As we start to build toward Ascend 2024, it’s worthwhile to think about what has made past ALG Vacations® Ascend conferences one of the hottest tickets in the industry. The workshops are obvious – it is, after all, an intensive educational event. So are the keynote speakers who represent the best across disciplines, the quality time with industry leaders (including ALGV’s own), and the time to mingle with colleagues and friends.
But as with any conference, a trade show is as big a star as any of the other features, and its floor is often a fantastic way to engage with a brand and its representatives, get to know its vibe, and learn more about its promise. And at a top tier event like Ascend, destinations and hoteliers do not disappoint.
At the Supplier Showcase, attendees received sneak peeks of exclusive experiences, such as what RIU Hotels & Resorts offered, create transportive moments as they replicate a VIP feeling with a craft mixologist and photo op scene. Meliá Hotels & Resorts brought a Mayan curandero ritual right to the convention center to illustrate their Destination Inclusive concept. AIC Hotel Group gave mini guitar lessons and let visitors browse part of their sizable vinyl collection with their Vibe Manager for a taste of the All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels life.
Of all of these suppliers brought their A game to Ascend … but two shone as the attendees’ favorites and took home the blue and red ribbons for Best Booth of Ascend 2023, as voted on by travel advisors. Here were our winners.
Hoteles Xcaret
In the tropical heat of Cancun, what can be more attractive than a popsicle cart? The answer? An adorable one that looks like a tiny adventure bus, ready to take guests on a tour of the Xcaret parks … which is pretty much what the hotel brand did for Ascend attendees.
They created an experience inspired by their own multiple eco-parks – admission to all of which is included with any stay at any of their three properties, Hotel Xcaret, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa. The journey started at the Welcome Lounge and circling around to areas playing Mexican music, a doughnut station for a signature snack, and of course, those popsicles that were such a hit.
Inclusive Collection, Part of World of Hyatt
Within this fast-paced, always-connected industry, there isn’t a lot we can stop for … but an impromptu massage? Well, we found out that this is certainly enough to stop any kind of traffic. After all, who couldn’t use a massage these days?
To promote and support the new Impression by Secrets sub-brand of hotels and spa resorts, the Inclusive Collection created a luxury spa pop-up experience with soothing sounds, relaxing aromatherapy, and neck massages. The line extended beyond view and hundreds were able to experience a bite-size teaser of the professional services of a resort brand heavily focused on decompression, relaxation, and going above and beyond in spoiling their guests.
If this sounds exciting to you, wait until you see what our suppliers have in store for Ascend 2024! Stay tuned for more teasers and updates, and ask your BDM how to attend this fall!
