A GROUP EFFORT Our

A GROUP EFFORT

Let Us Work With You to Plan Your Ideal Group Meeting

BY REBECCA PADGETT

The Mississippi Trucking Association knows a good thing when it comes along. For the past 17 years, they have chosen to hold the company’s annual convention at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa because of the high quality of service, staff dependability — and an overall good time had by all.

“We have been coming to Hilton Sandestin Beach since 1986 and are booked again for 2020,” said Mary John Biedenharn, office administrator for the Mississippi Trucking Association. “Why would we go anywhere else when they continue to do everything right?” 2017

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2019 The Mississippi Trucking Association has been holding its annual convention at Hilton Sandestin Beach for nearly two decades.

OUR MEMORIES • “I have the privilege of working with clients and guests from all over the world. I help bring their vision for conferences, meetings and events to life, and I strive to ensure my clients and their guests leave our hotel with lifelong memories. I want to them to say, “This was the best event we’ve ever attended or hosted.” It warms my heart when I hear those words; particularly when the person spends countless months planning what is often their biggest conference of the year. One of the best parts of my job is getting to work with returning groups. Some of my clients have been coming here for 25 years, so it’s easy to become friends with each other. Seeing a name pop up on my phone or an email from them often brings a smile to my face because we have such a great time working together. Lynn Pardeshi, Event Planning

Whether for business or pleasure, our various meeting spaces can meet your demands and exceed expectations.

Biedenharn credits Hilton Sandestin Beach for having the space and the staff to accommodate the company’s 400-plus attendees for four days full of activities. Being a familycentric conference, having plenty of spacious and comfortable rooms alongside a variety of desirable amenities is key.

“While our convention is about business, it’s also very fun and family-oriented,” said Biedenharn. “Our attendees love it because during the day they attend informative meetings, then in the evening, it’s like a vacation with their families because everyone loves being on the beach.”

During the convention, Hilton Sandestin Beach’s professional staff takes care of guest room reservations, meeting coordination, catering needs, audio/visual services, entertainment coordination, set-up, takedown and everything in between. If a weather worry arises, the staff is consistently checking the radars in order to advise their guests on the best way to rearrange event schedules. The staff is also on hand to help arrange spa services for the guests, in addition to executing the annual MTA family pool party.

“Jon Lovett, director of events, does a fabulous job in training his staff to be polished and ready to go above and beyond to meet any need,” said Biedenharn. “They expertly handle every facet of making an event occur flawlessly, which makes us feel at ease and able to fully enjoy the convention.” As soon as the convention is complete, Biedenharn is back in touch with the staff planning for the next year. Where every convention is a highly anticipated event, the staff constantly strives to make changes for the better, ensuring each year exceeds the last.

“We have had other places call and want to host us, but Hilton Sandestin Beach is already the best fit for us,” said Biedenharn. “We want our convention to be the best it can be, and the spacious facility, professional staff and beautiful beach ensure just that.”

WANDA WOODS POWERSOUTH ENERGY COOPERATIVE

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative has a long standing relationship with Hilton Sandestin Beach. As an Events Planner with PowerSouth, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Hilton staff since for almost 20 years. We average three-to-four meetings a year at their hotel. What keeps us coming back? The staff.

The Hilton Sandestin Beach facilities are great, but there are great facilities everywhere. Having a staff that is accommodating, professional, friendly and knowledgeable is key. I love that they remember the little things and special nuances about each meeting. This is no small feat considering the number of meetings that are held on property each year. When you are treated like your meeting is their No. 1 priority as several meetings are taking place, that means a lot. They are accessible and stop by numerous times each day to make sure all our needs are being met. That’s customer service, and it’s the Hilton Sandestin Beach way of doing business!