Global DMC Partners (GDP) brought together almost 200 #eventprofs from around the world in colourful Punta de Mita, Mexico on 6-9 June for its annual Connection event, and micebook was lucky enough to join the 25-strong UK group.

As my first time attending GDP Connection, and my first time in Mexico, I was super excited. I’d heard a lot of good things about Connection, which happened to be celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year and has built a reputation as a top quality educational and networking event for meeting and incentive planners. And it did not disappoint.

Co-hosted this year by Tropical Incentives, a Global DMC Partner, the event took place at the Conrad Punta de Mita, bringing together 82 clients with 57 DMC partners, for one-to-one meetings, thought-provoking educational sessions, group discussions, networking opportunities and meaningful experiences.

The UK group included representatives from companies such as Gartner, Emota, Activate Event Management, XSEM, Agiito, HeadBox, asembl, Amex GBT M&E, Noble Events, DRPG, Red Blaze, BCD M&E, Bray Leion Events, Meet Events, and more, expertly hosted by GDP’s UK team Maxine MacPherson and Chris Bason.

Global DMC Partners president and CEO Catherine Chaulet led the keynote address, during which she explored current global business, economic and travel trends, while highlighting valuable insights and data to help meeting and event professionals be better prepared for the year ahead (we will cover highlights from this session in a separate article).

CSR was expertly weaved throughout the event, from the branded bracelets and recyclable lanyards by Colors for Good, an amazing initiative that employs and empowers women from State of Yucatán in Mexico who have very limited access to job opportunities, to supporting the Entreamigos community center in San Pancho, a charity that provides educational opportunities for local children and families.

During a session on day two on “Unleashing the Power of Giving Back: Strategies for Meaningful Sustainability & CSR Initiatives”, we heard from the founders of Colors for Good and Entreamigos, as well as one of the local teenagers who has directly benefited from education provided by the charity, and discussed creative ways to be responsible in events around the world and how to involve community into every aspect of F&B and programme content.

Peer to peer sessions also covered topics such as creativity and attendee engagement, and I was delighted to be on the winning team for the creativity mash-up challenge (well, it was a draw!). Awards were also handed to the best DMCs and planners over the past year – congrats to Hanna from Gartner and all the other winners!

Activities across the two days included RZR and ATV challenges, horseback riding, ziplining, catamaran tours and a CSR project cleaning and painting a school at TeleSecuandaria.

Evening events – held at Conrad Punta de Mita, W Punta de Mita and Vista Paraiso – showcased amazing food and drink from the region, along with entertainment, music, dancing and gave us the perfect opportunity to unwind and connect after busy days filled with education and activities.

Thanks to the GDP Team and Tropical Incentives for a magical and memorable couple of days in Mexico. Next year’s GDP Connection will take place in The Bahamas in June.

Here’s some photo highlights: