How 360DG Raised the Bar in 2023

By: Shelly Archer & Trevor Hanks - 360DG Partners

‘Tis the season for rest and reflection. As we quiet our minds and prepare for the beginning of a new year, it’s natural to think back on the triumphs and challenges we’ve faced during this one. From new beginnings to reinforcing our foundational values, we’re excited to share some of our proudest moments and inspired initiatives from 2023 with you.

Our Latest Destination Hits a High Note

In 2023, all eyes were on our new home in Nashville, Tennessee. Staffing and onboarding our latest group of destination heroes was no small feat, and it is undoubtedly one of our most significant accomplishments this year. But we were focused on much more than getting boots (cowboy or otherwise) on the ground. We’re dedicated to giving new employees the opportunities they need to learn and grow from day one. Sure, well-trained staff are more efficient and prepared, but they also enjoy their work more. Encouraging thriving employees on every level of our organization enables us to foster more profound, positive relationships. Thoughtful planning and preparation set our latest locale up for success, and partners and customers have been singing our praises since our debut in Music City.

Engineering Success at IMEX

We always have a blast at IMEX; this year was no exception. In addition to inspiring us for the future, it made us reflect on how far we’ve come. Our first 360 Destination Group IMEX booth was a 10×10 with very limited decor. Now, with four times more space and 35 employees in attendance engaging and educating, it was one of our biggest “wow” moments of the year. It genuinely gave us goosebumps! However, our primary goal this year was to deepen and advance our client relationships. We built a solid foundation for future business by focusing on facetime and sharing good times together.

Reaping the Rewards of Work-Life Balance

This year, we architected our corporate structure and grew our team by 50%. Considering our laser focus on meticulous training, getting everyone up to speed was monumental but worth every minute. Ensuring our employees have an excellent quality of life is a core pillar of our corporate culture. An equitable division of work keeps our team strong and provides limitless opportunities for us to exceed expectations. The coming year promises a boom in our industry, and we are all ready to get to work! 

And the Winner Is…

We were honored to receive some fantastic nominations and awards in recent months. Our LA and San Diego teams executed events so flawlessly that they received not just one but two recognitions in the Best Event $100,001–$250,000 category of the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) Awards. Both programs were selected as finalists, and we can’t wait to cheer them on when the winners are announced in February!

Shelly Archer and Trevor Hanks, also known as the heart and soul of 360DG, were named some of the Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2023 by the Eventex Awards. Thousands of votes were cast, and our fearless leaders were ranked in the global top 100 and among the top 50 professionals in the US and Canada. This recognition is truly a testament to their impact on the events industry over the last 25 years. We’re happy everyone can agree that they’re nothing short of awesome!

We Continue to Be Built Around You

Humble-brag incoming: We have one of the most experienced and knowledgeable leadership teams in the DMC world. This talented and seasoned group of individuals drives our end-to-end decision-making across the business. 360DG was founded on a dedication to putting our clients first, and we continue to make it our number one priority. Every leader is in the trenches gathering feedback and actioning on solutions. We’ve got some big ideas on how to better serve you next year, so stay tuned!

Break out the bubbly… that’s a wrap on 2023! Our industry has seen some drastic highs and lows over the past few years, but we’re poised to achieve greatness. We can’t wait to help you craft even more exceptional experiences in 2024. In the meantime, take some time to pat yourself on the back and resolve to make the coming year your best one yet.