Company Overview

Who We Are

Based in Santa Barbara, California, Elite Meetings International, Inc. was born from the realization that no comprehensive resource existed for planners in search of high-end properties for their meetings and incentive travel. While researching available tools, CEO Kelly Foy found that most included only certain brands. Others "recommended" properties for a fee, and many provided data in a way that didn't serve planners.

In 2007, Foy established Elite Meetings International with the goal of providing a comprehensive, time-saving resource for planners, while helping hoteliers reach this highly qualified audience. His first step in determining what makes an exceptional meeting venue was to establish the Elite Meetings Advisory Board, a team of veteran planners and hoteliers. The board collectively reviewed thousands of candidate properties before endorsing a select few. Elite endorsement and participation on EliteMeetings.com cannot be purchased. As a result, Elite Meetings International became the first of its kind to provide planners with credible, peer-rated information about first-class properties through EliteMeetings.com, Elite Meetings magazine, and the Elite Meetings Alliance.

What We Do

Elite Meetings International provides comprehensive resources for corporate, association, and incentive planners looking for top North American properties for corporate meetings and incentive travel. Elite Meetings reaches high-end planners in print through Elite Meetings magazine, online at www.EliteMeetings.com, and in person at the semiannual Elite Meetings Alliance.

Packed with information on nearly 150 Elite Certified properties, the 2008 edition of Elite Meetings magazine, a publication designed for meeting planners, by meeting planners, delivers the information and inspiration needed to plan high-end meetings and events. In 2009, the publication will be distributed twice yearly, in January and July. Digital editions of the 2008 publication can be downloaded free of charge on EliteMeetings.com; print editions can be ordered for $14.95 (plus shipping) from the Web site, as well.

The EliteMeetings.com Web site includes a database of more than 700 Elite Certified properties, spanning all luxury brands throughout North America. Cutting-edge technology on the site allows detailed property searches by guest-room count, amenities, location, function space, and even "hot dates." Each property page contains photos, at-a-glance data, and informative articles that highlight the property's unique attributes for meetings and events. User-friendly RFP creation, a community forum, blogs, peer reviews of the hotels, plus hotel packages, news, and hot dates begin the long list of resources available to planners on the site. Later this year, Elite Meetings International will debut Elite TV, which will provide virtual site visits and interviews with sales and marketing directors of Elite Certified properties.

The third element of Elite Meetings' triple-tiered approach: the semiannual Elite Meetings Alliance. This three-day, invitation-only event brings prequalified corporate and association planners together with leaders in the luxury hotel industry to foster relationships and conduct business. Held for West Coast properties each spring and East Coast properties each fall, the event centers on a series of prescheduled one-on-one meetings. The agenda goes on to include training sessions, continuing education classes for Certified Meeting Professional credits, guest speakers, and a number of fun networking events and post-meeting activities.