Orlando, Fla. – February 28, 2025 – The GNEX Conference once again delivered unmatched access to senior-level decision-makers from more than 120 companies across the vacation industry. Held at the iconic Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, this year’s 15th anniversary event featured compelling discussions, innovative networking sessions, and record-breaking social events that continue to set a new benchmark for industry conferences.
Among the standout sessions was an in-depth economic outlook presented by Shawn Brydge, President of Wellington Financial, covering market conditions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Keynote speaker and customer experience expert Dan Gingiss delivered an engaging presentation on creating exceptional brand experiences that customers eagerly share.
THE BOARDROOM, GNEX’s unique Industry Leader Panel, featured eight prominent industry experts: Brian Miller, President of Vacation Ownership at Marriott Vacations Worldwide; Rinaldo Fernandez, SVP, Club Division at BlueDiamond Resorts; Warren Smith, EVP of Living Water Resorts; Bob McGrath, COO of Soleil Management; Robert Webb, Partner at BakerHostetler; Robert Clements, VP & General Counsel of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA); Gaetan Babin, President & CEO of the Canadian Resort & Travel Association (CRTA); and Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO of Perspective Group. The discussion covered crucial topics such as sales and marketing strategies, human resources challenges, the current economic and political environment, and ongoing industry consolidation.
Other notable sessions included a panel discussion on how leading travel brands are leveraging eCommerce innovations to implement virtual sales presentations and enhance digital customer engagement. Fr. Robert Spitzer, an award-winning author and President of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, also captivated attendees with insights on the four kinds of happiness that shape personal and professional success.
GNEX 2025 delivered in abundance when it came to networking and entertainment. The event kicked off with a cocktail party and silent auction supporting Send Me On Vacation, a charity dedicated to breast cancer survivors. Golf enthusiasts teed off at Bear’s Best Las Vegas for the largest GNEX tournament ever, with 32 participants competing in a stunning desert course setting. The conference also hosted the GNEX Poker Tournament at the Bellagio, featuring the highest prize pool in GNEX history.
Attendees were also treated to an exclusive cocktail hour on stage before experiencing Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple—a thrilling fusion of acrobatics, music, dance, and comedy celebrating New York City.
The event concluded with the 15th Annual GNEX Vacation Industry Awards during the farewell cocktail party, featuring a premium open bar and classic Vegas entertainment—including a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with an Elvis impersonator.
2025 GNEX Vacation Industry Award Winners
Recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the hospitality industry, the GNEX Vacation Industry Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across various sectors. This year’s winners included:
All winners received a beautifully crafted crystal trophy and a customized GNEX Vacation Industry Awards Winner logo to use on their websites and marketing material. Nominations for the 2026 awards will be opening soon.
Thank you to all our GNEX 2025 Sponsors: arrivia, Shopr Rewards, Vacation SafeGuard, INTUITION, Generator, Move, Concord Servicing, ABC Marketing Services, JJS Global, Resort Data Processing, Rimco Marketing Products, TravNow Vacations, Vacation Innovations, Vacation Ownership Advisor, Jim Madrid, Monterey Financial Services, ONE, Resonate, The Luna Agency, Towb, Trinity Service Enterprises, Asociacion de Complejos Vacacionales y Turisticos A.C. (ACOTUR), Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos (AMDETUR), American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Canadian Resort & Travel Association (CRTA), Resort Trades, and Send Me On Vacation (SMOV).
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities visit https://gnexconference.com/sponsorship
About GNEX Vacation Industry Awards
The global recognition program highlights excellence throughout many sectors of the vacation ownership and hospitality industry. From resort specific awards, through legal, finance, technology, media, design, philanthropy, entrepreneurialism, innovation and more, there is an award to recognize every company that operates within the vacation ownership industry. For more details visit https://gnexconference.com/awards
About GNEX Conference
With a new destination every year, a heavy focus on networking, high-quality events, and innovative format, GNEX Conferences attract senior-level executives from more than 100+ companies across the globe. The conference brings together a unique mix of attendees from traditionally separated segments of the hospitality industry, enabling you to network with companies that specialize in Hotels, Vacation Ownership, Resort Real Estate, Vacation Rentals, OTAs, Travel Agencies & Travel Clubs, plus all the vendors that supply them, including Resort Management, Sales & Marketing, Legal & Financial, Construction & Renovation, Technology, HR & Training and more.
Media ContactCompany Name: GNEX ConferenceContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Send EmailAddress:111 N. Magnolia Avenue Suite 1575City: OrlandoState: FLCountry: United StatesWebsite: www.gnexconference.com
