Kristin Detwiler, CMP, DMCP
Owner and COO, Savannah Destination Management
kristin@savannah-dmc.com
Number of events in 2025: 50+
Types of events: Custom experiences, conferences, sales meetings, incentive travel programs
Average number of attendees
in 2025: 25-1,000+
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
For the destination management side of the business, I coordinate custom experiences and events for corporate groups visiting Savannah. On the event management side, most of the events are outbound, so I partner with national associations and corporations to manage conferences, sales meetings, and incentive travel programs.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Successful meetings and events require a balance of flexibility, adaptability, and detailed organization. Plans can shift quickly, so being able to pivot with confidence is essential. Meanwhile, strong organizational skills ensure every detail stays on track. This creates the foundation for smooth execution and memorable experiences for every client.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
My philosophy is grounded in preparation, composure, and adaptability. I believe in developing comprehensive contingency plans, allowing for a seamless response when unexpected situations arise. By remaining calm and proactive, I can ensure that any issue is managed discreetly and efficiently.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I’m passionate about continuing education. I attend the Annual Meeting of ADMEI and am an active member of ADMEI, MPI, and PCMA.
I also participate in a social media event planner group that provides insights into the challenges and innovations professionals are experiencing. Staying current on local developments is equally important to me, so I am active with the Tourism Leadership Council, the Chamber, and Visit Savannah.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is bringing ideas to life, taking a concept on paper and transforming it into a memorable experience. I also take great pride in showcasing Savannah, my hometown.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the relationships
I build with clients. The planning process is incredibly collaborative and feels like a shared journey.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
One of my greatest professional accomplishments has been owning and operating my own business for more than 16 years, while also earning my CMP and certifications. Achieving these credentials was a goal I set for myself when I began my career more than 30 years ago, and reaching that milestone was incredibly meaningful.
I’m also very proud of my role as an adjunct professor at Savannah Technical College, where I’ve been teaching for the past 14 years. I developed the Event Planning course and have taught several other hospitality courses over the years. This has been one of the most
fulfilling parts of my career.
Please share an anecdote about a unique or unusual event that you organized.
One of my most memorable events was also the very first project I produced under my own company. The client’s sales meeting was themed around the TV show Survivor, and the final evening culminated in a live competition between the two regional teams battling it out for the company’s incentive trip.
We transformed a local outdoor venue into a full Survivor set, complete with themed décor, dramatic lighting, and a final tribal council, where attendees voted for the winning team. Bringing that creative vision to life was incredibly rewarding. It set the tone for the kind of immersive, detailed experiences I strive to deliver, and to this day, our vendors still talk about that event!
What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice would you offer others in the industry?
The best professional advice I’ve ever received was to know that you are good enough to have a seat at the table. It’s a reminder to approach every opportunity with confidence and to recognize the value of your experience and perspective.
My advice to others is to be lifelong learners. Our industry is constantly evolving, and the only way to stay current is through continuing education, professional development, and active participation in national organizations.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
I look forward to continuing to create thoughtfully designed and intentionally curated events that elevate the experience for every guest, client, and partner involved. My goal is to bring fresh ideas and meaningful variety to each program, ensuring every event feels unique, purposeful, and reflective of the client’s vision.
