Prevue Magazine’s inaugural MVP (Most Visionary Planner) awards, recognizing forward-thinking MICE planners whose vision facilitated self-defining experiences for groups, kicked off late last year to massive engagement. Planners were asked to upload their best hyperlocal travel pics with captions that highlighted the experience—doing so tossed their hat into the ring for a trip to Peru with the JW Marriott Cusco, (our grand prize) Hawaii (1st Runner-Up) or the Florida Keys (2nd Runner-Up). We received everything from white water rafting excursions to CSR, and in the end, voted among us to award the top three as our 2015 MVPs.
Competition was fierce! But what truly stood out was the level of heart and creativity that is being poured into the work you do—often on budgets that just won’t budge. We’re excited to see what this year will bring throughout our industry, but as the trendsetters, we’re looking to you to see what’s next.
So without further adieu, here are our first MVPs! Who will be next and why? Let us know in comments below!
Grand Prize: Dr. Abe Korn
MICE Planner, Worldwide Meeting & Event Services
Abe wowed us with an extreme white water rafting experience that he put together
What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to about this trip? I have been to Peru a few times many years ago for related corporate business, and have brought groups there for meetings and incentives. I have never been to the JW Marriott Cusco and look forward to seeing the hotel and area.
What are you definitely NOT going to forget to pack (hopefully): My passport and climbing boots.
What destination do you have your eye on in 2016 and why? For 2016, my eye is on Peru because I won and cannot wait to go there!
1st Runner-Up: Shannon L. Fleshman
Director of Sales and Events, Life Insurance Settlement Association
Shannon’s “tapas demo” pic not only one her a 4-night stay stay for two at Hawaii’s Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, but turned the tables on her with her very own taste of Big Island culture (quite literally). Hawaii Forest and Trail will usher her and guest along a Kona Coffee and Crater Tour, while a $100 gift card for Rays on the Bay will get the party started later in the evening. Shannon is almost as excited as we are, but don’t take our word for it:
What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to about this trip? Exploring somewhere I’ve never been before!
What are you definitely NOT going to forget to pack? (hopefully) Sunscreen.
What destination do you have your eye on for 2016 and why? Scottsdale, Arizona. We hosted one of our most successful events here in 2014, causing us to sign our first ever repeat venue contract! We are looking forward to more amazing service, spectacular food and wild adventure in picturesque Arizona!
Second Runner-Up: Victoria Ascione, CMP, CMM
V Event Management LLC
Victoria’s outdoor dining photo with Camelback Mountain as backdrop told us much about how she leverages local environments to give groups a self-defining experience. As the second runner-up in our inaugural MVP awards, Victoria is heading to the Florida Keys to check out the newly opened Playa Largo Resort & Spa. That’s just the beginning. When she and a guest are not out exploring Buttonwood Bay via complimentary kayaks, the Alligator Farm, snorkeling through the largest coral reef in North America or zipping through the Everglades during an air boat tour, they’ll be getting a couples massage at the OceanSpa, wandering off with a picnic basket lunch in tow or hunkering down at the Chef’s Table in Flagler’s Steakhouse.
A special thanks to all who participated in this—we had a bigger turnout for the awards than expected (competition was fierce!) and look forward to amping up the contest for 2016!
