Relive the excitement of the 2025 ADMEI Awards! Watch the livestream replay to celebrate the industry’s best, recognize outstanding achievements, and honor the professionals shaping destination management. Experience the moments that made this year’s awards unforgettable! Watch Now!
Best Community Event
BBC Events, a Global DMC Partner
Parade of Patriots
The Parade of Patriots, honoring the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and its recipients, was a 1.5-mile spectacle in true New Orleans style. Featuring floats, historic vehicles, the St. Augustine Marching 100, military bands, WWII Museum’s Victory Belles, Amelia Earharts, patriotic entertainers, and military vehicles, the parade was a tribute to courage and sacrifice. Over 50 police officers ensured crowd control, while 100 active military volunteers served as escorts for Medal of Honor recipients and their families, celebrating their heroism with a blend of tradition, patriotism, and festivity.
Best Décor/Design
Spaintacular, a Hosts Global Membery
Cisco Sales Champions Winners Circle EMEA 2023 Incentive Program - Surfing Safari
Sales Champions Winner Circle” was the client’s top 2022 EMEA incentive program for four days in Tenerife at the unique Canary Islands. The client’s top Achievers were invited and enjoyed an outstanding agenda, including various activities, social events, and surprises. The program’s peak points were the three-party events: Flamenca Welcome, The Pool Party, Champs GT night, and Magic Tropical Garden Celebration Party, which were the perfect opportunities for celebrating the company’s corporate identity. The corporation’s executives and the meeting planner defined the program as EPIC.
Best DEIA Initiative
Destination Philly AC, a DMC Network Company
A Marketplace of Stories, to Celebrate DEIA in our Destination!
Our client tasked us with creating an offsite evening that aligned with the DEI principles baked into the rest of their summit, focused on retaining and advancing ethnically and racially diverse sales talent. A bespoke evening at the Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market was the perfect fit for this audience. Leaning into the inclusive interests of the group we spotlighted the diverse stories of the food merchants with a custom guided merchant dinearound - Each stop highlighted a hand-picked merchant whose global background and personal story about their journey so far proved to be incredibly relatable and inspirational.
Best Destination Marketing
Island Destination Services, a DMC Network Affiliate
IRF Invitational - Island Essence: A Bahamian Welcome Experience
The IRF Education Invitational’s Welcome Event at Rosewood Baha Mar was a culturally immersive experience showcasing the Bahamas’ vibrant heritage. Produced in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s groups department and Rosewood Baha Mar, the event featured an eclectic mix of native entertainment, interactive experiences, and tropical decor, all set against the lush outdoor landscape of Rosewood. Guests enjoyed live Bahamian performances, engaging cultural activities, and a visually stunning atmosphere that highlighted the island’s unique charm, offering an unforgettable introduction to the Bahamas for incentive groups.
Best Entertainment Production
360 Destination Group - Irvine, CA
Retro Rhapsody: A Night in Lights
What happens when 1960s glam collides with futuristic spectacle? You get an unforgettable afterparty that lights up the night—and the sky! A 100-drone light show wowed guests as it painted vivid imagery above, while the Aqualillies made waves with a custom, dazzling water performance. Go-go dancers brought retro flair to life, guiding attendees through a night of surprises, all perfectly branded to amplify the event’s energy. This showstopping fusion of nostalgia and cutting-edge entertainment had everyone on their feet, capturing the magic in real-time. The result? A stunning production that left guests, and expectations, soaring.
Best Event - $100,000 or less
Hello! Florida (Central) Destination Management
Elevate
On September 12, 2023, this client welcomed 300 of its global leadership team members and top clients for an elevated experiment at the transformative Steinmetz Hall at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center. The event’s main objectives were to redefine corporate event experiences, showcase the award winning Steinmetz Hall, engage seasoned event planners, and blend dinner and entertainment seamlessly. The theme of ”Elevate” aimed to create an immersive and unexpected experience for the attendees. For this discerning group of meetings industry insiders, we stripped back the experience and pulled the attendees into a living rehearsal!
Best Event - $100,001 - $250,000
COTC Events, a Hosts Global Member
Partying with the Left Brain and Right Brain
COTC wowed with innovative design and immersive entertainment, celebrating a valued client partnership. The expo hall featured striking Left Brain and Right Brain themes, blending sleek contrasting black and white with vibrant multi-colored décor. Unique attractions included mind-controlled games, futuristic photo booths, and custom Right Brain Bowling. The highlight was a custom character representing the duality of Left and Right Brain, captivating guests as the event’s mascot. With dancing continuing late into the night and rave reviews from attendees, the event showcased unparalleled creativity and flawless execution, making it a standout contender for best event.
Best Event - $250,001 - $500,000
The Destination Manager
Under the Big Top
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
Australia Conferences & Incentives, a DMC Network Partner
Global Board Offsite Sydney 2023
Our team organized an exceptional business event in Sydney, Australia, designed for the Chairman of an international bank his global board of directors, executive management, and their partners. Over four days, participants engaged in a board meeting, dazzling client gala with local commercial guests, simultaneously hosting a bold partner program. The experience continued with a three-day exploration of Hunter Valley Wine Country. Highlighting the best Australian producers and makers, the event also featured rich Indigenous storytelling and sustainability messageing throughout. The program seamlessly blended high-level business activities with cultural immersion, culminating in a vibrant celebration of regional New South Wales.
Best Event - Over $1,000,000 USD
Imprint Events Florida, a DMC Network Company
Ultimate Spend Synergy, Grand Scale Excellence
BBYO’s 2024 International Convention marked a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of empowering Jewish teens worldwide. Drawing over 3,000 attendees, including teen leaders, educators, professionals, and alumni, the event aimed to deliver an unforgettable, engaging experience. Partnering with BBYO since 2019, Imprint played a pivotal role in crafting this centennial celebration, from immersive branding and dynamic speaker engagements to offsite activities that made each moment unique. With over 200 signs, 200 buses, 50 speakers, three headline performances, and a dedicated team of 15, Imprint ensured this monumental event was flawlessly executed, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Best Group Activity
Interactive DMC Puerto Rico
El Yunque Scavenger Hunt
El Yunque Scavenger Hunt offered a dynamic adventure, blending Puerto Rican culture with the natural beauty of El Portal Visitor Center in El Yunque National Rainforest. Teams, each named after a distinct Puerto Rican symbol, explored creatively designed stations that highlighted various aspects of Puerto Rican history and culture. Participants used a map to navigate their chosen route, strategizing to complete challenges and collect tokens. This engaging event seamlessly combined education with entertainment, providing a stress-free, memorable experience that celebrated Puerto Rico’s rich heritage while offering fun and interactive exploration.
Best Incentive Program
Terramar Panama, a DMC Network Company
Pinnacle Club: Elevating Excellence in Panama
When looking for a DMC to ensure that a company’s annual incentive trip for top performers and executives not only meets, but exceeds expectations, you turn to a local partner with a rich history in the region, as well as the creativity and connections to execute the vision. That is what Terramar did for the Pinnacle Sales Club trip to gorgeous Panama. Even through the hurdles that come with producing a mostly outdoors event, including bees and storms, the team adapted and their professionalism provided a memorable experience that attendees will remember for years to come.
Best Logistics
Imprint Events Colorado, a DMC Network Company
FOCUS on the Details
For SEEK2024, Imprint sourced, planned, strategically routed and managed a total of 4,837 students on 95 buses originating from 86 campuses across the US all descending on St. Louis. Coaches journeyed from as far as Arizona and Colorado tallying 137,683 miles traveled. For those with the longest journey or leadership campuses, travel began on January 1st and continued overnight to join a well-choreographed four-hour arrival window on January 2nd. We ran a monster shuttle system with up to 70 buses each day of the conference and then turned around and sent them all home again safely just four days later!
Best Overall Program
Terramar Panama, a DMC Network Company
Once-in-a-Life-Experience: Welcome to Panama
When looking for a DMC to ensure that a company’s annual incentive trip for top performers and executives not only meets, but exceeds expectations, you turn to a local partner with a rich history in the region, as well as the creativity and connections to execute the vision. That is what Terramar did for the Pinnacle Sales Club trip to gorgeous Panama. Even through the hurdles that come with producing a mostly outdoors event, including bees and storms, the team adapted and their professionalism provided a memorable experience that attendees will remember for years to come.
Best Six Week Challenge Event
Mosaix Group, a DMC Network Company
Race Against Time: Crafting Memories & Hope
The team planned and executed a unique event in just three weeks, combining a scavenger hunt with a sensory board assembly for Alzheimer’s patients. They rapidly upskilled to create a bespoke experience, balancing entertainment, education, and corporate social responsibility. The highlight was the creation of sensory boards designed to stimulate cognitive function and comfort Alzheimer’s patients. These boards directly impacted local care facilities, offering mental stimulation and encouraging social interaction. The event’s success, achieved under intense pressure, demonstrated the team’s exceptional adaptability, creativity, and commitment to delivering meaningful experiences.
Best Sustainable Initiatives
odsturkey
EcoVenture: Coastal Cleaning and Children's Book Journey
ODSTurkey, the first and only Biosphere Sustainable Certified DMC in Turkiye, partnered with COSA Travel to deliver a pioneering CSR initiative for a global software company. This project combined coastal cleanup with children’s book writing, bringing together 130 employees at Kısırkaya Beach, Istanbul, on September 22, 2023. The initiative supported four key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reducing the company’s carbon footprint while enhancing team cohesion, employee motivation, and environmental education. The collaboration between ODSTurkey and COSA Travel exemplified meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard in corporate responsibility.
Best Use of Technology
Timprint Events Florida, a DMC Network Company
Elevating Innovation
Our client wanted more than just an event—they aimed to create an unforgettable experience for 400 attendees amidst the buzz of a major industry tradeshow. The challenge was to translate their brand’s forward-thinking identity into an immersive, engaging event leaving a lasting impression. Imprint overcame logistical constraints and tight deadlines to craft an interactive experience where attendees weren’t just observers but active participants in a journey of energy and innovation. Through meticulous planning, sustainability initiatives, and seamless collaboration, the event was a resounding success, bringing the client’s brand to life and setting a new standard for experiential storytelling.
People's Choice
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
Mobile Smiles
The factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma team unveiled the Oklahoma Dental Foundation’s Mobile Smiles initiative, which utilizes a mobile dental clinic to deliver essential dental services to underserved and rural communities. The program was designed to help introduce this program to communities where services would be offered. Our team designed a logo for the program, created custom design & wrap graphics for five trucks and trailers, wrote a press announcement, held a media event/press conference at the Oklahoma State Capitol, created patient and site partner orientation kits, and produced a 3-D fly-through video tour of the clinic.
Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award
Laurie Sprouse, DMCP, CITE, CMP
Ultimate Ventures, a DMC Network Company
Laurie Sprouse, CITE, CMP, DMCP, co-founded Ultimate Ventures in 1993 and has been a driving force in the destination management industry for over 30 years. As president of Ultimate Ventures and a recognized industry leader, Laurie’s contributions range from legislative advocacy to thought leadership and mentoring. She played a pivotal role in shaping DMC legislation in Texas, co-authored key industry resources, and has served on multiple boards, including VisitDallas and the DMC Network. Her dedication earned her numerous accolades, including ADMEI’s “Destination Management Professional of the Year” and the DMC Network Founders Award, solidifying her industry legacy.
Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award
Jill Tate, DMCP
Corinthian Events, a DMC Network Company
Jill Tate, DMCP, co-founded Corinthian Events on March 1, 2000, alongside business partners Courtney Church and Mary Douglas. With over 30 years of dedicated service, Jill has been a passionate advocate for our industry. Her long-standing involvement with ADMEI includes serving as a key member of the board and participating in numerous committees throughout her career. During the challenging times of COVID, Jill played a crucial role on an ADMEI task force, contributing to a white paper that outlined fair compensation practices for DMCs, ensuring that our industry’s time and efforts were properly valued.
Carol Norfleet Destination Management Rising Star
Matthew Hollaway, DMCP
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
Matthew Hollaway has quickly emerged as a rising star in the destination management industry since joining factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma in 2020. With no prior experience in events or hospitality, he embraced the industry with enthusiasm and has since demonstrated exceptional growth and leadership. Managing high-profile programs, mentoring interns, and earning his DMCP certification in 2024, Matthew continues to make a meaningful impact. His professionalism, dedication to clients, and active involvement in ADMEI embody the spirit of this award and the legacy of Carol Norfleet.
Destination Management Professional of the Year
Kacey Hunter, DMCP
Leo Events
Kasey Hunter, Director of National Accounts at LEO Events, exemplifies excellence in destination management. With over 500 successful events to her credit, Kasey’s expertise, creativity, and leadership have left a lasting impact on clients and colleagues alike. A DMCP-certified professional, she has been deeply involved in ADMEI, and served as Co-Directory of the Membership Committee. Her passion for Memphis shines through in the authentic experiences she creates, while her leadership fosters a collaborative, high-performing team. Kasey’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to elevate every event embody the spirit of this award and the future of the industry.
Joanne O'Connor President's Award
Nanoek Beeck, DMCP
Nanoek Events SL
Lisa DeLeon, DMCP
Terramar, a DMC Network Company
Nicole Lessard, DMCP
The Destination Manager
Brian Ferrell, DMCP, CMP
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
Michelle Orlando, DMCP
Elevoque
"This year, I have the privilege of honoring a team I affectionately and respectfully refer to as the Fab 5—a group of individuals who took on a task of extraordinary magnitude and, through sheer perseverance, dedication, and collaboration, ensured the completion of the rewrite of ADMEI's Best Practices in Destination Management. While many brilliant minds contributed to this labor of industry love, it was this Fab 5 who kept the mission alive—who continued to push forward, ensuring that this invaluable resource crossed the finish line.
Their dedication was more than just words on a page. They sacrificed endless hours not only from their own desks but traveling to destinations to collaborate face to face, pouring their expertise, passion, and time into refining a resource that will shape our industry for years to come. Their efforts have strengthened the very foundation of our profession, creating a legacy of knowledge and best practices that will benefit future generations of destination management professionals."
Denise Malo, DMCP
ADMEI President
Supplier of the Year
CORT Business Services
"This award is not just about partnership—it’s about dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening our association and industry as a whole. This year’s recipient has been a steadfast champion of ADMEI, advocating for our mission not only within the DMC community but also across the broader events industry. They have worked to elevate ADMEI’s presence at IMEX, our annual conference, and through leadership at the board level, ensuring our voice and the supplier perspective are heard far and wide.
We are grateful to CORT for supporting Jack Scafide as an ADMEI board member. Jack revolutionized ADMEI’s sponsorship structure, transforming it into a more universal, scalable, and sustainable model—creating new opportunities for supplier partnerships and ensuring long-term success. But oh no, he did not stop there. Jack’s dedication extends to our Conference Committee. Just this past Sunday, he stepped up yet again by volunteering to serve on the Membership Committee, further proving his commitment to the growth of our industry.
But beyond strategic contributions, CORT and Jack are passionate advocates for DMCs, consistently championing their role and value within the events industry. Their supportive efforts, belief in ADMEI’s mission, and drive to push our association forward have been truly inspiring."
Denise Malo, DMCP
ADMEI President