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Destination Everywhere

Author: Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth

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Come along for travel adventures of a lifetime, as we join hospitality and travel entrepreneurs Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth in search of the world’s best meeting and travel destinations. They’re checking-in with celebrities in the know, hospitality experts and native connoisseurs to discover inspirational venues and things to do. Explore the world’s most unique and desirable hotels, exotic foods with top chefs, and must-do experiences along the way. Andy and Todd go back to their favorite travel destinations and explore new places, while bringing you along.


Andy and Todd are the founders of American Meetings, Inc. (AMI), a global meetings management and destination sourcing firm that has led them to event production in over one hundred countries.


Andy McNeill, AMI’s CEO and Founder, has over 30 years of experience in the global meeting management and hospitality services, making him a thought leader in the hospitality and meetings industry. Born and raised in South Florida, Andy began his love of travel by experiencing the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands as a child with his family who were avid boaters. Seeing different cultures lit the passion of travel. When he started AMI, the company compelled him to travel extensively, exposing him to the best hotels and locales in the world. He is a true veteran of the hospitality and meetings industry, and contributes to a weekly blog series on the topic of professional meeting management. Bringing a wealth of event management knowledge to the AMI team, Andy firmly believes in the strategic meeting management model, and provides the practice as a consulting service to Fortune 500 clients.


Sharing the mic with Andy is his business and life partner Todd Bludworth. As an Army brat, Todd has lived abroad his entire childhood, including Germany, Florida, Hawaii and Kansas, before his family settled down in the Washington, D.C. area. His father traveled the world as Army Liaison for the US Senate, and always brought exciting gifts home to the family. This fascinated Todd, and his desire to see the world never waned. In Todd’s early career, he managed a political campaign, then later became a Special Events Manager in South Florida for an Anheuser-Busch distributor. He spent seven years working on some of the state’s largest and most successful sporting and social events, before he started traveling the world to produce meetings and events on almost every continent. In 2005, Todd joined AMI as Chief Marketing Officer then became a Principal owner in 2006.


Whether you’re seeking a corporate meeting venue, or simply have a passion for unique travel experiences, hear from Andy, Todd and their special guests: Business experts, historians, hotel general managers and famous chefs from the region… all know their way around the greatest places to stay, the best activities, and the top restaurants to provide the best overall meeting or destination travel experience. So come along to the best places to stay and the most amazing adventures to do through The Destination Everywhere Podcast.

70 Episodes
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Attracting more tourists than even New York City, Orlando is a top global travel destination and the fastest-growing metro area in Florida. While it’s nearly impossible to think of Orlando without thinking of its iconic theme parks, the city hosts hundreds of conferences and conventions each year - also making it a top business travel destination. Today we will be focusing on 4 signature Orlando hotels that are great for vacationers and business travelers alike. We will also interview Orlando resident and James Beard, Nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo. We are very excited to explore this great American city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Orlando.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
As great as London may be, it tends to be the place that most people go – and stay in – when they visit the UK. If you need event destinations outside the capital, consider these cities (which are easily accessible by air). Join Todd Bludworth in this Spotlight Episode as he explores the best place to host your next event with Pip MacFarlane. ●     Edinburgh○     The Scottish capital is the perfect spot for history, spectacular views, and a traditional experience of Scotland○     Choose a venue in the historic Old Town, with the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, or the bustling, neoclassical New Town○     In the evenings, unwind with a scotch and classic Scottish dishes such as haggis, black pudding, or Scottish smoked salmon○     Looking for a fun bonding activity? Try traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing (pronounced kay-lee)●     Manchester○     The UK’s “second city”, Manchester, has a large international airport, so it’s perfect for welcoming your global guests○     Vibrant city in the north of England○     Home to one of the world’s best-known soccer clubs, Manchester United○     Great nightlife in Manchester, so ideal for unwinding after a busy day of meetings○     Also close to Liverpool, the music capital of the UK●     Brighton○     30 mins from London Gatwick Airport, one hour from central London○     Arty seaside town - not quite the Florida Keys, but a great example of a British seaside town○     May is Brighton Festival season, a big arts festival showcasing music, dance, theater, performance art, and more○     Brighton Pride takes place in August. Brighton is considered the “LGBTQ+ capital of the UK” and is known for its open-minded community and fun atmosphere○     Opt for an event venue on the seafront for views over the English Channel●     Birmingham○     Birmingham is around an hour northwest of London by train (worth mentioning that all big cities are very reachable by train in the UK!)○     Huge, very multicultural city○     Head to Cadbury World to enjoy the most famous British chocolate○     Opt for the city center, cultural hub Digbeth or historic Jewellery Quarter for the best event venues in the middle of the action○     This is the place to be to sample a huge array of different cuisines●     Belfast○     Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and just a short hop across the sea from Great Britain (the main island of the UK)○     It’s a lot less busy than the big English cities, so ideal for a more laid-back atmosphere○     The Ballyhackamore district is the “brunch capital of Belfast”, earning it the nickname “Ballysnackamore.”○     The Titanic was built in Belfast in 1912, and there is a popular Titanic Museum○     If you want to make the most of your time in Northern Ireland, be sure to head out to Giant’s Causeway, north of Belfast, for one of the country’s most striking natural featuresLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
On this spotlight episode of The Destination Everywhere Podcast, our hosts Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth share their favorite meeting and event spaces after 20 years of planning corporate gatherings in New York City. From iconic and historical ballrooms in Manhattan to an industrial-chic former steel factory in Brooklyn, you will discover some of the best venues to host small and large groups and provide an unforgettable experience.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Amsterdam, "The Venice of the North," is the capital of the Netherlands and is renowned for its historical attractions, amazing art, and its well-preserved old neighborhoods. It's one of the most culturally diverse cities on the planet - drawing more than 5 million international visitors each year. Today, we’ll be exploring Amsterdam with the General Manager of The Hilton Amsterdam, Alessio Colavecchio. And sharing the stage is Remi Oerlemans, the creator and owner of Amsterdam’s De Deli and Borri Box, with his take on this incredible city.  We are excited to explore this great European capital city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Amsterdam.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Madrid, the capital of Spain and the second largest city in the EU after Berlin, is a financial and cultural hub located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. With its renowned museums, delicious cuisine, and year-round sun, it's no wonder why it is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 6 million visitors a year. Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill explore Madrid with Fiorella Simoes, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel. Sharing the stage with her is Maria Jose Jorda, the CEO of GastroCult, a company specializing in curated gastronomy and cultural tours of Spain. We are excited to explore this great European capital city on this episode of Destination Everywhere: Madrid.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
As global warming and the climate crisis become top of mind for many travelers, finding eco-friendly hotels is becoming a more significant factor in travel decisions. You’re doing your part to help the environment by staying at one of these sustainable resorts. In this spotlight episode, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth present their top hotel picks that possess a Silver Lead Certification and above. They discuss how these admirable establishments are built to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a healthier environment for both workers and guests. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Vacation homes can provide an amazing travel experience for large families and small corporate groups. But what if you want resort-like amenities right at your fingertips, including meals and concierge-like destination services? Look no further, as Kim LaLande has all the answers to making your next home-away-from-home destination a breeze.  Kim is the Founder & CEO of KEY, a company that makes it easier for travelers to book vetted vacation homes, curated experiences, and in-home services in one place. Tune in to learn more about their different services and offerings to help make your next getaway hassle-free.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, and Gotham are all nicknames for the most populous city in the US – New York City. It’s the largest, most diverse, wealthiest and most influential American metropolis – making it the cultural and financial hub of the country.Andy and Todd talk to Prince A. Sanders, the managing director of the iconic Park Lane New York hotel which has recently been completely reimagined. They also get comedic insight on the nightlife of NYC with stand-up comedian, actor, and resident Adam Mamawala.Tune in as they share their must-visit places in the city and clue you in on their favorite places to be on a night or day out. Get tips for tourists straight from the locals.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Andy McNeill has traveled all over the world skiing, and in today’s episode, he’ll be sharing his top recommended European ski destinations that are great for corporate group travel. These locations are ideal for incentives, congratulatory events, sales meetings, and any event where you want to host many guests and provide an amazing experience. Find out which ski spots in Europe captured his heart by tuning in!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Are you looking to take your team on a beach trip? In this special spotlight episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list down their top ten tropical hotels fit for incentive trips and large group destinations. They share all the details you need to find the right venue for your team and make planning your program easier. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
It’s time to explore the nation’s capital, the great American city of Washington, DC! Joining Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth for today’s episode is Laura Schofield. Laura is the General Manager of Conrad Washington, DC. She is a second-generation hotelier who grew up around the industry and naturally progressed into becoming a part of it. For today’s show, she talks about the wonderful amenities of the Conrad and why it’s the place to be for guests in the area. Laura also shares her favorite things about Washington and her go-to spots for leisure. Andy and Todd also share their destination favorites, so stay tuned.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
When doing concierge travel, you have to find the right places everyone can enjoy. You will be handling huge groups and organizations, so finding a place that offers a unique experience is key. From the Haciendas of Cuernavaca to the City of New Orleans, many different places around North America can provide something unique. Join Todd Bludworth as he talks to Kim Gustavsson about travel concierge. Kim has traveled to 86 countries, studied 7 languages, and worked as a Leadership Development and Organizational Transformation consultant. He also owns one of the world's largest LGBTQ cruise and vacation agencies. Learn more about concierge travel and where you can bring people on their next retreat.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Because of its pivotal role in the American Revolution, Boston became rich in both cultural and scientific aspects. This global city is home to delicious seafood, mesmerizing culture, and colorful traditions. Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth delve into the heart of Boston with Catherine Allgor, President of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and Michele Gross, Managing Director of The Langham Hotel. Andy and Todd also share their favorite things to visit and do when visiting Boston, from trying out various dishes to seeing historical artifacts that provide a glimpse of the past.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Hotels are the places to be when you need accommodation and want to immerse in the area's rich history and culture. In this special look-back episode on one of their past spotlight discussions, Andy McNeill and Todd Bludworth list down their top five unique hotel traditions and events. From the Peninsula on the West Coast all the way to Dromoland Castle in Ireland, the duo discusses how each hotel showcases the extravagant things their respective regions have to offer.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth are fresh off from their trip in Costa Rica and are here to share their favorite Costa Rican hotels! From inland to beachside to the heart of the city, Andy and Todd have got you covered. The ideal location for your next destination travel might be somewhere in this special spotlight episode. Don’t miss out!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Nothing beats the feeling of staying in a good boutique hotel, where you can feel like you're being pampered while having that homey feel. Join your hosts Todd Bludworth and Andy McNeill as they share some of their favorite boutique hotels where you can have your gatherings. So pack up your things and start planning that business trip because these hotels are not to be missed. Start living elegantly on these dream destinations today.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Thinking of traveling to Philadelphia but don’t know where to start? Andy McNeill has brought in experts to help you straighten out your Philly travel plans! Chef Jose Garces is an Iron Chef, father, husband, James Beard Award-winner, entrepreneur, and food innovator. As a child of immigrants and a leader in the diverse and inclusive hospitality industry, the well-being of his community in Philadelphia has always been dear to Chef Garces’ heart. He shares his favorite spots in the area and where you can visit him for top-tier Spanish and Latin-American food. JoAnn Wrenn is the General Manager of The Logan Hotel and oversees all day-to-day operations of the 391-room address on Logan Square in downtown Philadelphia. Tune in as she shares her favorite vacation spots and fun activities you can try out even within their hotel premises. Find out why Philadelphia might be the ideal place for your next event destination.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Looking for travel tips? In this episode Todd Bludworth sits down with Alex Malebranche to discuss their favorite travel and beach destinations! Alex is the founder of PlaneAhead and has travelled in about 30 countries—and counting! His love for travel was also what inspired his company, PlaneAhead, where he helps his customers get the best airline prices for their trip. Tune in as he discusses how you can save on your next flight!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Food is at the heart of any travel experience. In this special episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth list their top four chefs from all over the world that they've featured over the last two seasons. Check-in and get to know who made the list and where you can visit their restaurants for an out-of-this-world, local cuisine dining experience. Stay tuned! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is sure to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of the destinations to look forward to in a trip to Africa is Cape Town. For this episode, Andy McNeill & Todd Bludworth interview The Wine Fairy, Katie Barratt, a Cape Town wine expert, and a certified tour guide. Sharing the stage with her is Luis Pinheiro, general manager of The Silo Hotel – the standard for luxury accommodation in Cape Town, housing exotic African contemporary art pieces. Tune in as they explore the exotic luxury centered around Cape Town, South Africa.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://americanmeetings.com/podcast
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