Meet Our Customer Advisory Board

Discover Puerto Rico's Customer Advisory Board brings together a diverse group of industry leaders and experts dedicated to shaping the future of travel and tourism on the Island. 

As valued partners, they provide strategic insights and collaborate on innovative ideas to enhance Puerto Rico's offerings, ensuring it remains a top destination for travelers worldwide.

Customer Advisory Board Member

John Williams


President of American Guest

Our experience with Discover Puerto Rico was truly unmatched. While in the midst of an RFP for a 500-person incentive, we scheduled a site visit with less than 24 hours from touchdown (4:30 PM) to takeoff (1:30 PM). During that time, we managed to visit three hotels, four venues, enjoy dinner and lunch, and even tour a private island.

Discover Puerto Rico was with us every step of the way, ensuring everything went smoothly and seamlessly. It was truly a "wow" experience, delivered with exceptional efficiency and always with a smile.

Customer Advisory Board Member

Melissa Soto


Lead Meeting Planner, Events & Incentives at Lennox Residential HVAC

As a meeting planner, I’ve organized events worldwide, but hosting our program in Puerto Rico was truly exceptional. The accessibility made everything so seamless. As a U.S. territory, attendees from the mainland didn’t need passports, and with direct flights from major cities, the arrival process was smooth and hassle-free.

We hosted our program at one of the Island's luxury beachfront resorts, which provided a perfect blend of tropical charm and professional ambiance. The diversity of activities for our attendees was remarkable—exploring the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, salsa dancing at our reception, or venturing into El Yunque Rainforest for team-building adventures. Puerto Rico offered a unique balance of business and culture, enriching our program in ways few destinations could.

The local support was outstanding. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company assisted with planning logistics and connected us with local vendors, and their bilingual staff made coordination effortless. The culinary scene was another highlight—from traditional Puerto Rican dishes to modern fusion cuisine, every meal was an unforgettable experience.

What I appreciated most was the sense of safety and ease—being under U.S. laws brought a level of trust and comfort that everyone valued.

In short, Puerto Rico delivers everything a meeting planner could want: accessibility, stunning venues, rich culture, and an unforgettable experience for attendees. It’s the perfect destination to blend business with leisure and create lasting impressions.

Customer Advisory Board Member

Carvie Gillikim


Chief Executive Officer (MGME)

Our May 2024 incentive trip to Puerto Rico exceeded all expectations. The Island offered a unique blend of modern facilities and breathtaking natural beauty, creating the perfect setting for productive sessions and activities that delighted our winners. Puerto Rico’s well-equipped conference spaces and exceptional hospitality allowed us to focus on our objectives while feeling immersed in paradise.

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico’s convenient travel access simplified logistics for our team and clients, with no need for passports or currency exchange. Beyond the meeting rooms, the Island’s rich culture, diverse cuisine, and vibrant local life provided unforgettable experiences that fostered deeper connections and camaraderie within our group.

Puerto Rico has set a new standard for our team meetings, offering everything needed for business success along with the warm and inspiring environment that only the Caribbean can provide. We look forward to returning!

Customer Advisory Board Member

John Winnet


Founding Partner & CEO of HartWinn Group, Former Executive Director of SACNAS

In 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting with Discover Puerto Rico as a potential site for the 2023 National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference hosted by SACNAS. As the nation's largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM organization with over 10,000 members, SACNAS needed a conference location that valued diversity, inclusion, equity, and STEM. After experiencing Puerto Rico's rich history and culture, exceptional food, and the warm and welcoming spirit of its people, we realized that Puerto Rico was more than just a place to host a conference. We wholeheartedly believed that attendees would feel like part of a family, not just visitors.

Brad and his team at Discover Puerto Rico became dynamic partners, helping SACNAS break its all-time conference registration record with over 6,000 attendees. If you're considering Puerto Rico as the destination for your next conference, meeting, incentive trip, or group event, stop thinking and make it happen—it was the best decision we ever made!

Customer Advisory Board Member

Patricia Dawn Faron


Senior Account Director, Meetings & Incentives at GMR Marketing

Our partnership with Discover Puerto Rico has been nothing short of exceptional. Since our introduction, their team has provided unparalleled guidance and support, ensuring every aspect of our collaboration was seamless and successful. Their dedication and expertise are qualities I have come to rely on. With over 30 years in this industry, I can confidently say their efforts outshine most. I am grateful for their commitment to their customers and to Puerto Rico, and I look forward to many successful ventures in the future.

Customer Advisory Board Member

Bryan Ganek


Strategic Account Manager, Sourcing at NHS Global Events

I have had the absolute pleasure of exploring and sourcing Puerto Rico for both client meetings and incentive trips. Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of luxury, resort, city, and waterfront properties, providing clients with numerous options for their programs. The culture, food, and history of the Island create an amazing atmosphere, and the fact that passports aren’t required is a significant benefit for groups seeking a destination in the Caribbean.

Customer Advisory Board Member

Diane McGinnity


Industry Relations Manager & Event Solutions at BI Worldwide

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