This past week, Hosts Global Alliance (HGA) held its first ever U.S. Best Practices Meeting in snowy Denver, Colorado. Over 20 DMCs bringing nearly 70 individuals from Owners, Sales, Operations, and Creative Services roles gathered at the Magnolia Hotel to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices. From the first day and throughout the meeting, the units were given an opportunity to break out and compare what they do in each of their locations and look for ways to improve. Robyn Bass, President of the HGA Member Advisory Board and Maple Ridge Events, a Hosts Global Alliance member remarks, “The value of this meeting was easy to see as soon as we started the first session. Being able to learn from our other DMC members’ proven processes and best practices was extremely powerful. We all garnered knowledge from our peers that we are anxious to put into practice in our own DMCs. This meeting is yet another step that allows HGA to be a continuing leader in elevating our industry.”
The first night, Sales members departed for MOSS, a hip new Denver venue, for an exciting and very organic client event. Members and clients treated themselves to a unique “make your own” champagne and whiskey bar with fresh fruit and berry garnishes, and built custom terrainiums that were later donated to a local assisted living center.
On day two, members were presented with two different panel discussions. The first focused on experiential event trends and what to look forward to in 2017. Led by HGA suppliers from various niches of the market, their insight proved to be valuable as HGA and their members continue to push the needle forward as leading DMCs. The afternoon kicked off with a client panel where the main topic was “Keep Them Coming Back.” The client panel shared invaluable knowledge with the members to take back and share with the rest of their teams. The third day wrapped with more breakouts and an open discussion time where attendees dove into any topic they wanted to share more about.
Throughout the meeting, members new and old raved about the content. “As a new member of Hosts Global Alliance, I decided to attend the first ever Best Practices Meeting. This turned out to be a wise decision as I was not only able to connect and get to know many of the HGA members, but also take away some invaluable best practices information from other owners,” says Erin Cook, CMP, President & General Manager of E Squared Meetings & Events, a Hosts Global Alliance member.
Marty MacKay, DMCP, HGA President adds, “HGA was thrilled to be able to put on this Best Practices meeting for our U.S. members. Watching nearly 70 individuals come together to learn from each other and share ideas was extremely rewarding. I think it is safe to say that everyone is looking forward to the next one. Our community of DMC members is beyond compare.”
Hosts Global Alliance (HGA) is a worldwide consortium of select Destination Management Companies. We believe that every destination holds the promise of an inspiring experience. Hosts Global Alliance delivers on that promise with unparalleled service, fresh thinking, and a global network of local experts. HGA currently represents over 50 Destination Management Companies, servicing over 300 locations. Hosts Global Alliance provides a full service approach for customers planning group programs in the meetings, convention, and incentive industry for corporations, associations, meeting management, and incentive travel companies. There is always a Hosts solution. Every time. Everywhere.
Global Reach. Local Experts.
Katie Davis
Director of Marketing
760-803-1545
katie.davis@hosts-global.com