Katie Choma

Southwestern Travel Group
Job Title: Senior Meeting & Incentives Planner
Address: 2451 Atrium Way
Nashville, TN 37214
United States
Work Phone: 6153912674 ext.
Mobile: 4846514750
Email: kchoma@southwestern.com
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Please describe a past program that you feel typifies the business opportunity you represent for our partners:

I had an incentive program travel to Costa Rica in May 2023. I managed the entire process from initial research to contracting to planning the trip and assisting with all execution. The group had 71 total travelers and 183 total room nights. Their home base was the Westin Reserva Conchal in Guancaste.

Similarly, I sent another group of 21 travelers to Panama at the Santa Maria Hotel & Golf Resort in January 2024.

I have sent other groups ranging from 15 to 250 travelers to Mexico, Kenya, Portugal, Patagonia, etc.

Please share with us an opportunity you are currently working on:

I am currently sourcing three incentive programs. One program will head to Punta Cana with approximately 80 room nights (32 travelers) in April 2025. Another program will head to Croatia, Italy, or Hawaii and this program has approximately 175 room nights (68 travelers) in March 2025. Another program will head to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in November 2024 with approximately 626 room nights. Yet another we have only just started sourcing will go to Argentina or Thailand in December 2024. This will be approximately 60 room nights (20 travelers).

I am currently planning a program in Ireland for 32 travelers, and it is 6 nights at The K Club outside of Dublin. I am also finishing up planning for an incentive program heading to Lisbon and Porto, Portugal in April/May 2024. This is 6 nights and 54 travelers.

Additionally, I am also sourcing for 3 corporate meetings within the States for October 2024, January 2025, and March 2025. The approximate room budget for all meetings is max $300 post-tax. They each have around 250 total attendees.

In what locales have you found the greatest program successes?

My smoothest program was a combo program between Santiago and Torres del Paine in Chile. The hotels were fantastic (Ritz Carlton Santiago and Rio Serrano in Patagonia), and the DMC I met and utilized was even better.

Typical duration of meeting or incentive program. (number of nights): 5
Level of luxury you expect for your most important programs: Mid-level Luxury: ($350-$500 per night), Luxury: ($500-$700 per night)

If money were no object, I would: I would donate a large chunk of money to places like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, local schools, and rehabilitation centers. Otherwise, I would endlessly travel the world to see and experience different cultures and all the beauty this world has to offer.
Something that would surprise you about me: I am a Divemaster in scuba diving. I absolutely love helping introduce others to the incredible beauty of the underwater world.

Type of company Incentive travel company
Average size of your programs? (number of rooms) Incentive programs – average of 150 total room nights / Corporate meetings – average of 550 total room nights