DeSilva Meeting Consultants is a DMC Network Company founded in 2003 by DeSilva.
The company is committed to client satisfaction, meticulous event planning, and has a proven track record of successfully managing meetings and events.
Headquartered on the island of Maui, it has full-time staff working from Oahu and Hawaii Island (Big Island).
The primary programs the company manages are high-level incentives for 50 to 1000 participants, which take care of everything from transport to event production, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, team-building and entertainment.
This year is shaping up to be big for DeSilva Meeting Consultants. The number of confirmed contracted programs for 2024 is already 30 per cent ahead of 2023.
The company’s primary market is North America, however it works with clients from Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand. It has also worked with numerous multinational corporations with offices and employees all over the world.
The last program from Australia was an incentive for an insurance company. They stayed on Kaua’i and were drawn to the destination by the exciting outdoor activities available there, including off-road 4WD adventures, ziplining, rainforest and waterfall hikes, kayaking, snorkelling and helicopter tours.
For many of our programs, there’s a strong focus on CSR. That was already trending prior to 2024 and was being heavily supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawaii Visitor & Convention Bureau (HVCB) and the local DMC industry.
However, after the devastating fires in Lahaina and Kula, on Maui in 2023, CSR became even more important.
The people of Hawaii care deeply about the environment, and that is reflected in every aspect of a program.
From partnering with activity vendors that have formal, stated sustainability policies, to donating to local environmental organisations, there are many ways to support efforts to care for our islands.
Overcoming bushfires and inaccurate reporting
A reduction in direct flights followed the Maui fires in August 2023.
That was a challenge during that period, as was a lot of incorrect information in the news and social media immediately after the fires. Trying to navigate that situation with compassion and empathy required a measured approach.
Hospitality industry jobs are a huge percentage of the economy on Maui (and throughout the state of Hawaii). We need to support people to get back to work to support their families, pay rent/mortgage, and buy food and other essentials, while at the same time caring for, and supporting, those who lost everything.
Some people are not ready to get back to work and are focused on rebuilding their lives.
Our message is: please come to Maui or any of the other incredible islands in our state.
DMC is intent on representing the beautiful Hawaiian/Polynesian culture authentically, accurately and respectfully. Most of our clients embrace this mission and recognise it’s an important and valuable part of partnering with us.
