Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events

22/01/2025

We believe in creating events that go beyond the ordinary; experiences that leave lasting impressions while making a positive impact.

That’s why we’re so excited to share the story of Creative Italy a project born in 2019 that continues to evolve and thrive.

In 2025, Creative Italy will reach an incredible milestone: the launch of its own academy, starting in the vibrant and culturally rich region of Sicily.

✨ Why Sicily?

Sicily is home to an extraordinary heritage of craftsmanship—skills and techniques passed down through generations but now at risk of disappearing.

Through this project, we aim to preserve these traditions while supporting local artisans and their communities.

🎯 How It Works.

We’re collaborating with international agencies to connect people from all over the world who want to learn these crafts and keep them alive.

By incorporating these experiences into incentives, team-building activities, off-sites, and retreats, we’re opening the door to a world of creativity and inspiration.

Here’s how Creative Italy excels in events:

🎨 Interactive Workshops: Engage your team with hands-on activities like ceramics, weaving, or painting, led by local masters.

🌍 Impactful Incentives: Combine learning and leisure, supporting artisans while offering a unique and memorable experience.

🤝 Purpose-Driven Team Building: Strengthen bonds while exploring the richness of Italian culture through creativity.

💼 Authentic Off-Sites: Step away from the usual and immerse your team in meaningful, local traditions.

✨ Why This Matters for Your Events.

When you choose Creative Italy experiences, you’re not just hosting an event—you’re making an impact.

These activities help communities value and sustain their traditions, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

At the same time, your team experiences something extraordinary, leaving inspired, connected, and rejuvenated.

> Learn More!

Explore the possibilities with Creative Italy and see how we can help you craft unforgettable, impactful events. Visit https://creative-italy.com/en/ to dive into the world of Italian craftsmanship and creativity.

💬 Ready to incorporate creativity into your next event?

20/01/2025

Overtourism is a complex phenomenon—it’s not just about who travels but also how institutions manage tourism.

Since the pandemic, it has only increased, and without proper action, it will continue to grow.

At Italian Special Occasion, we have always embraced seasonality as a key approach. By designing seasonal activities in carefully selected regions, we help distribute tourism flows and avoid further congestion in already overwhelmed destinations like Rome, Florence, Venice, Capri, and Positano.

For the past 15 years, we have dedicated ourselves to scouting venues, collaborating with local suppliers, and curating unique seasonal experiences that elevate our clients’ events while respecting the rhythm of each region.

Our goal is not just to plan events but to educate and guide our clients in choosing the best location for their occasion, ensuring their event becomes a meaningful part of Italy’s cultural landscape.

This approach is at the heart of sustainable tourism—it helps preserve Italy’s artistic heritage, supports local communities, and creates authentic, unforgettable experiences.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, but we are proud to have successfully organized off-the-beaten-path retreats with clients who trusted us and were delighted by the results.

Our work remains a meticulous process of selection, balancing client objectives with local sustainability. If we all work together towards a more responsible way of hosting events, we can set an example and truly make a difference.

We're happy to share an insightful article on how overtourism affects event planning and what solutions we can implement: 🔗 click here to read it https://www.meetings-conventions-asia.com/News/Destinations/Will-events-be-affected-by-destinations-with-overtourism-

13/01/2025

Seasonality: A Key to Transforming Event Planning 🌿

We couldn’t agree more with Catherine Chaulet, President and CEO of Global DMC Partners, who recently shared her thoughts on the evolving trends in the events industry. Her focus on seasonality, diverse destinations, and sustainability in action truly resonates with us at Italian Special Occasions.

Catherine highlights a shift toward what matters most for planners:

✅ Prioritizing seasonality to make the most of the local rhythm and environment.
✅ Exploring diverse destinations that go beyond the obvious, offering fresh perspectives and unique experiences.
✅ Allocating budgets thoughtfully—choosing different types of accommodations to invest more in authentic experiences and meaningful connections with the local territory.
✅ Turning sustainability from a buzzword into impactful actions that genuinely support local communities and the environment.

At Italian Special Occasions, we are thrilled to see this new narrative gaining momentum. These are principles we’ve always championed in our event planning.

By embracing seasonality and sustainability, we aim to create off-the-beaten-path experiences that leave a lasting impression while respecting the local culture and ecosystem.

📖 Discover More
For an in-depth look at these transformative trends, check out the full article "10 Top Trends Set to Impact Meetings and Events in 2025" by clicking on the link in the comments.

💬 What’s Your Perspective?
We’d love to hear your thoughts: How do you see seasonality and sustainability shaping the future of events? Let’s spark a conversation!

07/01/2025

“Off the beaten path.”

It’s a phrase you hear everywhere these days, but for us, it’s not just a buzzword—it’s who we are.

At Italian Special Occasions DMC, we believe it’s about so much more than just visiting lesser-known places.

It’s about creating events that truly connect you with Italy:

👉 We guide you to explore regions and cities you might never have considered—hidden gems full of culture, history, and culinary traditions. But we don’t stop there.
👉 We plan with sustainability and seasonality in mind, ensuring that your events protect the environment and support local communities.
👉 When you go beyond the usual routes, something magical happens. You meet locals who are deeply passionate about their homeland, and you experience Italy through their eyes. It’s a chance to broaden your perspective and see daily life in a whole new way.

This January, we’re offering a free consultation for retreats, events, and off-site gatherings in Italy. Think of it as a chance to chat with us about your ideas and let us share tips and inspiration to help you bring sustainability and seasonality into your plans.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +39 329 769 2116 to secure your spot for a January consultation.
2️⃣ Get ready to discover Italy like never before!

Ready to plan your next unforgettable event? Let’s make it happen!

19/12/2024

We presented our vision for reimagining travel and event planning to actively combat overtourism while celebrating and preserving local cultures.

This happened a few weeks ago, when we had the honour of participating in the 33rd MPI Convention, Oltre.

Our founder, Laura, shared insights from Creative Italy, our sister company co-founded with Federica Baggiani from Studiainitalia - Viaggia e Impara .

This initiative embodies our commitment to meaningful travel by offering immersive courses, workshops, and creative holidays designed in collaboration with some of Italy’s finest artisans.

These experiences are much more than workshops: they are opportunities for participants to reconnect with manual skills through arts and crafts while delving into the essence of Italian craftsmanship.

One of the key highlights Laura presented was our ambitious project in Sicily, where we are developing a school-workshop in Milazzo.

This initiative aims to create a transformative meeting point for travellers, artisans, and locals.

This vision has been made possible thanks to inspiring collaborations, like our partnership with Mia and Sabrina Ciauri, founders of the fashion brand Via Ciauri.

After participating in one of our bobbin lace courses, they incorporated this traditional technique into their fashion creations and showcased them at London Fashion Week.

It’s a proud example of how artisanal heritage can inspire contemporary innovation when given the platform it deserves.

Our ambitions for Sicily go beyond Milazzo. The restoration of the ancient fiefdom that will host this academy, is the cornerstone of a broader network across the island.

While our goals are exciting, they come with challenges.

Raising awareness and securing support, both public and institutional, remains critical. Too often, talented artisans are forced to close their doors due to insufficient funding or lack of generational continuity.

At Italian Special Occasions DMC, we believe craftsmanship is more than a niche market; it is a cultural and economic force that has the potential to enrich communities and foster sustainable tourism.

Our participation in the MPI Convention filled us with renewed energy, inspired by the passionate individuals and organizations who share this vision.

We are grateful to Sabrina Ciauri, who joined Laura at the event, and to MPI Italia Chapter for creating such an exceptional platform for collaboration and innovation.

Let’s continue to celebrate and support the extraordinary artisans who are the custodians of Italy’s heritage. Together, we can transform local craftsmanship into a global legacy!

17/12/2024

Planning Erin and Brandon’s wedding in Maiori was nothing short of magical: four unforgettable days immersed in authentic Italian culture and breathtaking scenery.

Nestled on the Amalfi Coast, Maiori was the perfect choice for a destination wedding. Known for its golden sandy beach and wide promenade, this charming coastal gem offers an unspoiled and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking both beauty and authenticity.

Erin and Brandon wanted their celebration to reflect their values of sustainability and local connection. Guests explored the region’s traditions and natural beauty, from a memorable wine tasting in Tramonti to a serene day sailing along the Amalfi coastline.

The stunning ceremony took place at , a historical villa perched dramatically above the sea. With its romantic architecture and intimate setting, it provided an extraordinary backdrop for Erin and Brandon’s vows.

The joy and gratitude shared by the couple and their guests were truly heartwarming:

🌟 “I keep dreaming of Italy and what an incredible memory and experience you helped create.”

🌟 “Erin had the most amazing time, and that was due largely to your hard work to make everything perfect.”

🌟 “The entire trip was like a dream. We will certainly be back soon!”

A heartfelt thank you to Sartoria Floreale for their exceptional floral arrangements, which brought elegance and life to every corner of the celebration.

Erin and Brandon, thank you for trusting us to turn your vision into reality. Your wedding was more than a celebration—it was a true reflection of love, family, and the timeless magic of Italy.

If you’re dreaming of an authentic destination wedding in Italy, let’s make it a reality together!

11/12/2024

In 2018, we partnered with Irina Graf and Farhan Hußeynli to create a small yet meaningful documentary about Sicily, a place close to our hearts.

Sicily is a treasure trove of culture and history, deserving exploration that respects its essence while embracing the innovation inherent in its traditions.

We’re happy to share a glimpse from the documentary, featuring an interview Farhan conducted with Ed, an American architect who fell in love with Sicily after marrying a Sicilian.

Ed's journey beautifully illustrates what we aim to provide—a genuine connection to the land, its people, and its traditions.

This philosophy drives everything we do: enabling travellers to embrace authenticity, honour traditions, genuinely value the places they visit, and contribute meaningfully to the local communities they encounter.

This commitment is at the core of who we are and what we do every single day.

Our journey has been "off the beaten path" from day one, over a decade ago.

Driven by passion and purpose, our mission remains steadfast: to inspire and help people experience Italy in all its beautiful diversity.

A heartfelt thank you to Irina from The MICE Blog for her unwavering support in showcasing Italy as a premier destination, and to Farhan for his masterful storytelling that brought Sicily's essence to life.

10/12/2024

With the proper guidance, you can transform a complex vision into a seamless, extraordinary event!

Ready to create something unforgettable?
Let’s make your next incentive travel program a masterpiece. ✨

06/12/2024

Luxury is not about opulence or excess. It’s about authenticity, exclusivity, and meaningful connections.

For 10+ years, we’ve championed sustainable travel and off-the-beaten-path experiences that celebrate the richness of local cultures, traditions, and landscapes.

It’s heartening to see the industry increasingly embracing this mindset, as highlighted in an article on Meetings Today called “Luxury Redefined: Off-the-Beaten-Path Is the New Luxury of Incentive Travel.”

The shift towards experiential, mindful travel and events resonates deeply with the ethos we’ve always promoted.

Some of the key takeaways from the article that align with our philosophy:

👉 Genuine immersion: Luxury now lies in intimate, authentic experiences that allow travellers to truly connect with a destination and its people.

👉 Sustainability at the core: Environmental consciousness is no longer optional; it’s essential. This aligns with our commitment to creating events and itineraries that respect the environment and local communities.

👉 Crafting memories, not just moments: Today’s travellers and event participants value curated, meaningful experiences over fleeting indulgence.

This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift—a desire for travel and events to leave a lasting impression on both the participants and the destinations themselves.

We’re proud to have been ahead of this curve at Italian Special Occasions DMC, redefining luxury through customised, sustainable, and culturally rich experiences.

The journey is far from over, but the growing emphasis on mindful luxury inspires optimism.

Together, we can continue transforming travel and events into opportunities for genuine connection and positive impact!

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How are you embracing the "new luxury" in your travels or events? Let’s discuss in the comments!

03/12/2024

What if your next glass of wine could tell the story of sustainability and craftsmanship? 🍷

When planning our recent retreat in Franciacorta, we knew the wine-tasting experience had to be more than just delightful – it had to align with our values.

That’s why we partnered with Cantina Boccadoro, an organic vineyard renowned for crafting exceptional wines while leaving a minimal ecological footprint.

Organic farming isn’t the easy route. It demands patience, a deep respect for nature, and a commitment to preserving the purity of the land.

But the reward?

Wines that don’t just taste remarkable but tell the story of the earth they come from, untouched by synthetic shortcuts.

Our delegates had the privilege of savouring wines that embody both exquisite flavour and a vision for a sustainable future.

It was a celebration of craft, care, and conscious choices – a perfect blend for our retreat.

Cheers to sustainability and sophistication! 🥂

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How do you ensure your event partnerships reflect the values and experiences you want to create?

28/11/2024

Stay inspired with Italian Special Occasions!

Sign up for our exclusive newsletter and unlock:

👉 Insider Tips: Plan authentic, off-the-beaten-path events in Italy with purpose-driven narratives that leave a lasting impression.

👉 Beyond Italy Spotlight 2025: Discover extraordinary destinations to elevate your future events.

👉 Expert Trends & Inspirations: Explore our curated 2025 proposals packed with innovative ideas for bespoke events.

👉 Exclusive Perks: Receive a special surprise crafted just for our subscribers!

Let us inspire your extraordinary vision for 2025: sign up now here https://italianspecialoccasions.com/

23/11/2024

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to speak about Creative Italy as a sustainable tourism model that stands against over-tourism!

Together with my colleague Federica Baggiani and Sabrina and Mia Ciauri of , through projects like Creative Italy and the Academy at the Feudo in Milazzo, we strive to do so much more than just transform the way people travel. Our mission is to create a meaningful social and positive impact on local territories while showcasing an Italy that goes far beyond the usual landmarks like the Colosseum or St. Mark’s Square.

Creative Italy and the Academy are ambitious projects, but our vision is clear: to reignite the magic of Made in Italy for future generations—and for our own. Sabrina and Mia Ciauri beautifully demonstrated how ancient techniques can be thoughtfully applied to today’s world, blending tradition with innovation.

It’s not always smooth sailing, but we deeply believe that art, craftsmanship, and beauty hold the power to open new horizons for sustainable tourism across all of Italy. From north to south, every corner of this country deserves the chance to shine and reveal its unique spark.

Meeting so many passionate professionals at the Convention has been an invaluable experience—one that has fueled our creativity and inspired us to go oltre (beyond).

As Gatti shared during his presentation on how the agonistic brain works, this quote by Bruce Barton deeply resonated with our team:

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstance."

Sabrina, Federica and I are incredibly proud to have presented our collaboration through these projects: Creative Italy, Via Ciauri, and the Academy at Feudo San Pietro in Milazzo.

Together, we aim to craft a brighter and more sustainable future for Italian tourism.

A heartfelt thank you to and everyone who made this Convention such an exceptional and inspiring experience.

18/11/2024

If you’re feeling inspired to take climate action during COP29, join us in making the SME Climate Commitment! 🌍

By signing up, you’ll get access to exclusive resources to help reduce your business’s emissions and have the chance to be featured in climate communications campaigns.

👉 Take action and sign up today: https://bit.ly/3NGuK7F

If you make the commitment before November 22, both our businesses will be entered to win SME Climate Hub prizes, such as 1-hour of technical support from business climate experts and exclusive communications opportunities!

🏆 To be eligible for the prize raffle:

1. Complete the commitment form to make the SME Climate Commitment.

2. For the question ‘How did you hear about the SME Climate Hub?’, select “SME Climate Ambition Drive,” and

3. Write in "Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events" as the organization that referred you to the SME Climate Hub.

We appreciate you considering the importance of small business climate action.

We hope you’ll join us in making the Commitment!

SME Climate Hub

13/11/2024

Our founder Laura will speak at the 33rd MPI Convention, "Oltre," which will take place in Genoa on November 15th.

Our panel discussion will focus on a critical topic: over-tourism and its impact on the events industry, the environment, and local communities.

We are excited to exchange ideas and explore solutions—whether they are small steps or collective actions, the positive impact we can create together is powerful and far-reaching.

Join us and be part of the conversation!

You can register here: https://mpiconvention.it/.

The program also includes an opportunity to discover Genoa, a beautiful city rich in history, along with interactive workshops.

We look forward to meeting everyone, sharing insights, and sparking creativity on how we can make a difference!

🌐 Ecco Laura Notarbartolo, “ultima ma non ultima” Speaker della nostra Convention “Oltre”!
Laura ha una grande passione per i viaggi e per le diverse culture del mondo. Questo perché nata a Roma, da mamma inglese e papà siciliano.

Cresciuta bilingue è crescita e ha studiato all’estero. Questo le ha donato un respiro internazionale che ha portato nel suo ritorno in Italia e nella sua avventura professionale Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events
Una Destination Management Company dedicata all’organizzazione di Eventi corporate e privati ma anche di esperienza uniche lungo tutto lo stivale.

Laura ha una sua filosofia che la guida nel condurre la sua impresa. Il turismo e l’event management sono da lei reinterpretati lontano dagli stereotipi e dal turismo di massa. La sua è anche una costante ricerca di destinazioni meno note e originali.
Esperienze uniche basate sulla valorizzazione della cultura, della storia e delle tradizioni locali italiane per un nuovo modo di raccontare il mondo degli eventi.

Laura sarà fra i protagonisti del panel “Overtourism: come impatta sul mondo degli eventi?”, nella giornata di venerdì 15 novembre.

📣ISCRIVITI alla 33^ Convention MPI Italia | 15/16 Novembre | Genova.
Scopri il Programma: https://mpiconvention.it/

12/11/2024

When companies seek retreats that blend immersion with accessibility, they come to us to make it happen.

Bringing teams into remote, naturally beautiful locations presents logistical challenges, but it’s a challenge we embrace.

We believe a thoughtfully planned, extended retreat can make a lasting impact on both employees and the communities they visit.

Here are some examples of how we make each retreat purposeful:

➡️ Short Visits in Tuscia.

For time-sensitive teams, Tuscia—just an hour from Rome’s international airport—offers a historical, cultural escape.

Here, participants can enjoy a quick, authentic experience.

➡️ Longer Stays in Perugia.

With longer retreats in Perugia, we dive into workshops, tours, and local experiences that build deep connections with the region’s heritage.

These experiences are low-impact, culturally enriching, and foster sustainability.

➡️ Rediscovering Rome.

For those who feel they've seen it all, we curate Rome in a new light—think guided bike tours of ancient aqueducts along Via Appia.

It’s a journey that blends history with eco-friendly travel.

➡️ Extended Retreats in Sicily’s Messina.

For teams willing to venture further, Messina provides authentic Sicilian charm in a serene, off-the-beaten-path location.

It’s a commitment to local development and a deeply immersive experience.

Each destination tells its own story, and we’re here to bring those stories to life through well-crafted, meaningful retreats.

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What experience would make your team retreat unforgettable? ✨

04/11/2024

It’s not about turning heritage into activities; it’s about truly understanding and respecting it!

At Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events, we believe in honouring Italian traditions by delving deeper than the surface.

Our commitment includes:

👉 In-depth Research: Uncovering the rich history behind each tradition, ensuring we share its full story.

👉 Genuine Acknowledgement: Bringing attention to artisanal crafts like bobbin lace-making, a legacy passed down through generations.

👉 Respectful Engagement: Highlighting remarkable contributors, such as Baroness Angelina Auteri, who transformed lace-making into a skill that empowered local communities.

👉 Deeper Appreciation: Providing experiences that immerse participants in the craft’s authentic cultural significance.

By thoughtfully engaging with these traditions, we create experiences that resonate deeply, leaving participants with a lasting respect for the culture they've encountered.

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What cultural experience are you envisioning for your next event? Let’s make it meaningful!

31/10/2024

Crafting experiences with local artisans offers a powerful approach to team-building 🎨

Imagine your team learning to sculpt pottery, weave textiles, or create handmade mosaics. Each activity promotes communication, patience, and shared achievement.

The process becomes more than a task; it’s a transformative journey that strengthens bonds and ignites inspiration!

Here in Italy, we have the privilege of collaborating with skilled artisans whose expertise and stories unite teams in truly unique and meaningful ways.

Ready to design a team-building event that stands out?

Reach out – let’s create an unforgettable experience in Italy’s art-filled landscapes!