New Brunswick, NJ, October 18, 2022—Next Level Performance is excited to recognize our dedicated partners during the 2022 Travel Partners of the Year Awards—our first since the COVID pandemic. Next Level awards best travel partners of 2022 in the following categories:

DMC Partner of the Year: IMS
Hotel Partner of the Year: Bellagio

Our committed partners at IMS have been named DMC Partner of the Year for their contribution to the planning, site inspection, and on-site program execution during a financial services client’s incentive trip to Prague, Czech Republic. Tereza Gajdosova and Lucia Ratulovska of IMS were committed to delivering exceptional service, demonstrating the cultural authenticity and local insight that we always strive to achieve.

“Onsite, Tereza and her team were poised and ready to deliver on solutions for the challenges that arose and last-minute needs to make our program a success. We have never received higher marks on the client’s survey; it takes a village, and our DMC team was an essential part of that team,” shared Next Level’s Senior Travel Program Manager, Kolleen Whitley.

Michael Schillinger, Owner & CEO of IMS Vienna, Budapest and Prague says: “We are more than thrilled to receive the Next Level Performance DMC Partner of the Year Award for the key client’s Path to Prague program, which will continue to motivate us in the future. Even the biggest challenges can be overcome with the right team!”

“From the first touch points back in 2018 to the operation in 2022 working on the key client’s Path to Prague program and the collaboration with Next Level Performance was flawless and straightforward, although we had to face the well-known challenges of those days,” Tereza Gajdosova, Senior Project Manager at IMS Prague, looks back: “It was really a pleasure and fun to work with such a great team! I really enjoyed working with Kolleen Whitley, our Next Level Performance Senior Travel Program Manager. Her great long-term relationship with the client made the event truly special and extraordinary.”

Next Level also recognizes Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas as Hotel Partner of the Year, particularly their catering and banquet team for providing highly customized menus and overall, on-point execution throughout.

“As we all know, the last two years have been challenging for hotels. Service and employment levels have all dropped, however, throughout the planning process, beginning with our first site visit in April of 2021 through onsite execution, the team at the Bellagio was a true partner to us striving for excellence,” shared Next Level’s Director, Travel Operations, Cheryl Hammerschlag.

Bellagio’s catering sales manager, Jackie Kumalaa, and the rest of the banquet team took all challenges in stride and delivered high-quality service. Every unexpected encounter was met with resilience and as a result the program ran smoothly.

We are grateful for the 2022 winners and the partnership they have delivered to us and our clients. Below is more information about each award recipient.

About IMS – Your DMC in the Heart of Europe

With over 35 years in the industry, IMS is the leading Destination Management Company in Central and Eastern Europe, with headquarters in Vienna, Austria and fully owned subsidiaries in Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary. IMS manages incentive programs, conferences, product launches and large-scale corporate events by providing the full range of destination management services. IMS’ local staff in each destination is specially trained to bring the highest level of service in designing and operating professional events and providing a one-stop resource for any program needs.

About the Bellagio

The AAA Five Diamond Bellagio Resort & Casino is the premier Las Vegas destination. Plush with countless awards and accolades, visitors from across the globe immerse themselves in luxury with our exquisite amenities including world-class restaurants, entertainment and breathtaking Fountains of Bellagio™ views.

Bellagio’s 3,933 guest rooms and suites are a testament to its commitment to luxury. Striking balance between high style and high tech, offering innovative conveniences with a touch of warmth — the resort features diligent staff dedicated to guests’ every need. Suite guests can elevate their arrival experience, including private registration, pre-arrival concierge services, limo transport to and from the airport and access to the VIP Lounge — a private space offering gourmet refreshments and botanical garden views.

The newly renovated guest rooms in the resort’s main tower offer new sunrise and sunset designs and take inspiration from the movement of water, the beauty of nature and the reflection of light. 

With 200,000 square feet of meeting space, Bellagio’s meeting facilities include a 45,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 31,000-square-foot Tower Ballroom, 22,000-square-foot Bellagio Ballroom and 25 meeting rooms ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet to accommodate functions of all sizes. 

Experience creations from legendary chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Wolfgang Puck and Sirio Maccioni amidst the stunning backdrop of the iconic Fountains or the magnificent Conservatory.  Visitors immerse themselves in aquatic wonder at the breathtaking “O™” by Cirque du Soleil®.

Guests enjoy Bellagio’s Mediterranean-infused, al fresco poolside experience, featuring five distinctive pool courtyard settings.

See for yourself why we’re the one resort in Las Vegas that is truly second to none.

About Next Level Performance

Whether it’s a white-glove incentive travel program, an engaging employee platform, or an exciting sales campaign, everything we do is to help your company and its people Achieve More™. We offer a unique blend of strategic insight and value. Our full suite of solutions and rewards can be easily implemented and scaled to fit the budget and scope of the project. Every solution is grounded in over 40 years of experience, guided by the latest research on motivation and engagement, and driven by front-line managers.

For more information visit https://www.nxlperformance.com.

For questions regarding the 2022 Partners of the Year Awards, please contact:

Susan Adams
Vice President, Engagement Strategy & Corporate Services
Next Level Performance
[email protected]

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