Client
Marriott International

Location
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Tucson AZ

Project Snapshot
I led the creative direction for Marriott’s Top Performers incentive trip, a program designed to honor the achievements of Marriott’s top-performing associates. Held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, the event celebrated their success with carefully curated experiences, immersive branding, and unique touches that made every moment unforgettable.

Creative Vision
My creative tasks included program naming, branding, and theming for each event throughout the program. The goal was to create a cohesive and celebratory experience that reflected the prestige of the achievers and the Marriott brand, while also paying homage to the stunning desert surroundings.

Key Highlights

• Immersive Branding: Designed staked signage placed strategically throughout the property, featuring inspiring quotes from the top performers. A standout element was a massive billboard showcasing the face of a coyote—a nod to the howls often heard in the canyon where the property is located. Designed and built to come alive at night, the coyote’s neon surround illuminated, creating a striking and memorable visual that captivated attendees.

• One-of-a-Kind Gifting Suite: Developed a custom gifting suite experience so impactful that Marriott has since adopted it for many of their programs.

• Interactive Gala Centerpieces: Created programmable centerpieces that lit up when the names of achievers at each table were called, replacing the traditional parade-style recognition with a more intimate and innovative approach.

• Howl at the Moon After Party: Designed a high-energy after-party complete with breakout karaoke moments and a room brought to life with a collection of western-inspired neon signs.

Impact & Results
The event successfully celebrated Marriott’s top performers, creating a sense of pride and community while reinforcing Marriott’s commitment to recognizing excellence. The gifting suite, interactive gala elements, and immersive branding became benchmarks for future programs, showcasing the power of creative innovation in elevating the attendee experience.