More than 200 industry leaders gathered in The Bahamas at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, June 12-15, to explore key trends, share insights and shape the future of the MICE industry.
Global DMC Partners (GDP), the largest global network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, brought together 227 industry leaders from 31 countries at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in The Bahamas for its annual Connection. Held June 12-15, this exclusive, by-invitation-only conference included 88 clients and 63 DMC partners for three days of data-driven insights, strategic collaboration, and meaningful connection. This year’s program took a deep dive into the forces reshaping the global MICE industry, from macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty to evolving attendee expectations and the transformative role of AI.
Global Trends and Timely Insights
Kicking off this year’s Connection, GDP President and CEO Catherine Chaulet’s keynote address offered a comprehensive analysis of the global economic and geopolitical landscape and its direct implications for meetings and events professionals.
The MICE sector is projected to see a 59 percent increase in business tourism through 2033, contributing significantly to the travel and tourism sector’s all-time-high, $11.7 trillion impact on global GDP. However, at the same, 53 percent of planners are contending with rebookings due to political or unforeseen disruptions, and over half report that inflation and cost unpredictability are impeding long-term planning.
“We have clearly matured as an industry and more responsive and resilient than ever before,” said Chaulet. “Today, we’re more agile, more collaborative, and more committed to partnership.”
Chaulet’s keynote set the stage for a dynamic conversation around “Future-Proofing Events.” This candid and solutions-focused panel led by Chaulet included leading voices from across the industry. Panelists Heather Fishbein of Sunbound, Matt Franks of DRPG, Ed Holdcroft of 2B UK, Braedan Quigley of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, and Marcella Sherwin of Isagenix International brought diverse perspectives from hotel, DMC, agency and corporate planning worlds.
Together, the panel explored how planners can stay agile amid tightening budgets, increased turnover, and compressed lead times. Flexibility, proactive communication, and a strong sense of partnership emerged as common threads. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between clients, DMCs, and operations teams early in the process, noting that creativity and transparency are key to delivering impact without overspending. Trends such as prioritizing one memorable, communal experience over multiple excursions, tapping into secondary markets, and leveraging brand alliances for consistency and value also surfaced as effective strategies.
As Sherwin shared, “The secret sauce is working with your DMC as part of your team.”
The session left attendees equipped with real-world strategies to meet today’s challenges head-on and keep their events both resilient and relevant.
Generational Shifts and the Rise of Secondary Destinations
With 72 percent of organizations using events to drive employee engagement and 84 percent of Gen Z and Millennials seeking real friendships through live events, this year’s Connection placed a strong emphasis on personalization and purpose. Sessions such as “Beyond the Obvious” spotlighted emerging destinations offering cost-effective, culturally rich alternatives to traditional meeting destinations. Meanwhile, “Spark Your Creativity” presented a curated collection of innovative creative ideas—from midsummer festivals and grape stomping to branded gifting lounges and floating sushi bars.
AI and the Future of Planning
One of the most talked-about sessions was “Work Smarter, Not Harder: AI in Action,” an exploration of the AI tools already transforming the event planning landscape. Attendees learned about platforms beyond ChatGPT such as Perplexity, Claude, and Midjourney to discover how AI can elevate creativity, boost efficiency, and uncover new data insights.
“AI won’t replace planners,” said speaker Anne-Marie Enns of the Applied AI Association, “but planners who embrace AI will lead the future.”
Where Business, Purpose and Play Intersect
Two signature components of Connection 2025 showcased the spirit of collaboration and purpose that define the event. The highly anticipated one-on-one appointments offered planners a unique opportunity to meet directly with DMCs and sponsors in focused, personalized sessions. With up to six meetings scheduled per day, these appointments served as a powerful platform to uncover new destinations, forge meaningful partnerships, and discover hidden gems that might otherwise be overlooked.
As in previous years, the program also embraced a strong commitment to community impact. Sponsored by the Baha Mar Foundation, the Making an Impact initiative brought attendees together for a spirited beach cleanup, combining team-building with environmental stewardship. With sun, sand, and a little friendly competition, participants rolled up their sleeves to help protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas, demonstrating that purpose and play can go hand in hand.
Beyond the core programming, attendees could also take part in a range of optional wellness and cultural experiences designed to balance inspiration with relaxation and fun. From flamingo yoga, catamaran sailing, and sound healing meditation to a lively pickleball match or the immersive Sites & Tastes tour, these activities offered moments to recharge and connect.
Celebrating Excellence
Connection also served as an opportunity for GDP to recognize standout partners and planners making an impact across the industry. This year’s GDP Awards winners included:
- U.S. Partner of the Year: Quill Creative Event Design
- International Partner of the Year: CTI Italy
- Stellar Performer: Ed Holdcroft, 2B UK
- Teamwork Award: Emotionstore DMC
- Achievement Awards: INNOVATX Events, Chicago Is, and Between the Coasts Events
- Global Planners of the Year: Aline Whitman, CMP of LinkedIn and Sean Hoff of Moniker
A Destination Brought to Life by World-Class Partners
The success of Connection 2025 was powered by an exceptional group of destination partners who delivered a seamless and unforgettable experience. Sunbound DMC infused the event with the rich cultural tapestry of The Bahamas through curated local activations and immersive experiences. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar provided the ideal backdrop with more than 200,000 square feet of event space, award-winning culinary options, and luxury accommodations. Titan Hospitality further raised the bar with an exquisitely produced evening that embodied Bahamian elegance and warmth. Together, these partners showcased the value of destination collaboration as well as the unparalleled offerings of The Bahamas for meetings and events.
Lisbon Announced for 2026
Closing the conference on a high note, Chaulet announced Lisbon, Portugal, as the next destination for the next Connection, taking place January 8–11, 2026.
“Lisbon embodies everything we look for in a host city: rich heritage, genuine hospitality, and a deep commitment to quality of life. It’s the perfect backdrop for our next chapter,” concluded Chaulet. “As we look ahead, and as our industry continues to navigate rapid change, we remain dedicated to equipping our clients and partners with the insights, resources, and global connections they need to create extraordinary events with lasting impact.”
*To be considered for GDP Connection 2026, qualified planners are invited to contact their GDP sales advisor.