The ACCESS event took over four iconic honky-tonks and set up a giant tent in the middle of the street.

Another ACCESS eventtransformed a hangar space in Denver into an interactive exploration of all things Colorado. Guests were served concessions via roaming beer bikes and were invited to slackline, raft the virtual rapids, or try to beat the pro on an oversized rock-climbing wall.

From Advantage Destination and Meeting Services, a Super Bowl event for Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer, with a graffiti artist, strolling oyster shuckers, and a branded flip-flop station.

A colorful carnival complete with food trucks from Advantage. "With the current global situation, we are focusing on our own backyard and supporting the communities that support us," management says, such as supporring a local nonprofit that aids first responders. "The trend to give back locally is immensely popular."

A lovely event from Advantage at a Florida resort. Staying flexible is crucial these days, they say. "We have found that clients want to work with us to either move their program dates to later this year or bring them back in 2021, and we are working with them to make this happen. Clients are looking for DMCs who will work with them to get through these trying times with flexibility and forward-thinking solutions."

An L.A. specialist, Bixel and Co. points with pride to its reputation for producing "unforgettable events coupled with unparalleled execution, in addition to exhibiting a masterful grasp of our destination’s ins and outs."

A beautiful Bixel event on an L.A. beach. “One of the major trends we continue to observe is our clients’ focus on taking an experiential approach to their events and programs," management says.

Night falls on a Bixel event. The L.A.-born and -bred team notes the longevity and diverse interests of members, giving them "unrivaled knowledge of our destination, ranging from iconic Los Angeles landmarks to the hippest new restaurants and nightspots, as well as access to many exclusive venues and activities."

Highlights over the past year have included a "spectacular" five-day citywide program in downtown Los Angeles for 1,800 people; "This was a comprehensive and constantly changing project that required utmost attention to detail, ranging from daytime meetings, diverse activities, dine-arounds and evening events. It became especially technical when we produced 11 events at 11 different venues in the same evening simultaneously, which was a unique challenge and, ultimately, an impeccable success," they say.

“One of the major trends we continue to observe is our clients’ focus on taking an experiential approach to their events and programs," management says. "At Bixel, we have always concentrated on leaving a lasting impression on our guests by providing engaging experiences, so this was nothing new for us." The team points to “a sharp increase" in companies wanting to strengthen the bond of their teams by calling for team-building activities."

CE Group "stays relevant in our market thanks to the power and creativity of reinvention," management says. "When our clients want something different from what we first propose, we adjust and innovate. When our market dictates a new opportunity, we find the source and fill the need."

For a new spin on the holiday party, "We flipped a traditional masquerade theme on its head by incorporating three elements: Venetian masquerade, an underground speakeasy complete with a jazzy pianist, and an after-party with stilt-walkers and a major headliner," CE says.

The big force confronting the industry: "The reaction and ripple effect from the COVID-19 pandemic," management says. "These are very uncertain times, and we need to--virtually--gather together as a hospitality community now, more than ever, to remind clients the value of face-to-face meetings," CE management says.

Recent events from CSI have included a first-of-its-kind team-building event that featured 40 free-standing mini kitchens constructed for a VIP incentive program, and a block party for several thousand attendees on the historic Copley Plaza in Boston. "In the last couple of months we worked to help clients design innovative and captivating digital gatherings, as well as hybrid digital and in-person gatherings that connect participants from around the world," management adds.

A CSI event features culinary superstar Giada De Laurentiis. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, "Connectivity and virtual programming is vital to the growth and continued success of events," management says. "People crave connectivity, and we are here to bring them not only high-quality streaming and digital support but deliver hands-on elements as well. Trends on the rise include tactile accompaniments to the virtual sphere, from gifting and community givebacks to live entertainment and breakout sessions with activations." See the full 2020 list here.