From June 2-5, Destination South Meeting + Event’s Cynthia Alford, DMCP, and Andy Williams, CMP, TMP, attended the DMC Network Client Exchange in Lake Tahoe. In its second year, the Client Exchange brought together fellow DMC professionals as well as our customers from around the country for several days of education, networking, relaxation and new experiences. If you’re unfamiliar, Destination South Meetings + Events is a vested member of the DMC Network. The DMC Network is a consortium of the leading independently-owned destination management companies across North America. We have DMC Network partners in most major cities throughout the country, and our member companies average more than 25 years in business. In other words, whether you do business with us in Atlanta, or with our partners in Chicago, San Francisco or New York, you can rest easy knowing we all speak the same lingo and provide the same caliber of creativity, service, detail, and operation.

Held at The Resort at Squaw Creek, within the Squaw Valley of Lake Tahoe, California, the Exchange gave each of our partners opportunities to not only strengthen relationships with our own clients, but also to build new relationships with those whom we’ve not had the opportunity to do business with thus far. Judging by the facial expressions from the attendees throughout those few days, the Exchange was a raving success!

The setting and venues for the Exchange were also something really special. Lake Tahoe is a lake that has a depth of 1,644 feet at its deepest part and features water so clear that you can see below the surface up to 73 feet. Its name comes from the Washoe Indian tribe and literally means “Big Water.” Fitting. We were able to enjoy a multitude of events on the lake, including a dinner cruise, opening night reception, an ATV excursion, shopping (and let’s be honest, wine drinking) and kayaking. Not only was the service at each of these location and activities top-notch, it was also refreshing to experience a destination for what it really is. After all, a meeting in a ballroom is a meeting in a ballroom no matter the location, right? The Exchange was an experience that allowed for plenty of time to get outside and experience Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas.

In addition to experiencing Lake Tahoe, the DMC Network provided a great learning environment. Michael Dominguez, the senior vice president of hotel sales for MGM Resorts International, spoke on the business climate of the travel industry, as well as factors that drive and influence what DMC professionals do. Creative Coverings’ Kate Patay presented on upcoming trends in the meetings and events industry and spent a great deal of time on color and design trends. Kate’s presentation was very eye-opening, especially for the lone dude on the DSME team. Michael Cerbelli presented his annual Hot List, which gave attendees his perspective of what’s the latest and greatest in the world of event professionals. And Ben Glenn, who struggled with ADD throughout his formative years, gave an amazing presentation with a chalk-art masterpiece ending. Along with education, DMC Network partners were provided time to hold one-on-one appointments to talk business with clients and delve into potential opportunities to work together in the near future.

We extend a huge thank you to those involved in coordinating such a great event:  DMC Network headquarters staff, Destination Tahoe Meetings & Events, and The Resort at Squaw Creek. We were thrilled to have been able to experience an event that is gaining a tremendous amount of momentum. Whoever hosts next year has big shoes to fill!