IMEX America, held Oct. 13–15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, was a busy week for Prevue Meetings + Incentives, with an Advisory Board meeting focused on the year ahead, a special presentation on Indigenous experiences in hospitality, and the announcement of Prevue’s Planner of the Year.
The week also provided opportunities to connect with meeting planners and recognize the professionals who are advancing the industry.
Advisory Board Looks Ahead
On Monday, Oct. 12, Prevue hosted its Advisory Board Meeting at the W Hotel, bringing board members together to discuss current industry trends and help develop the publication’s priorities for 2027. Topics included What Prevue Should Be Covering in 2027 and A Conversation on Board Partnership.
The meeting also included discussions about ways board members can engage with Prevue beyond the boardroom. Director of Marketing Andrea Sper and Marketing Manager Nicole Narciso outlined promotional opportunities, including Prevue’s new Meeting Planner Appreciation Month, an annual event launched in September. In addition, Savannah Pratt Sharma, Content & Media Manager, led a discussion on social media and ways board members can participate more actively in Prevue’s digital channels.
Bringing Indigenous Culture Into Meetings and Events
Special guest speaker Tammi Tiger brought a perspective on Indigenous representation in hospitality and tourism. A citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of Muscogee and Seminole people (Bear Clan), Tiger is a Ph.D. student and founding director of Tribal Education at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She leads efforts to increase Native American leadership in gaming, hospitality and tourism, drawing on decades of public service, education and advocacy for Indigenous communities.
The discussion focused on how meeting planners can incorporate Native American activities and cultural experiences into their programs in meaningful and respectful ways. Tiger was joined by Lycia Ortega of the Fort Yuma Indian Tribe, who addressed the board in her native tongue. It was a thrilling moment and a reminder of how powerful it can be to experience a culture firsthand, while also underscoring the kinds of experiences that can make a meeting or incentive program truly memorable.
Announcing Prevue’s Planner of the Year
Throughout IMEX, Prevue’s booth welcomed meeting planners who stopped by to spin the Caesars Wellness Wheel for a chance to win prizes, including stays at Caesars Entertainment properties.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Prevue announced Vilma Villavicencio, Owner & Founder of Checklist Events, as its Planner of the Year.
Three finalists were also recognized: Ellie Soucy, President and Founder of Incentive Meeting Services; Jeanette Alston-Watkins, Regional Meeting & Events Manager for SOPREMA; and Heather Pilcher, CEO of Blue Spark Event Design.
IMEX Giveaway Winners
The booth’s giveaways included TUMI luggage and a Citizen Watch. TUMI winners were Rose-Marie Guerra, Founder & Principal of RMG Experiences; Caroline Rebbert, North America Marketing Manager at Nayax; Mark Freman, Senior Manager, Meetings and Travel at NASTAD; and Jewelia Chang, Independent Event Consultant. Meanwhile, James Auerbach, CRO of Salem Sports Events, received the Citizen Watch.
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