GNEX 2024 Conference & Award Winners Celebrate Success In Miami

GNEX Conference once again boasted unrivaled access to senior-level decision makers from more than 110+ companies spanning the length and breadth of the vacation industry at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami, Miami Beach, Florida. It also included a memorable Keynote Presentation from John Ruble, SVP, Global Sales Operations & Field Operations – The Americas, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and a thought-provoking interactive session on Leading with Empathy by Wendy S. Williams, Professor, TCU & Certified Mindfulness Instructor and Empathy Trainer.

THE BOARDROOM; which is the event’s unique take on an Industry Leader Panel, boasted 10 prominent industry experts and delivered a candid, open discussion about several critical and trending topics within the vacation ownership industry; from sales and marketing, to human resources and interest rate hikes, and even the topic of acquisitions and mergers as the industry continues to consolidate.

Other highlights included an insightful look at How Artificial Intelligence Will Shape The Future Of Customer Engagement by Joseph Boccuzzi, Ph.D., Principal 5G Architect, NVIDIA and Preparing For The Unexpected; a session on Resort and Workplace Safety, by Ben Kincaid, Founder / CEO, Complete Threat Preparedness.

Related: How will AI Impact the Resort Industry

GNEX 2024 also delivered in abundance on its social events. Starting with a Kick-Off Cocktail Party including a Silent Auction on behalf of Send Me On Vacation, a breast cancer survivor charity, premium open bar and entertainment from an electric violinist and DJ. This event was an innovative way to introduce the event sponsors and exhibitors right at the beginning of the event.

In addition to an optional pre-conference Golf Tournament that was enjoyed by all participants, attendees were also treated to a high-octane speedboat ride throughout Biscayne Bay, slowing down for a tour of the homes of the rich and famous.

Arrivia and Catalyst hosted a large party in the beautiful grounds of the Fontainebleau with heavy food, premium open bar, DJ and a whole schedule of entertainment acts from circus performers to giant dancing LED robots.

The 14^th Annual GNEX Vacation Industry Awards (formerly Perspective Magazine Awards) were presented at the Farewell Cocktails Party which also included a premium open bar, DJ and a stunning human red carpet!

Considered one of the highest honors in the hospitality industry, the GNEX Vacation Industry Awards recognizes companies and individuals for their achievements within the vacation industry over the past year.

List of 2024 GNEX Vacation Industry Award Winners:

• Best Business Product – SPI Software
• Best Consumer Product – Vacation Ownership Advisor
• Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program – arrivia (Make A Wish)
• Best Customer Service – Global Connections
• Best Financial Services – Concord Servicing
  Best Hotel/Resort Development – Hotel Xcaret Arte
• Best Industry Leader – Greg Sheperd, President, Meridian Financial Services
• Best Innovation – Vacation SafeGaurd
• Best Interior Design – Club Wyndham Asia
• Best Legal Services – Travel + Leisure
• Best Management Company – Grand Pacific Resorts
• Best Marketing Campaign – arrivia (Super User Campaign)
• Best Marketing Professional – Abigail Whittaker, Chief Marketing Officer, Vacation Innovations
• Best Membership Program – Vacation Innovations
• Best Newcomer – ABC Marketing
• Best Online Media – arrivia (Insider Newsletter)
• Best Overall Company Under 250 Employees – Vacation Innovations
• Best Overall Company Over 250 Employees – Travel + Leisure
• Best Place To Work – Living Water Resorts
• Best Product Development – SPI Software
  Best Sales Professional – Bridget Simon, Director of Business Development & Events, Perspective Group
• Best Strategic Partnership – Monterey Financial
• Best Team – arrivia (Inbound Marketing Demand Generation Team)
• Best Technology – Marriott Vacations Worldwide
• Entrepreneur of the Year – David McDonald, Senior Director of Business Development, RCI
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Gordon McClendon, CEO, SPI Software

All winners received a beautifully crafted crystal trophy and a customized GNEX Vacation Industry Awards Winner logo to use on their websites and marketing material.