Planning events that leave a lasting impression is not only about logistics; it’s about creating experiences that connect, inspire, and celebrate a destination's story.

In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Michelle Moon, Vice President of Partners, Experience, and Events at Visit San Antonio, to uncover how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) bring a city’s unique culture to life for meetings and events. 

Michelle shares her journey from managing museums to citywide events, explaining how her team helps meeting planners turn ideas into immersive, memorable experiences. Michelle shares how her team aligns small businesses, local talent, and destination assets to deliver personalized activations, like custom scent bars and interactive hat fittings, that capture the heart of the city.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to unlock the full potential of destination management organizations: DMOs, like Visit San Antonio, serve as invaluable partners by connecting event planners with local service providers, from hotels and restaurants to small businesses and cultural experiences. Leveraging their resources can streamline logistics, amplify attendee experiences, and drive event success without extra effort from your team.
2. How to create unforgettable, multi-sensory event experiences: By incorporating local culture and unique activations, you’ll elevate your event. Whether it’s a custom scent bar inspired by regional wildflowers, personalized hat stations, or local entertainment, immersive experiences resonate with attendees and boost engagement while showcasing the destination's identity.
3. How to plan for seamless, large-scale events: For citywide or high-impact events, collaboration with local stakeholders is essential. Prepare transportation, restaurant availability, and attendee welcome messages in advance. Tailor activations to attendee demographics, aligning with their values (e.g., sustainability) to deliver an effortless and memorable experience that reflects your event's mission.

Things to listen for:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest Michelle Moon

(01:07) Michelle’s career journey from performing arts to destination management.

(02:26) What it means to work for a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) 

(07:16) How Visit San Antonio connects planners with local partners

(11:43) The citywide event planning process

(14:08) Unique ways Visit San Antonio prepares the city for events

(16:24) Tailoring event experiences for different attendee demographics, focusing on immersive and sustainable initiatives.

(26:17) Highlighting Visit San Antonio’s events

(30:11) Michelle’s advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality and events industry

(31:10) Final takeaways and the importance of heart and willingness to learn.