Hospitality industry professionals gather in Cancun, Mexico for the 2nd Annual HGA Global Forum, complete with industry focused educational sessions, an array of local offsite activities, and a heaping dose of the H Factor from Hosts.
Hosts Global Alliance (HGA) held its 2nd Annual HGA Global Forum in Cancun, Mexico from June 5 – 8. HGA received tremendous support from their local Destination Management member, Destination Mexico, A Hosts Global Alliance Member, the Mexican Tourism Board, the Cancun CVB and Live Aqua, a Posadas Resort. This dynamic group welcomed 200 top industry representatives from more than 70 destinations worldwide.
Participants, both clients and HGA members, traveled from North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe to collaborate about industry challenges and trends, learn about new destinations, meet one-on-one about business opportunities and to enjoy the social and cultural offerings of Mexico. “Cancun proved to be the perfect location for our 2nd Annual HGA Global Forum. The gorgeous backdrop was the perfect setting for our DMC partners to learn about and discuss current trends with meeting planners. It’s all about working together to find the best possible solutions and to build lasting relationships, and that unique collaboration most definitely was achieved over the past few days at the HGA Global Forum,” comments Marty MacKay, DMCP, President of Hosts Global Alliance.
Destination Mexico, a Hosts Global Alliance Member, worked hand in hand with the Cancun CVB and HGA to organize a full range of activities that highlight what Mexico has to offer leisure, incentive, and corporate groups. The venues, activities, and locations intertwined to give attendees a full scope of this beautiful destination.
Educational sessions included informative presentations on popular trends, industry challenges, insurance and risk management as well as an in depth review of the importance of understanding human trafficking and how it can impact the hospitality industry. Sessions began Friday, June 6th with a true H Factor moment – a highlight of happiness from the HGA Members in attendance. Linda Schweiss, Director of Supplier Relations with Maritz Travel, comments, “Another phenomenal program delivered by the HGA team. We are so thankful for their partnership and their H Factor!”
Kara Leodler, Manager of Conference and Travel with Kansas City Life Insurance added, “As a first time attendee, I really enjoyed myself and learned a lot from the education sessions and one-on-one member meetings. I can’t wait to be invited back again.”
HGA also honored the recipients of the 2nd Annual Hosts Honors Awards. The winners of these distinguished honors received their awards for excellence in the following categories:
Critic’s Choice Award: Hosts Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada
Brand Honors Award: Cream of the Crop Events, Southern Florida
Leadership Honors Award: Sadik Calgar of o.d.s. Turkey
HGA DMC of the Year 2013: NXTevent – Boston, Massachusetts
Guests closed out the HGA Global Forum with a special CSR activity that blended support for local children and their education. During this activity, the attendees gathered and created turtle piñatas filled with school supplies and candy to be donated to Cancun ProKids. Cancun ProKids is a nonprofit organization located in Cancun that protects minors that were abandoned, exploited or are victims of domestic violence. Jennifer Patino, DMCP, CEO of Hosts Global remarks, “This interactive CSR project was a vivid demonstration of the H Factor and the Heart that our HGA Members bring into every client encounter. I am truly thankful that we had the opportunity to share this with such a wide range of industry professionals; our H Factor is definitely unforgettable.” In addition to the donation of piñatas and school supplies, Hosts Global Alliance also made a monetary donation to Cancun ProKids.
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 55 Destination Management Companies, servicing over 190 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