Elyse Large
Chief Events Officer, Destination TN Valley
elyse@destinationtnvalley.com
Number of events in 2025: 22
Types of events: Association meetings, corporate retreats, fundraisers, large-scale community programs
Average number of attendees in 2025: 10-400+
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I am the owner and lead planner of Destination TN Valley, a destination management and event planning company based in Knoxville, Tenn.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
I believe the most essential skills for planning successful meetings and events are attention to detail, strong organization, and the ability to stay flexible when things shift. When all of these skills work together, they create the foundation for smooth execution and memorable experiences.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
I was once described as “unflappable,” and I consider that one of the best compliments I could receive. For me, preparation is everything. I spend time beforehand mapping out the day minute by minute and preparing for alternate scenarios so that when challenges come up on site, I’m not rattled. Staying calm, collected, and solution-focused helps everyone else stay at ease, too.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I follow industry publications and online communities, and I’m active on LinkedIn, where so many great conversations are happening. I also learn a lot from my vendor partners and other planners. Whenever I can, I attend conferences or networking events to see ideas in action and connect with peers.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most is seeing a vision come to life. I love working with clients to understand what they’re picturing and then pulling together all the details and partnerships to make it real. There’s nothing better than standing in the room and watching people connect and enjoy themselves, knowing all the behind-the-scenes planning that made it possible. I also value the relationships I’ve built along the way with clients, vendors, and teams; the people make the work so rewarding.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
My biggest professional success has been launching Destination TN Valley as the first DMC in Knoxville. Building something from the ground up has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m proud of the role it’s played in spotlighting our region for corporate and association events.
Another success I value is bringing interns onto my team. I love showing students what the event world is really like and giving them hands-on opportunities. It feels “full circle” to share what I’ve learned and help open doors for the next generation.
Please share an anecdote about a unique or unusual event that you organized.
I had the chance to plan a summer camp-like experience for adults. The client wanted the nostalgia of camp but paired with luxury food and accommodations. Instead of sitting in meeting rooms, attendees were on the lawn, competing in a camp-style field day, sipping cocktails at a tequila bar, and gathering for late-night fireside chats. Mornings kicked off with mountaintop yoga and vision casting, which was the perfect mix of relaxation and inspiration. It was a fun reminder that meetings don’t always have to look like meetings, and sometimes the best connections happen in sneakers and with a drink in hand.
What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice would you offer others in the industry?
The best advice I ever received was from my mom when I was stressing at an event. She told me, “All you can do is the best you can do.” It’s simple, but it stuck with me; it’s a reminder to give your all without chasing perfection.
My advice to others is to always keep learning. You can always find a meaningful takeaway or way to do better next time. Go into each event as the expert on that program, but keep an open mind—that’s how you keep growing in this industry.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
I’m excited to keep growing Destination TN Valley’s reach and bringing more groups to experience everything east Tennessee has to offer. I also want to explore more creative event concepts and programs that push the boundaries of what a meeting or retreat can look like and leave people with lasting memories.
