by Danielle Andrews Sunkel
Highlights:
- Opening Cocktail Party for 6000
- Tiangus Turistico Convention
- Lunch with the President of Mexico!
- Closing Party at Malceon
I was lucky enough to represent WPIC at the Tianguis Turístico México 2012 held in Puerto Vallarta. Wow! What an event it was!
From the moment I stepped off the plane I felt very welcome. There were greeters at every turn at the airport offering drinks, snacks and information. It was not even 30 mins after I got off the plane, that I was heading to my host hotel, Villa Premiere. (more to come about my boutique hotel experience at Villa Premiere in another post)
The event was kicked off with a cocktail party for 6000 in Riviera Nayarit. This incredible night included entertainment such as a 40-piece Mariachi Band, dancers representing native Mexicans, aerial artists and fireworks to name just a few.
40-piece Mariachi band at the Tiangus Turistico opening cocktail party
Aerial Artisits at the Tiangus Turistico opening party
The centre stage at Tiangus Turistico opening party
The next day we headed to the Puerto Vallarta Convention Centre for a speech from President Felipe Calderon and meetings with representative of all the districts of Mexico as well as major hoteliers.
Richard Markel of AFWPI, Danielle Andrews Sunkel of WPIC and Ed Cotton of Destination Weddings at the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center for Tiangus Turistico 2012
The displays and booths at Tiangus Turistico are like any other I have ever seen. Some of the booths were two-stories with meeting rooms above the crowds!
The booths and costumes were amazing!
I’d have to say the highlight of my entire experience of Tiangus Turistico was being invited to a special luncheon with the President of Mexico Felipe Calderon! The event was held at the beuaiful Grand Velas Resort in Riviera Nayarit.
The entrance to the marquis where lunch was held
Inside the decor was rustic with chandeliers dripping plants and flowers
We were seated at Table 16
What did we eat you ask? Manjar Nahui, which is a plate of Octopus salad, scallop ceviche, shrimp aguachile and seafood salad with coriander; followed by Xalli Ixtli, beef tenderloin with a shrimp crown, over chlorophyl risotto with a green tomato compote; ending with Ixtlan, a requeson tart with chocolate, exoctic fruit cocktail and a passion fruit sorbet.
On his way out, President Calderon shook my hand, kissed my cheek and thanked me for coming!
The closing event for Tianguis Turistico 2012 was held at the New Malceon in Puerto Vallarta. This a large beachfront pedestrians-only boardwalk where most of the nightclubs are located along the public beach. There was so much food drink and entertainment representing the beautiful area! We were treated to an amazing concert by Mariachi Vargas (one the top in Mexico) along with the Puerto Vallarta Philharmonic Orchestra! It was unbelievable, the music was so beautiful!
Mariachi Vargas performing with the PV Philharmonic (Amazing!)
It was very dificult for me to sit down and put all the amazing things I experienced into a blog. The entire conference was incredible and very overwhelming (in a good way!) The tourism boards, volunteers and organizers put together a flawless event. This post describing what I experienced and saw just seems inadequate, but I am so grateful for the opportunity Carmen Laborin, Romance Director of the Mexico Tourism Board gave to me. I have travelled to Mexico many times and am in love with the people and culture (and food!)
With a play on their tagline, the only thing I can say is, you must go there and experience the Mexico you think you know.
Great Post! Looked like a fantastic experience of culture, great events, amazing food and of course wonderful people!
Wow,,,,amazing event look everything perfect and Mexico!!!
Monica,I have an awesome two days of fun,learning and sharing with you in Ocean2 !Barbados!!
Thank you and by the way ,,,you are Amazing ,,,
This event is Mexico event is Awesome !!! Well done Danielle !!
Proud to be one ;))
Kissseees from Barbados (nikki lee)