Relaxation time could be spent contemplating the waves at the Wailea Beach Resort. Photo Credit: Kimberlee Aihara, Aihara Visuals Photography
Northstar's Destination Hawaii hosted-buyer event brought together 75 meeting planners and suppliers on Sept. 10-12 at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui.
The gathering kicked off with a Maui Jim gifting station, a site inspection of the property and a sunset reception on the event lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
In the morning, early risers — or those who were jet lagged — had the option to take a stretch and meditation class, and were rewarded with cold-pressed juices and granola bars.
For the first education session, associate editor Lizzie Wilcox moderated a panel on "What's Keeping Hospitality Pros Up at Night," and was joined by Bob Lowell, owner of Kōkua Destination Services; Brent Lausterer, director of sales for the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau; Allison August, assistant director of group sales at the Wailea Beach Resort; and Tina Giangiacomo-Yogya, director of event management at SF Bay Events. Among the topics discussed were how artificial intelligence is impacting the meetings and incentive industry, how to curate authentic corporate social responsibility opportunities, and where industry proessionals are feeling financial pressures the most.
Following one-on-one appointments, planners sauntered next door to the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, for a tour before joining the rest of the group for lunch and wellness activations at the property's signature restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
Later that day, attendees visited West Maui for a progressive evening at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali, and the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.
Nearing the finish line of Destination Hawaii, Blake Leeper, a two-time track-and-field Paralympic medalist, led a session on the power of perseverance and achieving excellence against all odds. The event culminated at the Fairmont Kea Lani for one final site tour and a farewell lunch.
Visit Northstar's calendar to view upcoming events and register your interest. The following photo highlights from Destination Hawaii were taken by Kimberlee Aihara of Aihara Visuals Photography.