickly growing team. As many DMC professionals know, that is the toughest position to fill and to master in our industry. She has excelled light years ahead of others in this position. Her department has grown and the volume of business produced and won has doubled during her time at Juice.
Destination Management Professional of the Year
Nicole Marsh, DMCP, CMP
Imprint Events Group, a DMC Network Company
"Having been in the DMC industry since 1998, Nicole remains an active volunteer for local Colorado organizations as well as those that span across the US and internationally."
Lauren Harwell
VP, Accounts
Imprint Events Group
Nicole's presence in various roles, as a thought leader and representative of the DMC industry, continues to elevate the profession to others who are not as familiar with the role DMCs play. She currently chairs the VISIT DENVER Foundation board, is a founding board member and current president of the Colorado Event Alliance (CEA), is part owner and longtime board member of The DMC Network, and and active participant and volunteer for ADMEI for over two decades.
Nicole is also often asked to speak at local colleges and universities. With most students being familiar with the “special events” industry in general, she promotes the destination management profession and its varied experiences and opportunities. She is a huge champion of the profession and her sharing opens students eyes to what a career would look like in the DMC field.
ADMEI Volunteer of the Year
Nicole Marsh, DMCP, CMP
Imprint Events Group, a DMC Network Company
Nicole has been an active participant and volunteer for ADMEI for over two decades. In the past, she has served as President of the ADMEI Board of Directors as well as the Chair of the Certification and Accreditation Board. She’s currently serving on the Nominating Committee and has been leading the efforts on the next edition of the Best Practices in Destination Management book. It’s a big task to manage a project of this size and scope, and she is relentless in her pursuit to complete the project!
Joanne O'Connor President's Award
Jamie Helleson, DMCP
Corinthian Events, a DMC Network Company
Katelyn Petrillo, DMCP
nxtevent
"In the world of event planning, where recognition is often overshadowed by results, Jamie Hellesen and Katelyn Petrillo have consistently gone above and beyond. "
Lonise Carey, DMCP
ADMEI Past President
Island Destination Services, a DMC Network Affiliate
Jamie and Katelyn, as our co-directors of Education, have demonstrated exceptional dedication. Their efforts have resulted in eight insightful webinars, and they’ve played an integral role in curating the content for our In The Zone conference.
These two individuals stand out for their exceptional commitment and unwavering dedication. They have been incredibly supportive of me in my role as President, and their willingness to go the extra mile has made a significant impact on our organization.