Photo Credit: Matt Klinger, MadPixPro
Northstar's Destination Southeast 2025 was its largest ever, bringing together 103 planners and 121 suppliers at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Hosted on Aug. 3-5, the hosted-buyer event began with a gifting lounge from Seiko, Maui Jim and The Palm Beaches; mint juleps from Louisville Tourism; a CSR activity for With Grace; and a welcome reception at the host property.
The following morning, former golf professional Jennifer Layman, president of Forward Thinking Marketing Consulting and author of "Forward Thinking for Your Business," led a pertinent session on "Using Golf Strategies to Drive Your Business." In addition to some tips that golfers could use later that day on the course, she also shared how to attract interest, put your budget to work and save time.
Adding a local element, Audrey Padgett spoke about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in nearby Juno Beach, and how groups can get involved.
The event also consisted of one-on-one meetings; and afternoon activities like pickleball, yoga and par-three golf. An evening reception was held at the Hilton West Palm Beach, sponsored by the hotel and the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Other partners included Awesome Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Jacksonville, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Visit Chattanooga, Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Explore Asheville, Visit Virginia Beach, Visit Mobile, Visit South Walton, Experience Columbia, A2 Events, Visit Destin Fort Walton Beach, Opal Collection, Kirkland Events and Destination Services, PC/Nametag, and Madison Avenue.
At the farewell lunch, the dates and location of Destination Southeast 2026 were announced: Next year's iteration will take place Aug. 9-11 at the Omni Fort Lauderdale, which will open this fall. Visit Northstar's calendar to view upcoming events and register your interest.
The following photo highlights from Destination Southeast were taken by Matt Klinger of MadPixPro.