GDP: What is the one thing most clients probably don't know about your destination(s), but should know?  Give us the scoop!
Parkes: Utah is one of the most misunderstood states in the union. Can you drink in Utah? Can you buy gas on a Sunday? Do you have to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to live in Utah? Well, YES... YES...and NO. Not only can you drink in Utah, we are home to some great microbreweries and even a whiskey distillery. Although a lot of stores choose to be closed on Sunday, there are plenty of food, gas and even clothing stores—not to mention restaurants—that are open on Sundays. With regard to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (LDA or Mormon) it is true that the headquarters of the Church is located in Salt Lake City and that 60% of the state is Mormon, but it may surprise you that Idaho, Wyoming and even Nevada have a high percentage of Mormons. And finally you do not have to have a membership to get into a bar or club in Utah!
 
PS: It really is the "Greatest Snow on Earth!"

GDP: If you were in charge of organizing an event/tour/activity for a celebrity, who would you want the celebrity to be and what would you organize for them and their entourage?
Dead or alive? Alive…I think I would want to organize a ski trip for Curt Schilling. I would ask him what it was like to be on the 2004 Red Sox World Series Championship team. Dead...well I would still plan to take him skiing, but the 1918 Babe Ruth of course!
 
GDP: Where do you see the DMC Industry in 10 years from now?
Parkes: With any luck the event industry will see the increase in décor at hotel events. We will see group outings and attendees having fun while at their conventions. Money will be spent to build stronger teams with team building events on and offsite. Planners will be charged with exposing their attendees to something new, something that their group has not experienced before! This is where a DMC is able to assist the planner with their event. In the next 5 years the DMC industry has to educate planners that we are here to assist and make their event better and to make their jobs easier. Not to take their job or to steal their thunder. We want to be an extension of their teams not replace them!
 
GDP: What are you most proud of?
Parkes: At Offsite Utah we are proud of our client relations. We strive to meet and exceed every guest’s expectation. We build relationships to sell again and not treat it like a one-time event. Ask an Offsite Utah client what they like about working with us and you will hear that they feel we are looking out for their best interest, that we are working to save them money and not just take more of it. It is with our clients trust that we plan and execute amazing events!
 
GDP: If you were to do it all over again, what would you do? What did you dream of doing at 5 years old?
Parkes: When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be an astronaut! Then, when I realized I was afraid of heights that went out the window, and I started dreaming of doing exactly what I am doing right now! Planning great events!