Destination California was held in Monterey last year. Photo Credit: Ketara Gadahn, Studio Alani
Calling all meeting planners, hoteliers and destination organizations: Northstar Meetings Group is hosting more than a half-dozen events this fall. Domestically, meetings are being held across the country from California to Connecticut. International host destinations include Portugal and Mexico. Click here to view the full lineup of events.
Destination Midwest
After hosting the inaugural Destination Midwest in Madison, Wis., last year, the event will take place at the Hilton Branson Convention Center in Missouri on Sept. 10-12. Suppliers from the region will meet with buyers who are sourcing programs in Indiana, Minnesota, the Dakotas and more.
Director of marketing at Zenus, Nick Borelli will lead an education session on the hot topic of artificial intelligence and how it can be incorporated into event planning. Attendees also will have ample time to explore Branson, both through free time and scheduled tours of Entertainment Boulevard, Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa, Lost Canyon Cave, and more.
Destination California
The first official event of the fall, Destination California will be held Sept. 28-30 at the Town and Country San Diego. The destination-specific event connects meeting and incentive professionals looking to book business in California with top hotels, CVBs and destination management companies across the Golden State.
The opening session will be presented by Edward Perotti, an award-winning event planner, on how to create memorable meeting experiences on any budget. The agenda also includes a site tour of the host property, one-on-one appointments for buyers and suppliers, and an off-site dinner at Hotel del Coronado.
Destination East
Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will host Destination East on Oct. 10-12. The annual hosted-buyer event attracts suppliers along the East Coast, from Florida to Maine. Sponsors include Meet Boston, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, and the Connecticut Convention and Sports Bureau. Participants will have networking opportunities and free time to explore the casino-resort.
Small & Boutique Meetings
The second iteration of Small & Boutique Meetings for 2023 will take place Nov. 7-9 at the Wyndham Grand Westward Look in Tucson, Ariz. The three-day event is designed for planners who are sourcing programs for 100 attendees or fewer.
Education sessions will be led by Tahira Endean, IMEX's head of program, on "The Superpower of Small Events," and by Jill Joerling Blood, lead legal counsel for Maritz Global Events, on "Getting to Yes in Supplier Negotiations."
Global Incentive Summit
Northstar goes international for Global Incentive Summit in Carvoeiro, Portugal. Taking place Nov. 8-11 at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, GIS brings together highly qualified incentive professionals with the top hotels, cruise lines and tourism offices around the world.
Optional activities include hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, nine holes of golf, a boat trip and a wine tour. There also will be a number of pre- and post-FAM options across Europe, from Dublin to Madrid.
Destination Southwest
Formerly Destination Texas, Destination Southwest is happening Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in the Lone Star State. At the Margaritaville Beach Resort on South Padre Island, the hosted-buyer event is for planners looking to book business in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas.
Leadership Forum
Northstar’s Leadership Forum brings together the industry’s thought leaders for three days of education, networking and sharing of best practices at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, Calif. This year, the four-day event returns to the famed golf resort on Dec. 10-13.
Destination Mexico and Latin America
The 2023 event calendar culminates in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Hosted at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa on Dec. 12-15, Destination Mexico and Latin America connects North American meeting professionals with venues, properties, cruise lines and CVBs from the region.