Debbie Borel Ploeger, Meeting Consultant

06/10/2024

Night two of our epic “camping” trip. Due to flash flooding at the tent site we had reserved for $40, we had to change plans. $400 later after a bougie hotel, dinner and drinks, we are all settled into our king bed. They upgraded us to a king suite without asking. Good, clean living and lots of blessings we don’t deserve.

04/22/2024

View from Daytona Grande Oceanfront Resort. Here for 2024 RDA National Festival. Kinda my swan song. Bittersweet.

02/14/2024

Looking for help managing your event anywhere in the world? Working with a network of seasoned professionals through Maritz Global Events since 2003, let me help find a great match for you and your organization. Email me at [email protected]

Pic of me and my wing man, Kurt.

08/25/2023

Are you looking to outsource your meetings and events? Let’s talk. Send me a private message and we can schedule a call.

07/07/2023

Beware of this scam.

03/10/2023

We stopped traffic in NOLA. Can’t sat enough about the hospitality that has been extended. This Louisiana girl is proud.

10/05/2022

The swag is back. Thank you Grand Sierra Resort and Nashville.

04/19/2022

Welcome Texas HOSA to Galveston, Tx.

11/08/2021

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Costa Rica Traveler Update

Beginning January 8, 2022, the Costa Rican government will implement a new regulation mandating that all hotel guests must be fully vaccinated. As of January 8, 2022, resorts are pleased to continue to welcome fully vaccinated guests to all properties in Costa Rica. Both international and national guests visiting Costa Rica who are not fully vaccinated as of January 8, 2022, are welcome to enter the country, but will not be allowed at restaurants or on hotel property.

Above reported by AMR Collection, 11-4-2021.

Note, they say non-vaccinated people are still allowed in the country, but will not be allowed in restaurants or on hotel property.

02/02/2021

This is a DEAR friend, colleague and sister in Christ. I hope you are as blessed and encouraged by her message as I was. Can't wait to read the book.

I'm reminded that doing the same thing over and over again with no change in results is...insanity- not to say, discouraging, too.

12/17/2020

Who's ready to book their special event or meeting in Bora Bora? Let me help.

https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/meetings-and-events/?c=t&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWkdVNU9HUmxNekZoTWpFMiIsInQiOiI0QWcwcjd2WTYyajBFM3ltdEpYcjJ6NWlEODVBOEpPR3RzdTVidWlIV0RDcUhCVzBzc2FjOVREQzdhNFYxWHpUdGF5NU9rTFhnT2Y2WEpvRE9QZXlBQWpNaDVsdlBEYVV4Z29yWm5UTXU3ekpmeW5wNzdnazFlQzgyZWs1bEhCVyJ9

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora invites you to exotic French Polynesia where our open-air pavilions set the stage for engaging meetings, events & celebrations.

12/09/2020

In 2003, I was referred to Maritz Global Events (Conferon at the time) by a friend (never heard of the company before) and had an initial phone interview with Rick Binford and Andy Smith. For all practical purposes, I should not be here today. I was as green as green comes but Andy must have seen something in me and, well, here I sit. During one of the calls (before a decision was made to sign me up), Andy encouraged me to call him ANY time. Night, day, weekend, etc. So, one Sunday afternoon, I did just that. He was warm, welcoming, encouraging and really took time to visit with me. I hung up the phone and felt really good about things. It was years later that Andy happened to tell this story and added a little twist. Seems my timing and persistence were what impressed him the most. As it happens (I was oblivious to this at the time), it was Super Bowl Sunday. And HE TOOK THE CALL. Thank you Andy. God speed.

It is with great sadness we share that on Friday, Dec 4, Andy Smith – managing VP, ESN, passed away.

Andy was so many things to us personally and professionally, and to say he will be profoundly missed is a great understatement.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andy’s family and friends at this difficult time.

11/02/2020

Does anyone in the hospitality business feel like they are in an episode of "The Twilight Zone"? You are not alone. This update from David with Maritz Global Events gave me some confidence that there is work still being done behind the scenes and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

We have got to stop meeting like this (virtually) and get back to F2F meetings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkkjctM4RgQ&feature=youtu.be

David Peckinpaugh and Greg Bogue give an overview of our Planwell Meetwell® system as well as 4 key actions for the events industry.

08/24/2020

TIMING IS EVERYTHING!

This is why I have encouraged clients (and hotels) to take approach of rebooking without penalty especially for future events where force majeure may not apply. Sure can save a lot of money in legal expenses to fight.

During an ALHI forum, attorney Steve Rudner explained why force majeure doesn’t cover future events.

07/17/2020

An important announcement regarding the Experient brand which my clients have associated with me for many years.

We are shifting to a singular, distinctive brand – Maritz Global Events.

For more details, I’d like to share a video from David Peckinpaugh, President of Maritz Global Events.

Here is a link to the video: https://vimeo.com/438281234/2254d6c850)

Please let me assure you that the way you do business with our company is not changing – only what you call us. As always, I’ll be here to answer any questions you may have on our new path forward.

I thank you for your business and the trust you place in Maritz Global Events as your events partner.

David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Global Events, shares an exciting update from our company.

05/19/2020

For those in the hospitality business, some of this might not look "hospitable". Are you ready for the new normal when traveling? What will you miss most?

Hotels are cautiously reopening in anticipation of summer travel, but it's anything but business as usual. From checking in to breakfast buffets, here's what to expect during your next hotel stay.

03/29/2020

I’ve been training for this since December 2002. If you you need encouragement, call me.

Found on Google from pinterest.com

03/20/2020

’TLOOKREBOOK

Instead of looking for a new destination, venue, service provider, please consider rebooking for future month or year. There are many businesses and individuals in the hospitality industry (and many other industries) who are losing their jobs. Many more may have to shut their doors permanently. Let’s share this hashtag to support our hospitality industry partners as they navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/03/2020

New beach view for me today.

02/27/2020

really knows how to welcome their guests.

12/10/2019

Hey my meeting planning friends and colleagues. Who wants to participate next year? You DO NOT need to live or work here to participate. For a small fee, we can decorate your tree. Send email to [email protected] with 2020 “Littles” Tree Farm in subject.

12/06/2019

As seen on TV.

Chip Gaines is as personable in person as he is on television. Thanks to for an awesome Waco experience. Chip and Joanna have not only transformed many homes, but helping to transform an entire city as well. And neither grew up in the area.

Also participated in private tour and tasting at . A must stop if in the area.

If you are looking to book Waco for a conference or event let me know.

11/07/2019

Wonderful site visit with clients and Galveston hosts. Finished off evening with dinner at at in .

10/14/2019

Had the opportunity to visit this new gem in Boston. The corner king (which I was able to personally experience) has floor to ceiling views in the bathroom and bedroom. Service was impeccable. Close to the trolley, MBTA that can take you anywhere, walking distance to Hines Convention Center, Prudential Center with shopping and dining, Newbury Street (think Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills). Intimate space to accommodate 130 for meet and feed. Opened in May of 2019. When we were there in September, they were putting final touches on landscaping as well as finishing up lobby lounge. Zuma (high end restaurant) is on-site and open for dinner. Highly recommend.

Meetings & Events

09/16/2019

Hoping my client books this property for their board meeting next year. This was the first beach wedding I planned (for my daughter in 2014). I need a good excuse to return. If you are planning a small board retreat or beach wedding, let’s talk. They now have new resort in Los Cabos and one to open soon in Rivera Maya.

Garza Blanca Resort offers both the European and All-Inclusive plan for most exclusive vacation destinations destinations: Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas.

08/01/2019

Special offer from Four Seasons.

"There has never been a better time to consider a "Meeting in the Sun" for your next group!"

Contact me or your Experient/Maritz account manager for a very special value offer from Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort for dates this fall.

06/11/2019

Message Our Meeting Planners

Actually going there this fall for the first time. It’s been on my bucket list for a while.

06/04/2019

Downtown Los Angeles Hotels | Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown

Intercontinental Hotel in LA has some incredible booking incentives for Maritz Global Events (Maritz Travel & Experient) clients. Contact me or your rep to find out "hot dates and rates" for 10 or more rooms on peak night. Limited time offer so reach out soon. [email protected].

Enjoy the breathtaking views from our hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The luxurious Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown has all you need for a memorable trip.

05/02/2019

Attending . Ran into my CVB friend Dottie Bossley and speaker Cindy Novotny.

04/18/2019

“Site chicks”.
Great site visit with Lauren Mckee of Visit KC and clients Colette & Linda. Thanks for the hospitality.