Global DMC Partners (GDP), the largest global network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, recently honored two outstanding meetings planners at its ninth annual Connection, which took place May 18 to 21, at the Atlantis Palm Dubai. Tori Anthony, Vice President, Conference Experiences at LPL Financial, and Katja Frank, Commercial Director of marbet, were named U.S. Global Planner of the Year and International Global Planner of the Year, respectively. They are both members of GDP’s Customer Advisory Board.

As a trendsetting influencer in the meetings and events category, Tori Anthony sets the bar high for all programming, leading by example to ensure that everyone performs at their best. Working at LPL Financial since 2015, Tori excels in negotiation, budget and program management and has been recently promoted to her new role as Vice President.

A highly skilled professional excelling at supplier management and contract negotiation, Katja Frank navigates the nuances of international agreements with ease. Tailoring everything from live and hybrid events to digital campaigns, and with offices throughout Germany and in Barcelona, marbet is an agency designed for all communications needs.

“Tori and Katja have both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their craft and are known for building and nurturing long-standing relationships, bringing the entire industry to a higher level,” said Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet. “They exude our company’s core values, such as work excellence, sharing best business practices, and passion for our industry. We were honored to be able to recognize their outstanding efforts and significant achievements in an industry that is growing stronger each day.”

• Annual awardees are selected based on a number of criteria including:
• Being recognized by GDP and peers as leaders in hospitality
• Displaying exemplary leadership with internal teams and partners
• Amplifying GDP, its advisory boards (client and DMC) and values around work excellence, especially a desire to share best business practices and fundamental care for the industry as a whole
• Developing engaged and high-performing teams within their teams, partners and staff
• Creative and forward-thinking mindset, always leading to stronger and better performance
• Displaying generosity with their time and talent