Hosts Global Alliance (HGA) held its 3rd Annual HGA Global Forum in Boston, MA from July 31st – August 3rd. Hospitality industry professionals gathered in Boston for the forum which welcomed over 225 top industry professionals, representing more than 190 destinations worldwide.
Participants, both clients and HGA members, traveled from North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe to collaborate on industry challenges and trends, learn about new destinations, meet one-on-one about business opportunities, and to enjoy the local offerings of Boston.
“Boston truly is a unique destination that is known for education, history, vibrant activities, and opportunities. HGA is perfectly aligned with all of these qualities, which made it the ideal backdrop for the HGA Global Forum.” comments Jennifer Patino, DMCP, CEO of Hosts Global.
Educational sessions included informative presentations on cyber event security, industry trends, human trafficking in association with events, and designing events using neuroscience. Sessions began Friday, July 31st with a true H Factor moment – a highlight of heroes from the HGA Members in attendance. Following the H Factor hero presentation, attendees found their own inner event hero by participating in a group teambuilding activity where they created duct tape heroes.
Katie Nolan, Director of Meetings at the National Electrical Contractors Association, remarks, “I find value for my association in attending the HGA Global Forum every year. The relationships that I make there help me to plan better quality events, and I am able to bring back top notch education to keep my meetings relevant and fresh.”
Attendees were entertained throughout the HGA Global Forum with a variety of receptions and performances. Kicking off the HGA Global Forum was a welcome reception at the Museum of Science Pavilion where attendees enjoyed a night of dancing while overlooking the Charles River. On Saturday evening, HGA took over the patio at the Royal Sonesta Boston for an authentic clambake, complete with buckets of lobster, clams, and a coastal duo. To end the final day of meetings, HGA brought in headliner Terry Fator, who wowed attendees with his incredible ventriloquist skills and impersonations.
HGA closed out the Global Forum with a dinner reception and the Hosts Honors Awards ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Following the reception, attendees danced the night away at the official HGA after party at the Royal Sonesta Boston. HGA was delighted to honor their DMC members that rise to the occasion at the Hosts Honors Awards. This year’s recipients were:
Critic’s Choice Award: Eventions Of Florida
Brand Honors Award: Tsar Events
Leadership Honors Award: Ally O’Connor – NXTevent Boston
HGA DMC of the Year 2014-2015: Hosts Las Vegas and Maple Ridge Events
