2023 Wrapped: DCi’s Top Event Highlights From This Year
T
he latest industry trend reports have made one thing crystal clear: generic is out, authentic is in. Take, for example, Hilton’s “Why We Gather Report,” in which 84 percent of respondents said experiencing local culture is a big perk of attending work-related events. This desire for locally inspired experiences is shaping event planning in 2026 and beyond — influencing everything from venue selection to culinary programming and entertainment. “We’re seeing a growing demand for destination-inspired events, and the trend has become even more pronounced in the last year,” DCi experts say. “Guests are craving experiences that feel authentic, place-driven, and deeply connected to the local culture.”
So, how do you coordinate an event that truly reflects the soul of a destination? It takes a hard-to-master combination of thorough research, creative vision, and local expertise — the kind that only comes from partnering with a seasoned team of destination management professionals. Here, DCi experts share their top tips for infusing a sense of place into your next company event, whether that’s through desert-inspired decor in Arizona or live music experiences that celebrate Nashville’s musical heritage.
1. Gather On-the-Ground Insight
Dreaming up destination-inspired events starts with thorough research; really digging in and discovering the distinct fabric of a place. While online research is helpful as a starting point, recommendations from the people who live, work, and play there are the most valuable asset for capturing a city’s or region’s true essence. As a nationwide destination management company, DCi relies on local team members to navigate the ins and outs of each destination.
“We tap into firsthand, on-the-ground knowledge from team members who know their local markets inside and out, combined with ongoing research, partner insights, and trend analysis,” DCi event planners explain. “This unique footprint allows us to stay ahead of what’s new, noteworthy, and truly worth experiencing in each destination. The result is expertly curated recommendations rooted in real-world experience, not just research.”
2. Plan Place-Specific Itineraries
For an event itinerary that transcends cliches, incorporate local-approved activities and experiences — the kind that truly showcase the area’s unique offerings. Whether it’s ATV or hot air balloon rides in Arizona’s desert landscape or a multi-day wine program with tastings and vineyard experiences in California’s Napa Valley, our DCi team is well-versed in coordinating events that tap into local cultures and attractions.
You can further immerse your guests in their destination by selecting a hyperlocal theme for your program. At a past DCi event in San Diego, we incorporated the city’s major claim-to-fame as the backdrop for the Top Gun films by weaving the movie into every event touchpoint. A curated photo station with character lookalikes, a walkway set up like a real airplane runway with marshaling greeters, and large LED screens playing Top Gun: Maverick kept the crowd fully engaged in the area’s cinematic legacy.
To provide your guests with a taste of regional flavors and culinary specialties, consider hosting a marketplace-themed event with a wide variety of dishes and bites to sample — it’s like bringing a neighborhood farmers’ market straight to your guests. (Looking for more advice on designing event activities sure to wow your group? Here are five tips.)
3. Collaborate with Local Vendors and Iconic Venues
Now that you’ve brainstormed a few immersive experiences and engaging activities for your event program, it’s time to put those plans into action. Our team takes the time to build relationships and rapport with vendors across our destinations, and as a result, we know just who to call to bring creative event visions to life. Need a band that’ll light up the stage and get a crowd on its feet? A florist who can source the best seasonal blooms? A group of acrobats to infuse carnival-style excitement into your entertainment? Leave it to us.
In addition to local vendors, an event’s venue can (and should!) play a starring role in destination-inspired programs, tapping into the area’s distinct landscape. Think: a luxury beachfront hotel in South Beach or a farmhouse-style barn in Scottsdale. For a previous DCi event in Nashville, we planned a private dinner and an exclusive tour of the Grand Ole Opry, a renowned live music venue known for playing host to legendary artists. What’s more, we closed out the evening with a singer-songwriter Q&A to cap off the authentic Music City experience.
4. Curate Destination-Inspired Decor
Decor is where your locally driven theme can really come together, setting the scene for an event that reflects a sense of place. From your tablescapes to signage and floor plans, every design element should distill the essence of your setting, making the event feel like it could only happen there. “Whether it’s color palettes, textures, or environmental influences, let the aesthetic direction be guided by what makes the place unique,” DCi experts recommend.
Over the years, we’ve designed our fair share of destination-inspired events throughout the country. An Arizona-themed event wowed with natural woods, iconic Southwestern motifs, and desert-inspired textures; a welcome reception in Kauai featured a color palette inspired by the bay’s azure waters and floral arrangements composed of tropical greenery and white orchids; a Cuban-style event in Miami buzzed with Havana energy thanks to bold colors and playful tropical elements.
5. Give Back to the Community
One of the best ways to make your event more meaningful (while further connecting your guests to the area)? Incorporating a “corporate social responsibility,” or CSR, element into the program. Leave a positive footprint in the community after your event by supporting local nonprofits, sustainability initiatives, or cultural preservation efforts.
For previous DCi events, we’ve coordinated give-back activities like assembling skateboards to donate to local children and designing a custom 5K route for a charity run. The key is to identify CSR efforts that align with your company’s values, engage your team members, and make a real difference in the community. Whether you’re looking to partner with the right charity or create a local-approved itinerary full of off-the-radar gems, our team can help you craft a memorable, place-driven program.
Looking to host a destination-inspired event that feels authentic? DCi’s destination management experts can help your vision come to life. Contact our team to get the ball rolling.
