2026 ADMEI Award Winners

The ADMEI Awards celebrate the creativity, expertise, and impact of Destination Management Companies worldwide. The 2026 winners were announced on 3 March in Costa Rica, closing out the ADMEI Annual Conference.

Each category was evaluated by a separate panel of independent industry professionals—including planners, hoteliers, venues, production partners, and other event experts—with winners selected based on judges’ scores, making recognition across multiple categories especially meaningful.

Congratulations to all 2026 ADMEI Award winners and finalists for raising the bar across our industry.

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Best Community Event

Mosaix Group, a DMC Network Company
From Devastation to Determination: A Community’s Lifeline After Helene

After Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Manna Food Bank turned to the DMC to meet urgent community needs. With infrastructure destroyed and resources scarce, the DMC created a distribution hub, sourced tents and port-o-potties, coordinated Amazon donations, and personally delivered supplies to cut-off mountain communities. The DMC also assisted Meals on Wheels, supported Eblen Charities with warehouse management, and produced a high-impact video for the Concert for the Carolinas fundraiser, viewed by millions. Later, they executed the Recovery Roadmap Event in just 3½ weeks, uniting leaders to coordinate long-term recovery. The DMC transformed chaos into community hope.

Best Décor & Design (Event)

Hello! Arizona Destination Management
Phoenix Underground

Faced with Arizona’s desert heat and a 600-guest incentive program, Hello! Arizona transformed Warehouse 215, a historic Phoenix venue, into a fully immersive speakeasy. This event came to life with custom elements like a pharmacy-inspired bar and a jazz club to a Prohibition-era police raid that erupted into a flash mob. Every room was maximized to its fullest potential, with the Hello! team weaving in authentic storytelling, creating a sense of discovery at every turn. Balancing logistical precision with bold creativity, the event’s success was clear in the enthusiasm of attendees—who were overheard raving about it at the airport!

Best Décor & Design (Program)

Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Cisco SCWC 2025 - Island Groove

Cisco’s Island Groove transformed Tenerife into a living art installation for 440 elite achievers. From the psychedelic Freak Beach hospitality lounge awash in neon cabanas and recycled sea sculptures, to a Pop Art Welcome glowing with comic murals and oversized icons, every setting pulsed with color and imagination. The Urban Groove Champions Dinner stunned with graffiti-clad shipping containers, a skate half-pipe, and kinetic LED walls, while the Space Jungle Celebration turned a banana plantation into a bioluminescent galaxy of mirrored tables and holographic projections. Unified by bold creativity and flawless execution, the program delivered a seamless, multi-sensory design journey.

Best Destination Marketing

Fifth Street Destination Management Co., a DMC Network Company
CEMA Summit 2025 in Austin, TX

Fifth Street DMC introduced 700+ members of the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) to Austin with a two-stop, partner-powered reveal: a high-touch Arrival Lounge at Fairmont Austin and a honky-tonk takeover of ACL Live. In the 2025 event-marketing landscape—where live experiences drive the most persuasive brand outcomes—we used destination storytelling to connect people to place. Think Michelin-rated hospitality with frozen margaritas in keepsake cups, then a world-class music venue flipped back to its honky-tonk roots with games, live screen-printing, two-step, and a beloved local band. Lines never stopped, LinkedIn buzzed for weeks, and partners praised the “only-in-Austin” impact.

Best Emergency Preparedness and/or Response

TERRAEVENTS, Spain, a DMC Network Affiliate
Power Out. Event On: The Fiesta Elegante Story.

When a nationwide power outage struck Barcelona just hours before a 1,100-guest gala, TERRAEVENTS Spain transformed potential disaster into a flawless celebration. Fiesta Elegante was the client’s signature welcome event — a showcase of elegance, hospitality, and scale. Despite the blackout, the team delivered the full experience as planned: hot dinner, flawless service, and immersive ambiance. Guests knew from the start there had been a nationwide blackout. Behind the scenes, TERRAEVENTS Spain re-routed catering, activated emergency logistics, and led with precision under pressure. The result? A masterclass in live crisis response and an unforgettable night of preparation and expertise.

Best Entertainment Production

Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Spanish Soul Night

Spanish Soul Night transformed Barcelona’s MNAC National Palace into a sweeping, multi-act cultural spectacle for 600 international guests. The evening unfolded in three vibrant chapters: an outdoor cocktail on the terrace with Tuna Minstrels, Catalan Giants, stilt walkers, and roaming flamenco performers; a lavish dinner show in the Oval Room featuring Castellers human towers, the Barcelona Guitar Orchestra, Passion Fire Dancers, a dazzling Magic Quick Change act, and a laser-driven Ciber Flamenco finale; and a high-energy after-party with organ mapping, a helium-balloon aerialist, the New City Beats band, and a flamenco-parade transition to a Mestiza DJ set.

Best Event - USD 100,000 or less

Eurotravel Solutions
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Strawberry Full Moon Party at Sea Dream

The Strawberry Full Moon Party was a mystical, Indian-inspired celebration held on the SeaDream yacht’s pool deck after a day exploring Dubrovnik. Designed as a sensory journey under June’s full moon, the event featured live fusion music, ritual dancers, contact juggling, and a highly detailed lounge-style décor. The setup was executed entirely at sea, with equipment and materials transported by tender and installed in just a few hours between guest excursions. From ambient lighting and incense to wish-lamp rituals, the event combined technical precision and poetic atmosphere to close the day with a deeply immersive, emotionally resonant experience.

Best Event - USD 100,001 - 250,000

Fourth Dimension Italy, A Hosts Global Member
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Dreaming is an Art Inmersive Gala

Dreaming is an Art was a fully immersive gala dinner designed as the finale of an 11-day incentive program in Tuscany. Hosted at Il Borro’s Tinaia Room, the event featured a white vinyl stage-table for 56 guests, synchronized projection mapping, live classical musicians, and choreographed culinary performances. Each course unfolded as a seasonal chapter with tailored visuals, music, and theatrical service. With seven mapped acts, a 20-person crew, and custom content creation, the production combined artistic storytelling with precise execution. Guests described it as elegant, unexpected, and deeply memorable—the perfect closing statement for a high-touch incentive program.

Best Event - USD 250,001 - 500,000

Eurotravel Solutions, A Hosts Global Member
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Revelin Dragon Reign Night

Revelin Dragon Reign transformed Dubrovnik’s iconic Revelin Fortress into a theatrical fantasy that immersed 40 guests from an elite incentive cruise in fire, folklore, and medieval legend. Accessed by sea via tender, the event unfolded across the fortress’ club and rooftop terrace with sequential storytelling, live music, performance art, and atmospheric production. Guests were welcomed by ceremonial guards, met Otto the animatronic dragon, and dined under the stars while enjoying a symphony concert, folklore dance, Albaluna band, Sufi dervish, and fire show finale. The event celebrated the cultural richness of Croatia.

Best Event - USD 500,001 - 1,000,000

Hello! Arizona Destination Management
Phoenix Underground

Faced with Arizona’s desert heat and a 600-guest incentive program, Hello! Arizona transformed Warehouse 215, a historic Phoenix venue, into a fully immersive speakeasy. This event came to life with custom elements like a pharmacy-inspired bar and a jazz club to a Prohibition-era police raid that erupted into a flash mob. Every room was maximized to its fullest potential, with the Hello! team weaving in authentic storytelling, creating a sense of discovery at every turn. Balancing logistical precision with bold creativity, the event’s success was clear in the enthusiasm of attendees—who were overheard raving about it at the airport!

Best Event - Over USD 1,000,000

Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Spanish Soul Night

Spanish Soul Gala was the emotional pinnacle of the Club P incentive program in Barcelona. Held at the iconic MNAC, the event brought Spanish culture to life through immersive scenography, culinary storytelling, and high-impact performances. From a human tower display to a laser-infused flamenco parade, each act reflected the soul of Spain. Guests experienced five seamless acts across multiple museum spaces, culminating in an electrifying party with international DJs and dancers. With over 100 performers, bespoke design, and precision logistics, Spanish Soul delivered a powerful cultural tribute that became the client’s most celebrated and emotional gala to date.

Best Group Activity

Accent Indy, a DMC Network Company
TOTE-ally Connected

Victory Field came alive as 1,500 employees from across Indiana gathered for The One Team Event — a full-scale celebration of connection, recognition, and giving back. Guests checked in to DJ beats, boarded shuttles with a CEO welcome video, and were cheered into the stadium by executives with pompoms. Highlights included the inaugural SPARK Award, a surprise teambuilding showdown with 194 teams competing for $500 prizes, and a community backpack build. Despite complex logistics and live tech troubleshooting, the day ran flawlessly, earning rave reviews and a 97% satisfaction score — leaving employees inspired, united, and already asking for next year.

Best Incentive Program

Eurotravel Solutions, A Hosts Global Member
Fourth Dimension Italy, A Hosts Global Member,
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member, 
Titanium

Titanium was an 11-day, multi-destination incentive trip designed for 40 top-performing employees, combining luxury, cultural depth, and operational excellence across Italy and Croatia. The program featured a private charter of the SeaDream yacht through the Adriatic, immersive experiences in Venice and Dubrovnik, and a curated finale in Tuscany’s Il Borro estate. Seven distinct events highlighted each destination, from rooftop galas to fortress takeovers and immersive dining. Designed by Spaintacular and executed with two regional partners, Titanium achieved high emotional impact, flawless execution, and measurable motivation—establishing a new benchmark for performance recognition and team engagement through incentive travel.

Best Logistics Program

Eurotravel Solutions, A Hosts Global Member
Fourth Dimension Italy, A Hosts Global Member,
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member, 
Titanium

Titanium was a highly complex 11-day incentive program for 40 top performers, traveling through Italy and Croatia. The itinerary included a private yacht charter, international border crossings, multiple venue setups, and seven consecutive events. A dual-team operational structure—logistics traveling with the group and production advancing each site—enabled seamless transitions across cities and countries. Three DMCs worked in coordination using one master plan to manage transport, equipment, rehearsals, and contingency strategies. Despite the complexity, guests experienced a flawless journey from Venice to Dubrovnik and Tuscany, with every touchpoint running on time and every event ready upon arrival.

Best Overall Program

Eurotravel Solutions, A Hosts Global Member
Fourth Dimension Italy, A Hosts Global Member,
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member, 
Titanium

Titanium was a carefully curated 11-day incentive program for 40 top performers, held across Italy and Croatia. The journey included an exclusive charter of the SeaDream yacht along the Adriatic coast, private events in iconic locations such as the Danieli Hotel in Venice, Dubrovnik’s Revelin Fortress, and Il Borro, a private wine estate in the Tuscan countryside. Designed and delivered by Spaintacular with support from local partners, the program featured seven distinct events, personalized guest experiences, and seamless logistics. Titanium demonstrated how thoughtful planning and cultural relevance can create a me

aningful and unique incentive experience in Europe.

Best Six-Week Challenge

Accent Indy, a DMC Netw0rk Company 
Luxury in Motion: An Indy 500 Journey

A multi-day, world class program brought 75 international guests to the Indy 500, delivering a carefully curated journey that intertwined the thrill of motorsports with elegance and luxury. Executed on a compressed six week timeline, the experience featured meticulously designed décor and dramatic reveals generating memorable moments throughout the weekend. Guests enjoyed exclusive meals, interactive experiences, and concluded race day in a fully curated suite. Coordinated planning of transportation, meals, décor, and entertainment ensured a seamless, immersive experience. The program delighted attendees, showcased sophisticated design, and elevated engagement through an unforgettable celebration of motorsport and luxury.

Best Sustainable Initiative

Creative Travel India
Creative Travel Maldives
Viaje Diamantes 2025: India – Maldivas

Some journeys aren’t measured in miles, but in the positive impact they leave behind. In January 2025, Creative Travel delivered a 12-day incentive for Omnilife Mexico’s top “Diamonds” across Ladakh, Varanasi, and the Maldives that set a new benchmark in sustainable incentive design. We operated in Ladakh’s off-season, retaining local staff and engaging village partners for polo, music, and cuisine. Spanish-language access and wellness planning fostered inclusion and care. Thermal gear was later donated to communities, venues were heritage spaces needing little décor, and transport choices minimised their footprint. Economic, social, and cultural benefits rippled far beyond the program itself.

Best Sustainable Initiative

Creative Travel India
Creative Travel Maldives
Viaje Diamantes 2025: India – Maldivas

Some journeys aren’t measured in miles, but in the positive impact they leave behind. In January 2025, Creative Travel delivered a 12-day incentive for Omnilife Mexico’s top “Diamonds” across Ladakh, Varanasi, and the Maldives that set a new benchmark in sustainable incentive design. We operated in Ladakh’s off-season, retaining local staff and engaging village partners for polo, music, and cuisine. Spanish-language access and wellness planning fostered inclusion and care. Thermal gear was later donated to communities, venues were heritage spaces needing little décor, and transport choices minimised their footprint. Economic, social, and cultural benefits rippled far beyond the program itself.

Best Use of Technology

Fourth Dimension Italy, A Hosts Global Member
Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member
Dreaming is an Art Inmersive Gala

Dreaming is an Art was the gala of an 11-day incentive program in Tuscany, hosted at Il Borro estate. Designed as a fully immersive dining experience, the event combined synchronized projection mapping, artistic gastronomy, and a live musical score. The table surfaces became interactive storytelling platforms, with high-resolution animations aligned to each course and matched with original music compositions. The experience required precise technical integration of audiovisual systems, spatial mapping, and culinary timing. This seamless coordination of creative content and technology delivered an emotional and visually striking finale that left a lasting impression on all 40 participants.

People's Choice

factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma
The Kirkpatrick Medal

factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma produced the inaugural Kirkpatrick Medal, a large-scale black-tie gala designed to rival nationally recognized honors events. Managing every facet of production — from project management and vendor sourcing to audiovisual design, décor, catering, and talent support — factor 110 delivered a seamless experience for the distinguished guests. Hosted at Oklahoma Contemporary, a venue celebrated for its sustainable design, the event highlighted environmental responsibility through thoughtfully sourced menus, social inclusivity with cultural programming, and economic impact by engaging diverse local vendors. The result was a world-class celebration that elevated Oklahoma’s profile and set a new standard for gala production.

Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award Shannon Gardner, DMCP Accent Indy, a DMC Network Partner Shannon Gardner, DMCP, has shaped the destination management industry through nearly two decades of visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and service. As owner of Accent Indy and CTC Destination Management, she built two thriving companies rooted in community, innovation, and excellence. A trailblazer and Indiana’s first DMCP, Shannon has elevated destinations, mentored countless professionals, and championed the value of DMCs. Her influence extends through industry leadership, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to developing others. Known for her authenticity and generosity, Shannon leads by lifting others up. This Lifetime Achievement Award honors a career defined by impact, integrity, and lasting contribution.

Hall of Fame / Lifetime Achievement Award Melissa Murray, DMCP Mosaix Group, a DMC Network Company Melissa Murray's career reflects more than three decades of leadership, creativity, and service in the destination management industry. As founder of Mosaix Group, she built an award-winning DMC rooted in collaboration, innovation, and care for her team and clients. A dedicated industry leader and former ADMEI Board member, Melissa has mentored peers while advancing professional standards. Her impact extends beyond business—mobilizing critical relief efforts in times of crisis, supporting her community, and championing global causes. Known for her warmth, resilience, and generosity, Melissa leads with both heart and purpose. This Lifetime Achievement Award honors a legacy defined by impact, service, and lasting influence.

Carol Norfleet Destination Management Rising Star Jonathan Geerman, DMCP ECODMS Aruba Jonathan Geerman’s rise in the destination management industry is defined by resilience, initiative, and heart. Joining ECODMS at the onset of the pandemic, he quickly became a steady force—supporting operations, maintaining client relationships, and helping guide the company through uncertainty. Today, he leads the local sales team and represents Aruba with authenticity and pride. Having earned his DMCP, Jonathan demonstrates a strong commitment to growth and excellence. His hands-on leadership, positive impact, and dedication to others reflect the spirit of the Carol Norfleet Rising Star Award.

Destination Management Professional of the Year Josh DeSilva, DMCP Desilva Meeting Consultants, Inc., (DMC), a DMC Network Company Josh DeSilva exemplifies the spirit of the Destination Management Professional of the Year Award through authentic leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community. Known for bringing Aloha and ‘Ohana into every interaction, Josh leads with warmth, positivity, and purpose—empowering his team while delivering exceptional experiences for clients. A respected industry leader, he represents Hawai‘i with pride on a global stage and now serves as Chair within the DMC Network. His ability to inspire, connect, and uplift others makes a lasting impact and reflects the very best of destination management..

Joanne O'Connor President's Award

Ashley Armstrong, DMCP, CMP
factor 110 | Destination Oklahoma

"The Joanne O’Connor President's Award is a very personal one. It goes to someone who has truly had the president’s back throughout the year.  This is going to someone who shows up—fully present, fully engaged, and always ready to help. Someone who steps in when needed, asks the right questions, and brings clarity, common sense, and great ideas to every conversation.

All year long, she has been there, stepping in for me when I couldn't be there. At committee meetings, board meetings, and everywhere in between—offering steady leadership and thoughtful perspective. She's the kind of leader, and the kind of colleague, every president hopes to have by their side.

It is my pleasure to present this year's Joanne O'Connor President's Award to the inimitable Ashley Armstrong."

Daniella Bikoulis
2025 ADMEI President

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Supplier of the Year

Jonathan E. Howe, Esq.
Howe & Hutton, LTD

Jon Howe, founding partner of Howe & Hutton, has long been one of the most respected legal minds in the meetings and hospitality industry. Over a distinguished career, he has advised leading organizations, spoken globally, and authored hundreds of articles on event and contract law. His many honors include induction into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders—one of the industry’s highest recognitions.

For ADMEI, Jon’s impact has been both profound and lasting. As a trusted advisor and ex-officio Board member, he has provided steady guidance during pivotal moments, including strengthening contract language coming out of the pandemic to better protect destination management companies and their clients. Through his popular “Ask the Attorney” sessions, he has generously shared practical insights with clarity, candor, and signature wit.

More than an attorney, Jon has been a mentor, a storyteller, and a true partner to the ADMEI community. As he steps into retirement, we honor a legacy defined by expertise, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our industry.