Happy holidays from the DMC Network
- DMC Network
- 39 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an amazing 2025 — from those we met with at industry events, to the clients we exchange messages and calls with daily, to those who joined us at our epic Exchange in the UAE spectacular Tuesday night event at IMEX America.
We're looking forward to an equally exciting beginning to the new year, too — while also taking time to share a few holiday favorites, as we celebrate with the friends and family who make our destinations ones we're proud to call home.
Here's what we're looking forward to this winter, in wishing everyone a happy holiday season!
Aoife Delaney (Managing Director): Being a Mom of two young kids, the holidays are definitely a special time for my family. One of our favourite activities is heading to Dun Laoghaire Pier to walk along the seafront, climb the rocks and get hot chocolates. We'll also head down to the Forty Foot and jump into the sea for a winter refresher! My Husband is the towel and hot chocolate holder: he has yet to embrace the Irish ocean in the winter ;)
Cindy Hartner (VP of Sales): My husband and I are empty-nesters of grown kids, so depending upon which subset of the family comes to town for Christmas we might do a variety of things. Our daughter and her partner are coming up for the holidays this year, so we will definitely make it down to Pike Place Market to see all the vendors’ stands decked out for the holidays and grab a cup of cocoa from a street vendor. We’ll either catch a holiday improv show together or maybe see some version of A Christmas Carol. We’ll also pick up some goodies from the market to bring home for Dad to create a big seafood feast!
Meredith Shepard (Director of Business Development & Partner Relations): While the weather in Phoenix is just about perfect in December, it's hard to feel festive in shorts and t-shirts! One of our family’s favorite things to do during the holidays is to head north to Flagstaff. Just a couple hours away, Arizona’s winter wonderland has it all - sledding, ice skating, skiing, and even a New Year’s Eve Pinecone Drop. We get a perfect taste of winter before we head home to where there’s no need for an ice scraper or snow shovel.
Anna Williams (Global Sales Director):
Personal Favorite: One of my favorite family holiday traditions in Atlanta is visiting Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The whole place transforms into this magical world of color and sparkle, it’s impossible not to feel the holiday spirit. I love getting bundled up, grabbing a hot cider (spiked for mom and dad), and wandering through the lights. It’s one of those moments that makes you slow down, and really feel the season.
Professional Favorite: Another highlight for me each year is the Annual Holiday Luncheon at the Georgia Aquarium, presented by PCMA SE, MPI Georgia and IAEE Southeastern Chapters. It’s such a special event that brings our local industry together to celebrate the year, support a local charity, and just enjoy being in the same room with so many familiar faces. It always leaves me feeling grateful for the people I get to work with and the community we’re lucky to be part of.
Brandi Ronk (Global Sales Director): Walking hand-in-hand beneath more than 100,000 twinkling lights draped across the iconic bald-cypress trees makes the holidays on the San Antonio River Walk pure magic. Our hometown shines even brighter this time of year with warm, welcoming people, incredible food, and festive spirit around every corner. San Antonio truly is a must-see holiday destination!
Chris Baker (Global Sales Director): I’m looking forward to taking advantage of all New Hampshire has to offer in the winters, from skiing to snowmobiling to cross country skiing. Even walks around my little town of Portsmouth to look at the lights. Of course, Christmas will be the highlight with my extended family. When all else fails, a nice fire while watching TV and relaxing will do just fine.
Drea Taylor (Global Sales Director): Living in Chicago, the holidays are pure magic! I’m one of those people who puts up Christmas decorations way too early — like, November 1st early — because I just can’t wait to bring in the holiday cheer. One of my favorite things to do is stroll down State Street to see the festive Macy’s window displays before heading to the Christkindlmarket for a mug (or two!) of mulled wine. I love taking walks along the lakefront to see how the ice forms over the water — it’s such a peaceful reminder of the season. And, of course, I always make time to open my home to friends for cozy nights in with Christmas movies, baking, and a little arts & crafts sprinkled in.
While I reside in Chicago, my family is back in Missouri, where I was born and raised — so I always carve out time to either road trip (nine hours and plenty of snacks!) or hop on a flight to spend time with family. Attempting to cook a recipe from my Grandma’s cookbook, playing games at Grandma’s, and hitting the local hole-in-the-wall bars with my cousins are always highlights of the holidays.
