People on the Move

The Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) has announced the election of Denise Malo, DMCP, of BBC Events, a Global DMC Partner, as its 2024 president. Denise's election signifies ADMEI's dedication to elevating the DMC voice and standards within the industry.  Under her leadership, ADMEI anticipates continued growth, success, and enhanced collaboration among DMCs worldwide. Denise Malo currently serves as Vice-President of Client Services for BBC Events, a Global DMC Partner in New Orleans, LA. Denise has been a part of the BBC team for over 22 years, promoted to Director in 2004 and Vice-President in 2021. However, she brings to the table over 35 years in the hospitality industry. While managing an entire team of DMC professionals at BBC Events, she continues to enhance the hospitality industry with team members who strive for excellence and pride in their craft. 

Hot off the Press

The Run For A Million, the richest event in the history of reining and the most exciting and thrilling new event in cow horse and cutting, will take place at the prestigious South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from Aug. 12-17. A sold-out event year over year, The Run For A Million puts the highest level of performance horse competition and winnings, including a purse of $1M for the Million Dollar Reining Competition event, on full display for attendees, alongside six jam-packed days of world-class entertainment and culinary offerings. Taylor Sheridan made his debut in the high-stakes world of elite horsemanship by creating The Run For A Million in 2019 with business partner Amanda Brumley, Brumley Management Group. The event features several performance horse competitions, including the Million Dollar Reining competition, Cow Horse Challenge, Cutting Horse Challenge, Open Shoot Out, Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, among others like amateur, youth and rookie competitions. 

In Memoriam

Join Smart Meetings online, Thursday, April 18 at 11am PT/ 1pm CT/ 2pm ET for Be Bright Together: A Virtual Celebration of Life for Marin Bright. In addition to honoring the contribution of a meetings industry pioneer, generous friend and ultimate hostess, we will be announcing a campaign to continue the work of lifting everyone up. Marin Bright, CEO Smart Meetings, worked in the hospitality industry for more than 40 years—first serving hotels and establishing herself as the top salesperson, then launching nine magazines. Her role in elevating the discussion did not go unnoticed. She received numerous accolades, including the prestigious WPA Distinction in Leadership Award and two consecutive Folio Top Women in Media Awards as a corporate visionary. Bright was honored as a Legend in the Northern California chapter of PCMA’s Bay Area Meetings Industry Excellence Awards and named to Eventex’s list of 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry.