NORTHEAST
Photo Credit: Access
Blending deep local insights with a network of trusted partners, the creative team at Access has built a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail, helping to ensure flawless events in the Northeast as well as the other regions in which the company operates. As the only majority women-owned and women-led national DMC, the organization brings a unique perspective and offers both national connections and local experts to provide exceptional value to meeting professionals.
To cite a recent example, early in 2024 Access hosted the first-ever tented event on the South Lawn at Encore Boston Harbor, bringing the best of Beantown to some 700 attendees via encapsulated neighborhood experiences, supplier representatives and curated menus. The company also makes sure to support all of its destinations by shopping locally with a focus on diversity, equality and sustainability.
Deeply rooted in the heart of America’s Northeast, CSI DMC delivers experiences throughout the region while supporting destinations via charitable activities and ongoing involvement with industry organizations such as PCMA New England, MPI Boston, Meet Boston and others. A recent block party for 3,500 guests in Boston's Seaport District showcased the team’s ability to capture the essence of the locale, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavors of the city.
With 40 years as a leading corporate event planner, PRA leverages its expansive local knowledge, strong industry relationships and nationwide cross-functional expertise to help create superior events. The first company to bring production services under one roof with destination management, PRA’s 29 team locations operate approximately 3,100 programs annually, 400 of which were successfully operated in the Northeast region.
SOUTHEAST
Photo Credit: COTC Events, a Hosts Global Member
Operating in Southern Florida, COTC Events has a commitment to proactive planning, team-member availability, speed of response and precise on-site execution, as well as a mission to support sustainable and charitable initiatives. The team ensures that local partner vendors are fully capable of delivering as promised, while striving to weave all of the different components together with exceptional creativity into an outstanding event.
COTC knows that clients still face turbulence in planning with erratic flight schedules, hotel and event space scarcity, a critical need to keep attendees safe and informed, and an ever more challenging global landscape. The DMC meets these challenges by offering transparency, proactive planning, triple reviews of critical data and, always, a strong desire to be a hassle-free part of the planning process.
With offices in the Southeast and across the U.S., Access is an innovative majority women-owned and -operated DMC that believes in collaborating with planners to ensure that every event fosters meaningful connections and propels collective growth. Recent memorable events include a Super Bowl party at the Breakers in Palm Beach and a “Bayou Bash” in New Orleans, both exemplifying Access’ ability to combine expert planning, local insights and innovative concepts to deliver exceptional results for clients.
Specialty services, logistical depth and a focus on building relationships has helped make Destination Concepts inc a DMC that clients like to work with again and again. A 100-percent women-owned business, the DMC operates in 20+ destinations, while in the Southeast in particular, the team recently organized a leadership conference in Miami that included a series of custom-designed events themed to glamping in the Everglades, “Miami Nice” and an Art Basel final night featuring a performance by Earth, Wind & Fire.
MIDWEST
Photo Credit: Access
Collaboration is at the heart of what Access does, guaranteeing that every event serves as a stage for creating meaningful connections and fostering collective progress. A national DMC predominantly led and operated by women, the company combines the reliability of a national brand with the specialized knowledge of its local teams. In the Midwest alone, Access earned a 97.1-percent satisfaction rating for 2023, a testimonial to a creative department that strives to bring the very best of a destination to clients.
Access recently hosted over 7,000 nurses at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, celebrating their success with the local flair of talented musicians and innovative interactives. In Louisville, Ky., with its local team on the ground, the DMC hosted multiple landmark events, from the historic grounds at Churchill Downs to the transformation of an airplane hangar into a beautiful event venue.
With an office in Chicago and a reach that extends across the entire Midwest region, CSI DMC creates bespoke destination experiences coupled with a strong charitable component impacting local communities. For a recent Chicago sales meeting run by an insurance company client, CSI’s team transformed a standard hotel space into an immersive sensory exhibit, complete with tailored linens, tables, chairs and tablescapes, expressing the client’s vision as well as setting the stage for a progressive dining experience.
A 40-plus year history of growth and evolution in support of corporate clients has enabled PRA to rise to the top of the destination-marketing industry, with an approach that centers around understanding, inspiring and even predicting client needs to create extraordinary events that leave a measurable impact. The DMC’s 29 team locations operate approximately 3,100 programs annually, more than 600 of which consistently achieve success in the Midwest region.
SOUTHWEST
Photo Credit: CSI DMC
With offices strategically located in Texas, Arizona and Colorado, CSI DMC has the Southwest covered, providing meaningful client experiences throughout the region. In Colorado, the team recently created an event for 250 attendees at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Inspired by the beauty of the Cheyenne Mountains, the décor featured a palette of purples, oranges and earthy tones, the ambiance enriched with natural elements and local entertainment, leaving guests with a profound sense of connection to Colorado scenery.
CSI also is dedicated to supporting the destinations it serves through charitable activities and strong relationships with local businesses. By supporting organizations like A Precious Child and Gaurdian House, the company deepens its connections with clients and the communities they touch.
As of summer 2024, the team at Destination Concepts inc has operated a total of 86 programs coast-to-coast, tapping into regional experts and nationwide innovators. In the Southwest, a multiwave incentive (three waves of 600 guests each) at the new Omni PGA Frisco in Texas featured a state fair-inspired event with a 110-foot-high Ferris wheel, classic carnival food and 20 tailor-made carnival attractions and games, all to the rapturous approval of attendees.
As the sole majority women-owned national DMC, Access is a trailblazer in the event industry. The company’s Southwest operations take place in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Texas, creating programs that enhance client destinations. Early in 2024 Access ran a $1.5 million citywide program in the heart of San Antonio, with a full buyout of the Riverwalk South Bank for 5,000 guests. The team also shut down the streets in the LoHi neighborhood of Denver for the a memorable block party.
FAR WEST
Photo Credit: Eventis Destination Services
With meetings and incentives programs coming on strong after the worst days of the pandemic, Eventis Destination Services is leading the way in Southern California with exciting new projects. Among the factors in the company’s success are sourcing and vetting creative new vendors for potential program inclusion; aligning with community leaders and associates to promote hospital industry awareness, involvement in civic organizations and fundraising causes; and a dedication to hiring, training and mentoring hospitality colleagues to ensure next-generation success.
Freely admitting to a passion for sharing the best of the SoCal region with clients, Eventis is a powerful agent for elevating the importance of face-to-face gatherings and their potential to effect positive change.
Some recent Far West successes for Destination Concepts inc included the first drone show in history, on the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, which had a group of 450 corporate incentive winners staring rapturously at iconic destination imagery and client branding. A gala dermatological and beauty showcase for 1,000 guests had brands featured everywhere, including a glam bot photo booth. And a top producers summit in Kauai for 330 guests featured events inspired by the natural beauty of the destination, using large installations, tropical color palates and regional florals.
With offices strategically located in California and Las Vegas, CSI DMC creates innovative programs while supporting the destinations through charitable activities and strong relationships with local businesses. A recent standout event involved organizing an incentive trip to Lake Tahoe for a prestigious health-care company. The team led activities like kayaking, hiking and an outdoor camping-themed night with sustainable, local décor. The positive feedback — and results — more than proved the journey’s worth.
The Far West team of Access leverages its 50+ years of local knowledge and strong vendor relationships to deliver cutting-edge programs. Over the past year, this unique majority women-owned national DMC transformed a nightclub to host Sheryl Crow with a “California Sunshine State of Mind” theme. In Palm Desert, Calif., they turned the desert into a stunning oasis for 6,000 attendees, and in Las Vegas, large ballrooms became completely mesmerizing spaces for 2,000 guests.
Finalist: PRA
Celebrating 20 years of being a top DMC, PRA is a recipient of several awards from the likes of ADMEI, Site, PCMA and other industry organizations. In every market, the company’s team members also serve in leadership roles for local industry associations. Of 3,100 programs produced annually, more than 600 take place in the Far West region. The success of these events prove the value of PRA staying current with trends to meet the needs of clients.
INTERNATIONAL AND U.S. TERRITORIES
Photo Credit: TAM Travel Corporation, A Global DMC Partner
A pioneer in introducing destination management to the local travel industry in Costa Rica, the TAM Travel Corp. celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, still designing and carrying out each program, itinerary and experience with its own unique operation and carefully crafted know-how. From the design of one of-a-kind itineraries and the creation of top-tier marketing information, to adopting international MICE-approved industry-planning strategies, working with artificial intelligence and using the latest technological equipment, TAM applies all forms of innovation to its everyday operations.
The company works with top suppliers in the country and seeks out the perfect venues for clients, from San Jose’s vast Costa Rica Convention Center to the five-star seaside resorts of Guanacaste. TAM also is a strong supporter of Costa Rica’s world-renowned sustainability regulations, laws and projects.
Planning events overseas can be daunting, but CSI DMC wins the day thanks to a service-driven approach, international experts providing a high level of expertise and creativity, and the knowledge and connections to successfully deliver artful destination experiences around the world. The DMC’s recent five-day program for 100 guests in Australia included indigenous cultural elements and experiences with a keen focus on sustainability, while in the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s pristine waters, guests immersed themselves in vivid coral gardens and rich marine fauna.
Through innovation, sustainability and exceptional service, plus a proprietary booking platform that ensures real-time availability and seamless integration with global distribution systems, Solar Tours & Travel is a DMC in a class of its own. The company designs bespoke destination experiences tailored to clients' preferences and interests, whether luxury retreats, adventure expeditions or culturally immersive journeys. Solar’s VIP Concierge Service offers personalized assistance throughout trips, ensuring meticulous care and attention.