FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Las Vegas, NV – February 22, 2025 – The 10th Hosts Global Forum set a new standard for innovation, inspiration, and connection as 180 global attendees gathered in Athens, Greece at the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens from February 18-21, 2025. Hosted by Hosts Global and Conceptours, a Hosts Global Member, the event showcased the power of destination management, thought leadership, and immersive cultural experiences in one of the world’s most legendary cities.
Upon arrival, guests were treated to custom local gifting experience courtesy of Wet Paint Group, a Hosts Global Strategic Partner. Setting the stage for an unforgettable journey, attendees were immersed in Greek culture, innovation, and sustainability throughout the event.
The General Session kicked off with a vibrant performance by traditional Greek dancers, followed by Hosts Global CEO Kurt Paben welcoming guests and introducing Pádraic Gilligan, who shared insights on industry trends shaping the future of meetings and incentives.
“Hosts Global Forum is about bringing together the best minds in the industry, fostering meaningful connections, and experiencing the incredible destinations our Hosts Global Members represent. This year in Athens, we witnessed firsthand the magic of in-person collaboration, creativity, and inspiration.” – Tina Gaccetta, SVP of Global Sales & Marketing, Hosts Global
The agenda continued with an engaging Creative & Experiential Event Design Trends Panel, led by Lizzy Styles, Senior Director of Creative Strategy & Event Design at Hosts Global.
Hosts Global activated strategic partner, G7 Entertainment Marketing, to bring renowned futurist turned “Now-ist” and author Henry Coutinho-Mason then took the stage, sharing his expertise on trend-driven innovation and the future of AI. His presentation inspired attendees to reimagine the future of event strategy.
Before the Forum even began, Hosts Global partnered with Zeero Events—a Hosts Global Strategic Partner—to plant 3,633 trees globally, contributing to 596,175 kg in Certified Environmental Credit. By the time the Forum wrapped, another 2,035 trees had been planted, along with 303,000 kg in additional Certified Environmental Credit, all thanks to the collective efforts of attendees and Zeero Events’ generous sponsorship.
Hosts CEO, Kurt Paben, spoke on Hosts commitment to sustainability through its three pillars: Economic Impact, Environmental Stewardship, and Social Responsibility. Paben reinforced this commitment during his panel discussion, emphasizing that sustainability in events must go beyond rhetoric—it must be ingrained in business operations and partnerships. Hosts Global is not just talking about sustainability; they are actively embedding it into every aspect of event planning and execution.
“At Hosts Global, we believe that sustainability is not a choice—it’s a responsibility. Through conscious planning, strategic partnerships, and measurable action, we are ensuring that our events leave a lasting impact on communities while minimizing our footprint on the planet. Our commitment is not just words; we walk the walk with our clients, creating events that drive economic, environmental, and social change for a better future.” – Kurt Paben, CEO, Hosts Global
From eco-conscious venue selections to carbon offset initiatives, Hosts Global ensures that its clients and partners walk the sustainability journey together. Through strategic partnerships, like the one with Zeero Events, they are making tangible contributions to reforestation projects and carbon reduction efforts while also prioritizing supplier diversity and ethical sourcing.
Additionally, Hosts Global incorporates social impact into every event by collaborating with local communities, supporting small businesses, and investing in initiatives that promote education and workforce development. Their sustainability initiatives are designed to make a measurable difference—not just for today, but for the future of the meetings and events industry.
This year, Hosts Global redefined the meaning of event gifting by choosing impact over material souvenirs. Instead of traditional in-room gifts, Hosts Global made a meaningful contribution to SOS Villages Foundation in Vari, Greece, an organization dedicated to providing loving homes, family support, and essential resources for children in need. This initiative underscored the company’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the destinations they visit—one that extends beyond extraordinary events and directly benefits the local communities that welcome them. By supporting SOS Villages, Hosts Global and its attendees played a role in fostering hope and stability for children in Greece, ensuring that their time in Athens was about more than just business—it was about making a difference.
Attendees were in for a special treat when Michael Argiri of Conceptours, a Hosts Global Member introduced surprise keynote speaker Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man. His inspiring journey captivated the audience, culminating in an invitation for attendees to join a morning wellness run through the National Gardens of Athens.
The Hosts Global Forum wasn’t just about knowledge-sharing—it was about fully immersing attendees in the heartbeat of Athens. Guests embarked on a sensory journey through Greek tradition, starting with the Athens 5 Senses Tour. They savored the flavors of Ouzo and Loukoumi, listened to the melodies of traditional Greek music, and even took part in lively dance lessons. Walking through the historic streets of Plaka and the bustling Monastiraki district, they experienced the city in a way that engaged all five senses.
For those eager to explore Athens on two wheels, the Athens E-Bike Tour provided an exhilarating ride through history. Gliding past the Acropolis and through the city’s ancient and modern marvels, attendees discovered why Athens is often called the cradle of Western civilization. The scenic route offered an up-close look at the city’s most iconic landmarks while allowing for moments of quiet reflection in hidden corners of the historical center.
Nature lovers ventured beyond the city’s borders for the Hymettus Mountain Hiking Tour. They trekked through fragrant thyme fields, past ancient ruins, and along forested trails leading to the historic Kaisariani Monastery. From the mountain’s highest vantage points, they were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and the shimmering Aegean Sea, a moment that felt truly legendary.
For those drawn to the vibrancy of Athenian life, the Shop & Stroll Athens experience offered a curated exploration of the city’s most dynamic shopping districts. Attendees wandered along Ermou Street, browsing luxury boutiques and artisan shops before diving into the energy of the Monastiraki Flea Market. The eclectic mix of antiques, handcrafted goods, and local treasures provided a glimpse into the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Meeting planners enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Athens’ most sought-after event spaces on the VIP Planner Tour. From historic venues to modern luxury hotels, they explored the unique settings that make Athens an exceptional destination for world-class meetings and incentives. Along the way, they gained insider knowledge from Hosts Global’s local experts on how to craft unforgettable events in the city.
Evenings were just as impactful, with a special dinner and networking event at the Markou Wine Museum, featuring wine and olive oil tastings, komboloi making, and local culinary delights. The next morning, attendees had a goosebump-inducing moment exploring the Acropolis, walking through the ruins that define Greek history.
The Hosts Global Forum honored outstanding achievements with the 2024 Hosts Global Awards, recognizing excellence in creativity, sustainability, operational execution, and leadership:
“Each year, we celebrate the extraordinary work of our Hosts Global Members and their dedication to delivering legendary experiences. These awards highlight the innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful impact that our DMCs create worldwide.” – Robert Lee, VP of Global Sales & Alliance Engagement
Ferocious Creativity Award – Recognizing innovative event design and execution:
Winner: Moloney & Kelly DMC, A Hosts Global Member
“We are absolutely thrilled to be receiving this prestigious award recognising our team’s creativity and design excellence. This event showcases our team’s creativity, imagination and flawless execution alongside our amazing supplier partners bringing our clients vision to life. Working on this program was an honour and we are so thrilled that these spectacular events in the West of Ireland are being recognised on a global stage” – Caoimhe Rice, CIS, CITP, Director of Sales
Made Meaningful Award – Honoring DMCs that made a tangible impact
Winner: Hosts North Central and East Region
“We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Made Meaningful’ award, recognizing the NE region’s commitment to driving real change in the destinations we serve. Through food recovery efforts, carbon offset initiatives, and our work in combatting human trafficking, we have created opportunities to make a lasting and meaningful impact beyond the events themselves. This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of our incredible team, and we remain committed to using our platform to foster positive change in each of our communities.” – Tracy Gleason, Regional General Manager, East & North Central
Operational Excellence Award – Recognizing flawless event execution
Winner: COTC Events, A Hosts Global Member
“Cheers to the dedication and hard work of the COTC Creative Team that planned and plotted this multi-day incentive program encompassing arrivals, departures, tours and activities and three comprehensive evening programs. Thanks to the peerless effort of our Operations Team, scheduling and supervising over 100 staff in the field, coordinating more than 50 vehicles and flawlessly managing all of the time lines and logistics. Finally, a huge shout out of gratitude to this repeat client who let our imaginations run and trusted us to deliver!” – Barbara Pierra-Costa, DMCP, Director of Sales
DMC of the Year (U.S.) – Celebrating Hosts Global’s top-performing U.S.-based DMC who excelled in authentic experiences and flawless execution, consistently receiving outstanding customer feedback
Winner: Hosts New Orleans
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as Hosts Global DMC of the Year (US)! This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our New Orleans team. To be acknowledged for our commitment and to receive such outstanding customer feedback means the world to us. Thank you to our amazing clients and partners who trust us to bring their visions to life—we couldn’t have done it without you!” – Holly Valenti, Regional General Manager – South Central
DMC of the Year (International) – Recognizing the top international DMC in the Hosts Global Alliance who is known for exceptional service from proposal to execution, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty
Winner: Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
“We are super proud to receive this incredible recognition as DMC of the Year (International). Being honored by Hosts Global – a network we truly consider family – makes this award the greatest for us. This acknowledgment, along with the recent SITE Crystal Award, confirms the passion and dedication we pour into every program. Thank you for trusting us!” – Franziska Stein, DMCP, Director of Sales
As the event drew to a close, attendees gathered at the Acropolis Museum for a private tour and panoramic rooftop dinner. It was here that Kurt Paben took the stage for a final time, thanking attendees and sponsors before unveiling the destination for the 2026 Hosts Global Forum in an emotionally charged, cinematic reveal. To much excitement, he announced that the 2026 Forum will be held in Alaska, hosted by Hosts Global Member, Alaska Destination Specialists.
The 10th Hosts Global Forum was more than just a gathering—it was a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unforgettable experiences. As the industry looks ahead, Hosts Global continues to set the standard for excellence in destination management and event planning worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Carlisle
Senior Director of Marketing, Hosts Global
