As event planners, we’ve orchestrated hundreds of events on 6 continents. From the beaches of Goa, India to the temple ruins in Athens, we’ve seen the world. We know some of the best event destination hotspots around the globe. What’s most important to us as event planners is the quality of the event attendees’ experience. We’ve transported attendees via gondola down winding canals in Venice and experienced the rich history of some of the oldest cities and remarkable ruins in the world. We’ve captured the essence of a city’s culture by engaging the attendees’ senses through the vibrant music, renowned sights, and culinary experiences that create memories for a lifetime. This is our job as global event planners. And we love it!
We asked some of our Global Events Team members what has been their favorite event destination thus far and why. These rank among the ones they love most:
My favorite destination was Goa, India. A beautiful relaxed beach town with such a wonderful culture, amazing food, blue starfish, and water buffalos cruising down the roads. The Park Hyatt there was unbelievably gorgeous and unique. If it didn’t take 42 hours of travel time to get there, I would be planning my next vacation there! ~ Jen Baker, CMP, Global Event Director
If I have to choose one, it would be Prague. I love history, and Prague is filled with many wonderful things to see as well as historic sites. You will always find a large crowd of tourists waiting for the clock to chime. I had the pleasure of being in Prague during the winter and it was like a winter wonderland. We stood outside listening to a band play and watching everyone dance. A wonderful memory! ~ Bonnie Sheets, Global Experience Coordinator
This is a hard question because every location has been special for different reasons. I’d say my favorite destination for an event is Barcelona, Spain. I love the relaxed beach town culture juxtaposed with its sophisticated history and extraordinary architecture. And, tapas and Cava sparkling wine are two of my love languages. ~ Melissa Eggert, CMP, Global Experience Manager
It is hard to choose one place from all the ones we are lucky enough to visit and work with MTA. Mine so far would be Athens…an enchanting city rich in history, the birthplace of civilization, archaeological findings in every corner and local delicacies that are so tasteful you wish you could bring them all home with you. There I ate the best olives, the best feta cheese with honey and sesame seeds, and the best moussaka (similar to lasagna but made with sautéed eggplant and lots of béchamel sauce and grilled cheese) of my life. I have very good memories of waking up every morning and looking at the view from the balcony. And I will never forget my wandering along the Acropolis and seeing the majesty of the Parthenon, the temple of Athena, Nike, and many others. A city with enjoyment for all your senses! ~ Gemma Plans, Sr. Global Experience Manager
Of 2016, I think my favorite destination was actually Rome. While living in Asia there are lots of places to choose from, one gets quite homesick after a while. So going back to Europe, where I’m originally from, was like a trip home combined with work (a sort of reverse busman’s holiday). Rome is very beautiful and I must have spent almost all my personal time walking around. Even on the last day, I had 2 hours to spare and went to a crypt filled with the skeletons of Capuchin Monks- fascinating place! ~ Richard Chalmers, Global Experience Designer – Production
There have been many stunning and beautiful locations to which I have been lucky enough to travel, but one of my favorites has to be Venice. It is just such a unique city – floating on water with no roads – there is just no other place like it. The magic starts when your airport transfer is by water taxi (the limousines of Venice!). You are sped across the water with a stunning view of Venice as you approach the city. I found the city so different and have many lovely memories of my two trips there. Because it can be very crowded and hot in the summer, I would recommend avoiding peak summer months. March is just perfect, which is when I went.
My second favorite has to be Cap Ferrat, on the French Riviera. It is both very beautiful and has the glamour and chic of the French Riviera, but remains unspoiled. You feel away from it all on the gorgeous coastal footpaths yet you are only 25 minutes from Nice so easily accessible. It really is a hidden little gem. ~ Natalie Lowndes, Global Experience Designer – Events
For me, it would be Sydney. I love that mix of English and Asian culture. Everyone is super friendly and you can finish your work and go surfing… what could be better than that? Plus the fact that it is an astonishing city. ~ Tomas De Dominicis, Global Experience Designer – Production
I love Budapest! Budapest is steeped in history, which I hope to someday delve deeper into; however, it’s the “newness” of the city I have fallen in love with. My meeting experiences have enabled me to meet and work with vibrant, enthusiastic people, who seem as happy, as they are happy to please. There is such a fresh feel to both Buda and Pest sides of the city. And as for the architecture along the Danube – it’s breathtaking! ~ Caroline Drummey, Global Experience Specialist – Events
I do travel for my job, and my favorite trip in 2016 was to Dublin, Ireland. We were executing a large leadership conference and I fell in love with the city and the people! ~ Molly Suggs, Director, Global Experiences
“Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed…That is why the best trips never really end.” — Pico Iyer
Want to experience a memorable event destination for yourself? Contact us to discuss a location for your next event that your group will love from the moment they arrive.
