GMITE 2025: Full Schedule

1:00pm EDT

Registration & Gifting Experience Sponsored by Stackable Sensations

Tuesday May 6, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Louis' House of Bourbon

Tuesday May 6, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Louis' House of Bourbon

General

1:00pm EDT

Supplier Set Up

Tuesday May 6, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Tuesday May 6, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Supplier Only

4:00pm EDT

Lawn Life: An Outdoor Fun Afternoon

Tuesday May 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Chateau Lawn

Join us for Lawn Life, an exciting outdoor event that brings together classic lawn games, networking, and a whole lot of fun! Set in front of the winery, this is the perfect chance to soak up the sun and enjoy a variety of classic lawn games. From the precision of croquet to the excitement of giant Jenga, there’s something for everyone.|

Come and challenge your skills in:

Croquet: Test your aim and strategy as you navigate your balls through the wickets.
Ladder Golf: Toss bolas and aim for the rungs in this fun and competitive game.
Battle Putt: Compete for the best putter in a series of fun, skill-testing challenges.
Giant Connect 4: Team up or go solo to drop your pieces and try to connect four in a row!
Large Jenga: Stack and remove wooden blocks, but don’t let the tower tumble!
Corn Hole: Aim for the hole in this classic backyard beanbag toss game.

And after a few rounds of friendly competition, cool off and quench your thirst with refreshing drinks.
Grab your friends, bring your competitive spirit, and get ready for an afternoon of laughs and unforgettable memories.

It’s time to embrace the great outdoors— Lawn Life style!

Chateau Lawn (located in front of the Winery)

Tuesday May 6, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Chateau Lawn

Activity

4:00pm EDT

Free Time to Enjoy the Resort

Tuesday May 6, 2025 4:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Free Time

6:30pm EDT

GMITE & ULTRA Evening Reception

Tuesday May 6, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Pavilion

Tuesday May 6, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Pavilion

Reception

8:00am EDT

GMITE & ULTRA Networking Breakfast

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am EDT

Paris Salon 5-7

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Paris Salon 5-7

Meal/Snack

8:00am EDT

Hospitality Desk

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT

Paris Central Foyer

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Paris Central Foyer

General

9:00am EDT

Welcome to Trends & Topics Day

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT

Elan Ballroom

New for 2025, the “Trends & Topics” day, where thought leaders will present various subjects driving the
industry’s current and future business including global geopolitics and travel policies/advisories, the growth of
bleisure, and the growing client demands for authentic travel experiences to audiences from both GMITE and Luxury Travel Advisor's ULTRA Summit.

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT
Elan Ballroom

Content/Education

9:15am EDT

Keynote Address: Transformative Forces Reshaping Luxury Travel and Events

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:15am - 9:55am EDT

Elan Ballroom

Explore the transformative consumer trends revolutionizing the luxury travel and events landscape. Dive into cutting-edge research revealing how generational shifts, emerging technologies, and changing wealth dynamics are redefining traveler expectations. Discover the surprising intersections between leisure and professional travel, and gain insights to help travel advisors, meeting planners, and industry suppliers adapt to an evolving market. From multi-generational wealth patterns to the impact of AI, this session provides an overview of the forces reshaping consumer behavior in the luxury travel ecosystem.

Speakers

Deirdre O’Connell

Travel & Hospitality Transformation Leader, Deloitte

Deirdre is a leader in Deloitte’s Consumer practice where she works with Fortune 500 clients to understand disruptive trends and use them to fuel growth. She is recognized for her speed-to-insight and brings a successful track record of client launches across key luxury leisure... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:15am - 9:55am EDT
Elan Ballroom

Content/Education

10:00am EDT

Beyond the Itinerary: The Future of Trust, Well-Being & Sustainability in Luxury Travel & Events

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

Elan Ballroom

In an era where discerning travelers and high-impact events demand more than just opulence, the travel industry can’t afford to let a changing global and generational landscape take a back seat. This dynamic, TED-style panel unpacks the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of luxury travel and meetings.

From redefining trust and safety to prioritizing human sustainability, we’ll explore how ethical responsibility is becoming the new currency of influence. Discover how sustainability in meetings goes beyond greenwashing and into meaningful action. Gain insight into the silent crisis of mental distress within our industry—and how to build a culture that supports well-being without sacrificing excellence.

This isn't just a discussion—it's a wake-up call.

Join us for an eye-opening session that will challenge perspectives, spark action, and redefine the future of luxury travel and meetings.

Speakers

Cameron Sperance

Content/Editorial Director, Questex

Cameron Sperance is the content/editorial director of the Questex Travel Group, which includes Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Agent Central and Meeting Spotlight as well as the ULTRA and GMITE conferences. Additionally, his hospitality investment coverage appears in Hospitality Investor... Read More →

Tammy Hsu, CMP

Sustainability Events Manager, S&P Global Intelligence

Tammy Hsu is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with additional specialized certifications in sustainable event planning and circularity from various institutions. With over a decade of hands-on experience in planning events across nonprofits, corporations, and higher education... Read More →

Janice Cardinale VEMM

Founder, Event Minds Matter

Forbes Woman, Top 100 Most Influential People in Events 23/24, Top 20 Most Influential Canada 2024, Smart Meetings Entrepreneur & Hall of Fame 22/23, BizBash 15 over 50, Gather Voices Top 50 2024. Founder Event Minds Matter.Heart-Centric Entrepreneur, Leader, Mentor, Wellness Advocate... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Elan Ballroom

Content/Education

10:45am EDT

Nature Walk (optional networking activity)

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Meet in Lobby

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Château Élan with a guided Nature Walk, where scenic trails weave through lush vineyards, serene woodlands, and rolling landscapes. Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the stunning natural surroundings.

Perfect for all fitness levels, this leisurely walk offers a refreshing way to reconnect with the outdoors while taking in the breathtaking views of the estate. Whether you're looking to start your day with tranquility or unwind in the afternoon, the Château Élan Nature Walk provides a peaceful and rejuvenating escape into nature. Sign-ups required.

Please check back to sign up.

Meet in lobby.

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Meet in Lobby

Activity

10:45am EDT

Photo Scavenger Hunt (optional networking activity)

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Atrium

Hunting for a win? Join our photo Scavenger Hunt. Along with your randomly assigned team members, find and photograph 10 specific items/locations all within reasonable walking distance from the hotel’s main lobby. Take a photo with your team’s instant camera, all team members (minus one) must be in the photo with the “found” item. Be the first team with the correct 10 photos to return to our desk and you could be the winner.

Teams are 6-10 people. Sign-ups required. Sign-up sheet to come. Please check back to sign up.
(Outdoors, please dress appropriately).
Meet in Atrium.

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Atrium

Activity

10:45am EDT

Round Table Discussions The Leadership Edge: Mastering Influence, Negotiation & Brand Power (optional networking activity)

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Monte Carlo

Solve a problem with your assigned tablemates. Teams of 5 to 10 randomly assigned. Work together to develop solutions you will share. Indoor activity, timed, results-oriented.

Sign-ups required. Please check back to sign up.

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Monte Carlo

Activity

12:30pm EDT

GMITE & ULTRA Networking Lunch

Wednesday May 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Paris Salon 5-7

Wednesday May 7, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Paris Salon 5-7

Meal/Snack

1:45pm EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Wednesday May 7, 2025 1:45pm - 3:12pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Wednesday May 7, 2025 1:45pm - 3:12pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

3:12pm EDT

Networking Break

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:12pm - 3:30pm EDT

Paris Central Foyer

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:12pm - 3:30pm EDT
Paris Central Foyer

Free Time

3:30pm EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:39pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Wednesday May 7, 2025 3:30pm - 4:39pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

4:40pm EDT

Free Time to Enjoy the Resort

Wednesday May 7, 2025 4:40pm - 6:30pm EDT

Free Time

6:30pm EDT

Evening Reception

Wednesday May 7, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Chateau Lawn

Wednesday May 7, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Chateau Lawn

Reception

8:00am EDT

Networking Breakfast

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am EDT

Paris Salon 5-7

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Paris Salon 5-7

Meal/Snack

8:00am EDT

Hospitality Desk

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:00am - 4:30pm EDT

Paris Central Foyer

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Paris Central Foyer

General

9:00am EDT

Morning Remarks

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT

Elan Ballroom

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EDT
Elan Ballroom

Content/Education

9:10am EDT

From Gucci to Bougie: Understanding Today’s Luxury Marketplace

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:10am - 9:40am EDT

Elan Ballroom

Join this panel discussion and explore the evolving landscape of luxury travel and how the very definition of luxe continues to evolve. Learn from the experts as they focus on critical opportunities in luxury travel and meetings, including current geopolitical and marketplace uncertainty and luxury trends (from mocktails to plane tails). Learn how consumer preferences are evolving with the changing nature of what it means to experience “luxury.”

Learner Outcomes:

Understand the Evolving Definition of Luxury: Gain insights into how the concept of luxury has shifted and what it means for today's discerning consumers.
Market Uncertainty: Explore how current market conditions and legislation are impacting luxury travel and event decisions, as well as client expectations and needs.
Luxury Trends: Discover the latest trends in wellness, participant expectations and consumer preferences and how these impact the luxury market.

Speakers

Danene Dustin

Sr Global Sales Executive, Morris Meetings & Incentives

Danene is a seasoned travel expert specializing in the creation of unforgettable incentive programs. Her deep understanding of event planning and conference coordination, combined with her extensive international experience, makes her uniquely qualified to design impactful travel... Read More →

Tavar James

Vice President, BoomPop

Tavar James is a marketing & events champion with a proven record across industries. He began his career in the hospitality industry, working for the world’s largest hotel chain, Marriott International. He developed a niche for excellent service and client obsession through to his... Read More →

John E. Dirba, CMM

Managing Director, HelmsBriscoe

John launched his career in the hospitality industry in Dallas, Texas, following his graduation from the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management with a minor in Business. Over the course of his extensive career, John has... Read More →

Jessie States

Vice President, Consulting, Meeting Professionals International

Jessie States, CMP, CMM, is the Vice President, Consulting for Meeting Professionals International where she leads the integration and execution of client services, including live event design, focus groups, research and bespoke training. Prior to her current role, Jessie led the... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:10am - 9:40am EDT
Elan Ballroom

Content/Education

10:00am EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:51am EDT

Paris 1-4

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:51am EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

10:51am EDT

Networking Break

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:51am - 11:05am EDT

Paris Central Foyer

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:51am - 11:05am EDT
Paris Central Foyer

Free Time

11:05am EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:05am - 12:04pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:05am - 12:04pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

12:05pm EDT

Networking Lunch

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:05pm EDT

Paris Salon 5-7

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:05pm - 1:05pm EDT
Paris Salon 5-7

Meal/Snack

1:25pm EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:52pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:25pm - 2:52pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

2:52pm EDT

Networking Break

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:52pm - 3:12pm EDT

Paris Central Foyer

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:52pm - 3:12pm EDT
Paris Central Foyer

Free Time

3:12pm EDT

One-to-One Meetings

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:12pm - 4:18pm EDT

Paris 1-4

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:12pm - 4:18pm EDT
Paris 1-4

Meetings

4:18pm EDT

Free Time to Enjoy the Resort

Thursday May 8, 2025 4:18pm - 6:30pm EDT

Free Time

5:00pm EDT

Charcuterie Workshop (optional activity)

Thursday May 8, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Viking Culinary Studio (inside Winery)

Learn everything you need to know about creating showstopping and delicious charcuterie boards! Filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and other seasonal delicacies, our Charcuterie Workshop is a 60-min tutorial that is sure to leave you ready to impress at your next gathering. We're going to show off your creations at the Closing Reception!

Sign-ups required. Details to follow shortly.

Thursday May 8, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Viking Culinary Studio (inside Winery)

Activity

5:00pm EDT

Paint & Sip (optional activity)

Thursday May 8, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Monte Carlo

Sip wine while painting your very own masterpiece! We’ll provide the wine, canvases, and paintbrushes as a local artist guides you, stroke-by-stroke - for all levels of artistry! You will be provided an apron to keep your clothes clean, but dress down for this activity. Plus, you’ll be able to display your artwork at our reception immediately following.
Sign-ups required. Details to come.

Thursday May 8, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Monte Carlo

Activity

7:00pm EDT

Closing Reception

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Bordeaux Room (Inside Winery)

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Bordeaux Room (Inside Winery)

Reception

7:00am EDT

Departures

Friday May 9, 2025 7:00am - 7:00am EDT

General