Our Team
Get to know us!
Come on in and meet our team. Click on each person to learn more.
CYNTHIA ALFORD, DMCP
President + Owner
Trick of the trade: Embrace technology on site. Digital solutions are designed to make work easier and more efficient.
Favorite Quote: “If it is important, you will find a way. If it is not, you'll find an excuse.”
Cynthia Alford is the Founder, President, and tireless head coach of Destination South Meetings + Experiences. Cynthia founded DSME in 1995 after a prolific career representing Georgia’s tourism and hospitality industry in various roles. Under her leadership, Destination South Meetings + Experiences has been continuously recognized as an inimitable force within the hospitality industry garnering major awards year over year. This industry recognition is representative of the way Cynthia champions her clients and teams alike. As the strategic visionary and head coach behind DSME, she’s built out teams based on her decades of expertise and guides them in ways that allow her employees’ skills to shine and allows her clients to focus on the content of their programs.
As an active member of the hospitality community, Cynthia sits on the board of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors; has served as DMC Network chair; and has been recognized repeatedly for her individual efforts within the industry including MPI Georgia Chapter Hayward C. Cox, Jr. CMP Continuing Quality Award, MPI Georgia Chapter Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award, and MPI Georgia Chapter Meeting Professional of the Year Award. She’s a coveted speaker and facilitator for the industry often traveling nationwide to share her expertise and guidance with others. Cynthia devotes a significant amount of giving back to the industry that’s given so much to her and campaigning for causes close to her heart. She recently chaired the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year.
Cynthia divides her time between Atlanta and Charleston honing her skills as a bourbon and oyster connoisseur. When she’s not sampling some of the south’s finest delicacies, she enjoys long walks with her husband and dog, paddle boarding, hiking, reading, and cheering on her Georgia Bulldogs. She’s traveled worldwide from Alaska to Vietnam, but Greece still tops the list of places she’d like to visit in the future.
CYNTHIA ALFORD, DMCP
President + Owner
Trick of the trade: Embrace technology on site. Digital solutions are designed to make work easier and more efficient.
Favorite Quote: “If it is important, you will find a way. If it is not, you'll find an excuse.”
Cynthia Alford is the Founder, President, and tireless head coach of Destination South Meetings + Experiences. Cynthia founded DSME in 1995 after a prolific career representing Georgia’s tourism and hospitality industry in various roles. Under her leadership, Destination South Meetings + Experiences has been continuously recognized as an inimitable force within the hospitality industry garnering major awards year over year. This industry recognition is representative of the way Cynthia champions her clients and teams alike. As the strategic visionary and head coach behind DSME, she’s built out teams based on her decades of expertise and guides them in ways that allow her employees’ skills to shine and allows her clients to focus on the content of their programs.
As an active member of the hospitality community, Cynthia sits on the board of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors; has served as DMC Network chair; and has been recognized repeatedly for her individual efforts within the industry including MPI Georgia Chapter Hayward C. Cox, Jr. CMP Continuing Quality Award, MPI Georgia Chapter Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement Award, and MPI Georgia Chapter Meeting Professional of the Year Award. She’s a coveted speaker and facilitator for the industry often traveling nationwide to share her expertise and guidance with others. Cynthia devotes a significant amount of giving back to the industry that’s given so much to her and campaigning for causes close to her heart. She recently chaired the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year.
Cynthia divides her time between Atlanta and Charleston honing her skills as a bourbon and oyster connoisseur. When she’s not sampling some of the south’s finest delicacies, she enjoys long walks with her husband and dog, paddle boarding, hiking, reading, and cheering on her Georgia Bulldogs. She’s traveled worldwide from Alaska to Vietnam, but Greece still tops the list of places she’d like to visit in the future.
CYNTHIA ALFORD, DMCP
Founder
Tim Barrett, CMP
Senior Director, Global Meetings,
Pandemic Compliance Advisor
Virtual Event + Meeting Management Certified
Trick of the trade: Painters Tape has a multitude of uses.
Favorite Quote: "You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try." - Dolly Parton
As Senior Director of Global Meetings for Destination South Meetings + Experiences, Tim leads a team of award-winning meeting strategists in the development and execution of sales kick-offs, conferences, tradeshows, executive retreats, incentives and more.
Tim is known for his comprehensive and innovative meeting strategies, backed by the expertise, patience and passion to make clients’ goals and objectives a reality. Tim’s storied career in the hospitality industry makes him an invaluable partner to his team and his clients; providing insight into logistics and budgeting while managing to create dynamic events that exceed goals and maintain their timelines.
“Active” barely scratches the surface when describing Tim’s commitment and dedication to the hospitality industry. He’s a member of several professional organizations and holds multiple certifications all while staying up to date on the latest trends and industry standards. He’s often called upon to speak at industry conferences and takes pride in sharing his wealth of knowledge with others. A few of Tim’s career highlights include winning Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Georgia’s Chapter Leader of the Year and the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI)’s Best Collaborative Program award.
This future-forward thinking and dedication led Tim to be one of the first to take on the rapid pivot to virtual events. By quickly earning his Virtual Meeting & Event Certifications and becoming a Pandemic Compliance Advisor, he helped ensure DSME could meet all of their clients’ meeting needs safely and effectively.
A cooking enthusiast and somewhat failed chef from another lifetime, Tim is a cookbook hoarder. He dreams of traveling to Italy and learning the art of fine Italian cooking from someone’s Nonna. In the meantime, he and his partner enjoy long walks around Midtown, Atlanta absorbing the city’s arts and culture. If he’s not out and about, he’s binging the latest shows.
Tim Barrett, CMP
Senior Director, Global Meetings,
Pandemic Compliance Advisor
Virtual Event + Meeting Management Certified
Trick of the trade: Painters Tape has a multitude of uses.
Favorite Quote: "You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try." - Dolly Parton
As Senior Director of Global Meetings for Destination South Meetings + Experiences, Tim leads a team of award-winning meeting strategists in the development and execution of sales kick-offs, conferences, tradeshows, executive retreats, incentives and more.
Tim is known for his comprehensive and innovative meeting strategies, backed by the expertise, patience and passion to make clients’ goals and objectives a reality. Tim’s storied career in the hospitality industry makes him an invaluable partner to his team and his clients; providing insight into logistics and budgeting while managing to create dynamic events that exceed goals and maintain their timelines.
“Active” barely scratches the surface when describing Tim’s commitment and dedication to the hospitality industry. He’s a member of several professional organizations and holds multiple certifications all while staying up to date on the latest trends and industry standards. He’s often called upon to speak at industry conferences and takes pride in sharing his wealth of knowledge with others. A few of Tim’s career highlights include winning Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Georgia’s Chapter Leader of the Year and the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI)’s Best Collaborative Program award.
This future-forward thinking and dedication led Tim to be one of the first to take on the rapid pivot to virtual events. By quickly earning his Virtual Meeting & Event Certifications and becoming a Pandemic Compliance Advisor, he helped ensure DSME could meet all of their clients’ meeting needs safely and effectively.
A cooking enthusiast and somewhat failed chef from another lifetime, Tim is a cookbook hoarder. He dreams of traveling to Italy and learning the art of fine Italian cooking from someone’s Nonna. In the meantime, he and his partner enjoy long walks around Midtown, Atlanta absorbing the city’s arts and culture. If he’s not out and about, he’s binging the latest shows.
TIM BARRETT, CMP
President
LORRI McQUEARY
Vice President
Certified Digital Event Strategist
Signature Style: Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to look!
Favorite Quote: “I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.” Dr. Seuss
Dancing Queen Qualifications: Studied, competed in and taught multiple dance disciplines from the age of 3 to 32.
Lorri brings more than 15 years of event design, marketing and advertising experience to her role as Vice President. Under her leadership, Destination South has successfully launched a new brand identity, brought a wide range of award-winning innovative events to fruition, and earned industry kudos that include being named ADMEI Rising Star in 2005 and one of Occasions Magazine's 10 Most Influential Planners in Atlanta in 2010. It is her vision that has earned the company several Allie, Esprit and ADMEI awards for clients such as Microsoft, Starwood Hotels and Esomar. In addition to creative development, Lorri oversees the company’s strategic marketing, social media and public relations efforts.
Lorri has produced attention-getting events ranging from intimate gatherings to private concerts for 12,000. She has been a member of the International Special Event Society, Atlanta Chapter, since 2004, having served in both committee and director roles. In 2010, she was named to the executive board as Vice President of Communications and was honored with the President's Award in 2011. Most recently, Lorri served on the planning committee for Eventeract in 2014.
Lorri is the proud the mother of two children, whom she affectionately refers to as, "Thing One & Thing Two." Her other first love is the arts, books, movies and everything design-related.
ALLYSON WAGNER, CMP
Associate Director, Meetings + Events
Trick of the trade: Be flexible!
Favorite Quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde
A seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry, Allyson Wagner is Destination South Meetings+Experiences’ Associate Director of Meetings + Events.
Allyson believes in taking a consultative approach to supporting her clients. She works to make their visions come alive all while using her extensive knowledge base to guide clients through best practices and industry trends. Allyson’s tenure within the meeting and events industry makes her an invaluable asset to her clients- providing strategic planning that is in-depth, trusted and timely.
Her career began with a degree from Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and from there she moved into the hotel industry. Allyson cites her tenure with the Marriot Global Sales Organization as the foundation for truly understanding the meaning of strategic engagement with both internal stakeholders and clients.
Then and now, Allyson is an active member of the hospitality community. She belongs to Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and has held several executive positions within MPI Georgia including Chapter President. She’s been recognized as an MPI Global Member of the Year finalist as well as an MPI Georgia Chapter Leader of the Year. She’s also an active member of the Events Industry Council. Allyson is a pioneer in the meetings community for her efforts around bringing sustainability initiatives to the industry and was a founding member of the Green Meetings Industry Council Atlanta.
Even in her downtime, Allyson stays involved in the hospitality industry by mentoring young people interested in a career in hospitality. It’s no surprise that she gives back so much considering her favorite part of DSME is the small, family feel and her incredible colleagues. Despite how much Allyson gives back to her clients, teams and industry, she finds plenty of time to travel with her adult children and cheer on the Clemson Tigers.
ALLYSON WAGNER, CMP
Associate Director, Meetings + Events
Trick of the trade: Be flexible!
Favorite Quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde
A seasoned veteran of the hospitality industry, Allyson Wagner is Destination South Meetings+Experiences’ Associate Director of Meetings + Events.
Allyson believes in taking a consultative approach to supporting her clients. She works to make their visions come alive all while using her extensive knowledge base to guide clients through best practices and industry trends. Allyson’s tenure within the meeting and events industry makes her an invaluable asset to her clients- providing strategic planning that is in-depth, trusted and timely.
Her career began with a degree from Clemson University in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and from there she moved into the hotel industry. Allyson cites her tenure with the Marriot Global Sales Organization as the foundation for truly understanding the meaning of strategic engagement with both internal stakeholders and clients.
Then and now, Allyson is an active member of the hospitality community. She belongs to Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and has held several executive positions within MPI Georgia including Chapter President. She’s been recognized as an MPI Global Member of the Year finalist as well as an MPI Georgia Chapter Leader of the Year. She’s also an active member of the Events Industry Council. Allyson is a pioneer in the meetings community for her efforts around bringing sustainability initiatives to the industry and was a founding member of the Green Meetings Industry Council Atlanta.
Even in her downtime, Allyson stays involved in the hospitality industry by mentoring young people interested in a career in hospitality. It’s no surprise that she gives back so much considering her favorite part of DSME is the small, family feel and her incredible colleagues. Despite how much Allyson gives back to her clients, teams and industry, she finds plenty of time to travel with her adult children and cheer on the Clemson Tigers.
ALLYSON WAGNER, CMP
Associate Director, Meetings
KATE MACCOY, DMCP
Managing Director, Coastal Region
Pandemic On-Site Protocol Certified
Signature Style: Stay positive, work hard, make it happen.
Favorite Quote: “Eat well; travel often."
“Always be a little kinder than necessary” – J. M. Barrie
Passion: Kate has a passion for travel and cuisine. Anytime those are combined it creates for a memorable experience in her eyes!
Did You Know?: Salt water runs through Kate's veins, having spent childhood summers crewing on her family's sailing yacht in the Caribbean where she learned not only about the beauty and majesty of nature but also the foundation of being a trusted member of a team, where actions... dedication... and responsibility are key to success in every aspect of life.
Kate was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 10, Kate began to fall in love with the hospitality industry. It began with designing summer camps for kids, which eventually turned into college functions, then weddings and events for family and friends. Taking this passion to another level, she graduated from the University of South Carolina’s School of Hospitality Management with earning a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, specializing in Club Management.
Passionate about customer relations, communication, and creativity, Kate has a wealth of experience to draw from to create the perfect experience for her clients. She served as Corporate Sales Manager at the Denver, Corporate Recruiter at Georgia-Pacific, Wedding and Sales Manager at Middleton Place National Historic Landmark and as a Senior Program Manager at Absolutely Charleston Destination Management.
She and her husband, Grant, have two beautiful daughters and two handsome boys: Rivers, a hound found in a swamp during a hiking trip; and Max, a tabby rescued by the side of the highway. The MacCoy’s enjoy boating and fishing in the salt waters that surround Charleston... and the fresh water of Georgia's Lake Lanier. Kate has a passion for travel, cuisine, and the outdoors.
JILL COHEN, CMP
Senior Manager, Meetings
SHANNON JONES, CMP
Senior Manager Meetings + Events
Trick of the trade: Pack your patience
Favorite Quote: “Life starts just outside your comfort zone”
Shannon knew she wanted to work in events earlier than most. She served as Chair of Prom Committee in high school and realized planning was her destiny. After graduating from Marist College with a degree in communications, Shannon entered the world of venue and events sales before making the leap to corporate event planning. She spent several years as a corporate planner with a global law firm before her industry connections led her to DSME. The strategic thinking and creative problem solving often required of events keep Shannon motivated and moving each day at Destination South Meetings + Experiences. As part of the Meetings Management team for DSME, Shannon works with clients to plan and execute meetings, conferences, conventions, expos, and more. She enjoys working with clients on key event messaging, logistics, and especially workshopping solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Passionate about networking and relationship building, Shannon is a Meeting Professionals International (MPI) member and has held several leadership roles within the organization including MPI Tennessee Past President 2019-2020, MPI Tennessee Board of Directors Member 2012-2021, MPI Global Chair of Chapter Member Advisory Council 2021&2022, and MPI Global Chair of RISE Awards Committee 2023. It’s no shock that with all the handwork she puts in at DSME and with MPI, that she was MPI Member of the Year in 2022.
Shannon’s work and industry commitments keep her on her feet a lot, but she doesn’t mind. Her favorite hobbies include trying new restaurants, live music, and dancing. Her favorite concert venue is the Ryman Auditorium, but she’ll cut a rug anywhere there’s a good live band and a solid beat. When she’s not dancing the night away, she’s hanging with husband, Travis, three children, and their dog, Luna. She and Travis spend a lot of their time on the soccer field cheering on the kids, but love traveling and hope to explore New Zealand one day soon.
SHANNON JONES, CMP
Senior Manager Meetings + Events
Trick of the trade: Pack your patience
Favorite Quote: “Life starts just outside your comfort zone”
Shannon knew she wanted to work in events earlier than most. She served as Chair of Prom Committee in high school and realized planning was her destiny. After graduating from Marist College with a degree in communications, Shannon entered the world of venue and events sales before making the leap to corporate event planning. She spent several years as a corporate planner with a global law firm before her industry connections led her to DSME. The strategic thinking and creative problem solving often required of events keep Shannon motivated and moving each day at Destination South Meetings + Experiences. As part of the Meetings Management team for DSME, Shannon works with clients to plan and execute meetings, conferences, conventions, expos, and more. She enjoys working with clients on key event messaging, logistics, and especially workshopping solutions to help clients achieve their goals. Passionate about networking and relationship building, Shannon is a Meeting Professionals International (MPI) member and has held several leadership roles within the organization including MPI Tennessee Past President 2019-2020, MPI Tennessee Board of Directors Member 2012-2021, MPI Global Chair of Chapter Member Advisory Council 2021&2022, and MPI Global Chair of RISE Awards Committee 2023. It’s no shock that with all the handwork she puts in at DSME and with MPI, that she was MPI Member of the Year in 2022.
Shannon’s work and industry commitments keep her on her feet a lot, but she doesn’t mind. Her favorite hobbies include trying new restaurants, live music, and dancing. Her favorite concert venue is the Ryman Auditorium, but she’ll cut a rug anywhere there’s a good live band and a solid beat. When she’s not dancing the night away, she’s hanging with husband, Travis, three children, and their dog, Luna. She and Travis spend a lot of their time on the soccer field cheering on the kids, but love traveling and hope to explore New Zealand one day soon.
SHANNON JONES, CMP
Senior Manager, Meetings
ERIN ALTMAN
Senior Experience Design Manager
Trick of the trade: Stay flexible on site
Favorite Quote: "Good things aren’t supposed to just fall into your lap. God is very generous, but He expects you to do your part first." - Audrey Hepburn
Loyal to the Lowcountry, Erin is a Charleston Southern University grad and is happiest on a boat with her family. She’s passionate about her hometown and is even Charleston Area Destination Education & Training (C.A.D.E.T.) certified. She’s an expert on Charleston, literally. Erin is the Senior Experience Design Manager in the Destination South Coastal office. She focuses on thoughtful, curated guest experiences that are distinctivley coastal. Her customized room designs are based on her keen eye and knowledge of area venues. She draws on her extensive background in the hospitality and the food & beverage industries to build visually appealing and immersive events for her clients. Her tireless efforts have received industry recognition with an Allie Award. Clients depend on Erin to design the right look for their events and she delivers consistently.
A world traveler since a young age, it’s Erin’s dream to travel to Italy one day to explore the country’s famous fashion and architecture.When she’s not dreaming about world travel, she’s happiest at home with her husband, son, and their black lab enjoying the Lowcountry lifestyle.
AMI TRAORE
Associate Manager, Meetings
Bio coming soon
IRIS ROBINSON
Controller
Trick of the trade: Righty Tighty. Lefty Loosey. Works every time.
Favorite Quote: "When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are." - Oprah Winfrey
As Controller for Destination South, Iris is responsible for streamlining financial reporting, processes and internal controls, while making sure things run smoothly across various departments. Iris has more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting in the hospitality, home-building and manufacturing industries. Her passion for people and processes combines perfectly in her role at Destination South.
Iris is an Atlanta native who never grows tired of cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. She also gives back to the community she loves through volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. A self-proclaimed foodie, she enjoys exploring the city and state’s diverse gastronomy including North Georgia’s beautiful vineyards. Iris likes to unwind with family and friends, and some of her favorite activities include swimming, bowling and dancing. Her dream trip is to explore the Maldives for both the cuisine and crystal-clear waters.
AMI TRAORE
Associate Manager, Meetings
OLIVIA FORTE
Operations Coordinator
Trick of the trade: Always pack Band-Aids. They’re multifunctional, and attendees will thank you!
Favorite Quote: “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
Olivia’s role as Operations Coordinator with Destination South Meetings and Events is a testament to the open and helpful nature of the events industry and Olivia’s character. Olivia first learned of Destination South while attending College of Charleston. Already majoring in Hospitality + Tourism Management, a guest speaker referenced Destination South in class one day. Olivia took the initiative to reach out to leaders at Destination South and build relationship which led to an internship and position within Destination South. Olivia’s proactive nature lends itself to her role as program coordinator. Her strong belief in teamwork allows her to work cross departmentally with ease supporting creative, sales, and operations. She loves touching each aspect of the events process and tackling new challenges every day.
Olivia is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and calls Charleston home now. She enjoys strolling the Battery while day dreaming about traveling to Bora Bora one day. Those over the water bungalows are calling!
HANNAH WHEELER
Meetings Coordinator
Bio coming soon
HANNAH WHEELER
Meetings Coordinator
Bio coming soon
HANNAH WHEELER
Meetings Coordinator
JULIE JOHNSTON
Chief Financial Officer
Signature Style: Perfection takes passion.
Favorite Quote: "Be the leader you expect of others."
Did You Know? An athlete and competitor from a young age, Julie went on from playing peewee football to becoming a cheerleader for the University of Georgia.
Bio Coming Soon
JULIE JOHNSTON
Chief Financial Officer
Signature Style: Perfection takes passion.
Favorite Quote: "Be the leader you expect of others."
Did You Know? An athlete and competitor from a young age, Julie went on from playing peewee football to becoming a cheerleader for the University of Georgia.
Bio Coming Soon
JULIE JOHNSTON
Chief Financial Officer
IRIS ROBINSON
Controller