Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/875687
GSI Takes Top Accolades in Two Categories for Their Work for Comcast at the 2017 ADMEI Awards Ceremony in Barcelona Meet Puerto Rico (MPR), the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) responsible for attracting meetings, conventions, trade shows, sporting events and incentive groups to Puerto Rico is pleased to con- gratulate DMC member, Group Services Inc., a Hosts Global Alliance Member, whose team garnered two top awards for work conducted on behalf of their Comcast client at the 2017 ADMEI Awards. The winners were announced at the ADMEI Awards Gala on Saturday, 21 January 2017 at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona Spain held at closing of the ADMEI Annual Conference. GSI submitted programs competing for the first time alongside more than 100 destinations in three categories – Achievement, Excellence and Recognition. The four-month long submission process included sub- mission of a thousand-word essay, description of the challenges and a 100-word marketing description. In addition, a storyboard showing the process via photos was required of all finalists. GSI took the top awards in both the Achievement and Excellence categories for the following programs: Achievement - Best Tour Program - Comcast 8th President's Club - A Puerto Rico Adventure: History Adrenaline & Under the Sea, Excellence - Excellence in Site Inspection and Technical Production - Comcast Business 8th President's Club "We are thrilled when any of our members is acknowledged by major industry associations and it is a great honor for GSI to be recognized by ADMEI for their creativity, professionalism, doing stellar work under tight time constraints and showing the beauty of Puerto Rico – both in our natural and historic offerings," stated Milton Segarra, president & CEO, Meet Puerto Rico. "These awards not only recognize the dedica- tion and professionalism of our team, but also the commitment of our partners who provide exemplary service and memorable experiences for groups and conventions on the island." GSI's selected the Comcast program because it was answered many off the criteria needed for conducting a top-rated program bringing the authenticity of the destination along with the professional offerings found in Puerto Rico and topped off by the luxurious offerings. "We were asked to present the best of Puerto Rico to Comcast in a site visit – within a very short time-frame," said Nancy Matos, CIS GSI and executive vice president and secretary to the Board of Directors, Meet Puerto Rico. "So, we coordinated a mini trade-show for a large B M & T ••• March April 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 27 group of Comcast VIPS, showcasing artisans' work, nature/activity tours, and historical tours, among other services we offer. It was a lot of work, coupled with VIP transfers and accommodations, and we wowed them with our destination offerings and ability to work quickly. A game chang- er was the inclusion of an architect who had access to the catacombs in Old San Juan. Comcast requested a sacred historical tour – and we brain- stormed and searched high-and-low and made sure to deliver." "Puerto Rico has everything it takes to host large-scale meetings – including a state-of-the-art convention center, a wide variety of accom- modations featuring major hotel brands, and a strong infrastructure," Segarra said. "And we offer 'only-in- Puerto Rico' experiences, for plan- ners seeking locations to make their events memorable while maintain- ing an authentic experience. We are fortunate that Puerto Rico delivers that charge." Puerto Rico continues to position itself as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, offering a state-of-the-art convention center, a wide variety of hotels, strong infrastructure and unique attractions with the added advantage of being on a tropical island in the Caribbean. One in four rooms occupied in hotels that can accommodate large-scale meetings belongs to the groups and conventions segment PUERTO RICO'S GSI GARNERS TOP AWARDSAT ADMEI'S ANNUAL MEETING Nancy Matos I remain optimistic about our industry's future. There is no other place on earth which possesses the incredible natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and warm hospitable people like ours. For that, we must all be grateful. All of us at CHTA and CAST wish you all the very best for a happy and sustainable year.