Sicily off the beaten path
In 2018, we partnered with Irina Graf and Farhan Hußeynli to create a small yet meaningful documentary about Sicily, a place close to our hearts.
Sicily is a treasure trove of culture and history, deserving exploration that respects its essence while embracing the innovation inherent in its traditions.
We’re happy to share a glimpse from the documentary, featuring an interview Farhan conducted with Ed, an American architect who fell in love with Sicily after marrying a Sicilian.
Ed's journey beautifully illustrates what we aim to provide—a genuine connection to the land, its people, and its traditions.
This philosophy drives everything we do: enabling travellers to embrace authenticity, honour traditions, genuinely value the places they visit, and contribute meaningfully to the local communities they encounter.
This commitment is at the core of who we are and what we do every single day.
Our journey has been "off the beaten path" from day one, over a decade ago.
Driven by passion and purpose, our mission remains steadfast: to inspire and help people experience Italy in all its beautiful diversity.
A heartfelt thank you to Irina from The MICE Blog for her unwavering support in showcasing Italy as a premier destination, and to Farhan for his masterful storytelling that brought Sicily's essence to life.
#EventPlanning #Sicilyoffthebeatenpath #EventDestinations #AuthenticTravel
"Our wedding was perfect. Every last detail was amazing because of you! Thank you so much for everything! We appreciate you more than you know."
Each corner of Italy tells its own enchanting tale, and Kellie and Duncan’s wedding was no exception.
It was an honor to bring their vision to life, crafting a celebration infused with Italy’s timeless charm, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions.
Kellie DeMarco, an inspiring American media expert and presentation coach, and her husband Duncan entrusted us with their dream destination wedding, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome.
It was a day of joy, connection, and unforgettable moments, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Their heartfelt testimonial reminds us why we love what we do: creating unforgettable memories in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
A heartfelt grazie mille to Dragon Roll Media for capturing the magic through stunning photos.
To Kellie and Duncan: thank you for trusting us with your big day. May your future together be as radiant and full of love as your wedding day!
#ItalianDestinationWedding #ItalyWedding #EventPlanner
Our founder, Laura, shares a few takeaways from her participation at the 33rd MPI Convention, "Oltre."
👉 The moment we are living in is pivotal. While we’re surrounded by challenges, there are also positive changes taking place. It’s up to us to choose where we stand and how we respond.
👉 To truly promote Italy, we must understand its essence. This means immersing ourselves in the territory, embracing its authenticity, and going beyond simply selling what’s easiest to market. By doing so, we can combat the growing phenomenon of overtourism and protect what makes Italy special.
👉 Genoa is a hidden gem. This city is rich in culture and brimming with activities. I can’t wait to return and explore more!
👉 Ancient Romans were masters of event organization. We can learn from their approach to managing the flow of people and draw inspiration for addressing modern challenges like overtourism.
👉 Life balance matters more than “work-life balance.” A balanced life creates harmony, both personally and professionally.
👉 Lean management creates happier teams. Investing in efficient and people-focused systems can make all the difference for companies and employees alike.
👉 And lastly, a quote from Bruce Burton that Mauro Gatti included in his presentation on how the competitive brain works:
“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside themselves was superior to circumstance.”
At Italian Special Occasions, we aim to do so much more than just transform the way people travel.
We are committed to creating a meaningful social and positive impact on the local territories and showcasing an Italy that goes far beyond the Colosseum or St. Mark’s Square.
Meeting with so many passionate professionals during the Convention has been an invaluable experience—one that has fueled our creativity and inspired us to go “oltre”—to go beyond.
A heartfelt thank you to MPI Italia Chapter and
We were thrilled to participate in the recent Ediman event in Rome, gathering with 33 distinguished meeting planners and over 30 representatives from leading destinations and venues!
Hosted at The Hive Rome from November 8 to 10, this workshop was a hub of collaboration and discovery.
Through focused one-on-one meetings, we explored the latest trends and opportunities within the MICE sector, enriching our perspectives and partnerships.
And a standout experience was the exclusive tour of Villa Paolina Bonaparte: from the historic gardens and the Egyptian room to the grand salons, every corner shared stories of Italy’s rich history.
The villa, now home to the French Embassy to the Holy See, was built in 1750 by Cardinal Silvio Valenti Gonzaga and has witnessed key historical events, including those leading to Italy's unification in 1870.
We extend our thanks to Ediman Meeting e Congressi for organising this event. The connections, insights, and memories we gained inspire us to elevate our services and expand our network of trusted partners.
Here’s to many more collaborative events that enrich the MICE experience in Italy and beyond!
#eventplanning #meetingprofs #corporateevents
Opera Experience For Corporate Events
If you're looking for a unique reward for your top-performing professionals, our Opera Experience offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Combine the beauty of Italian landscapes, history, and culinary delights with the enchantment of opera, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
At Italian Special Occasions, we have crafted a special travel experience inspired by the opera "Si dice in Italia" by the talented composer Lawrence Siegel.
This exclusive itinerary is more than just a trip; it’s a journey into the heart of Italy, woven around a musical love letter to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Contact us for more information on how we can help you reward your employees with an extraordinary trip that celebrates success in style.
Curious to know more? Browse through our Opera Experience brochure https://italianspecialoccasions.com/corporate-events/
95% of travellers prefer authentic local experiences when visiting new destinations.
But how often do we, as event planners, truly integrate this into our corporate events?
That’s why supporting small businesses that preserve and celebrate the authenticity of their region is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must!
We handpick and collaborate with many different small businesses and entrepreneurs around Italy.
One of them is Adriano, a passionate young entrepreneur dedicated to his family’s heritage in the Roero area of Piedmont.
His family farm, Bajaj, produces incredible wines and local delicacies and offers an unforgettable hospitality experience for travellers and small groups.
This was the perfect spot for a teambuilding event in Piedmont, where we combined the winemaking experience with hiking and biking activities.
The event ended with a delicious and authentic lunch on the farm overlooking Roero’s idyllic panorama, which can set the perfect backdrop for any corporate gathering.
What stood out most when event attendees met Adriano? His enthusiasm.
His passion for the land and its traditions is contagious, from sharing his family’s deep-rooted history to walking the group through the intricate winemaking process.
** The statistic at the beginning of the post is from a study commissioned by GetYourGuide in November 2022 regarding travel trends in 2023.
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What types of local experiences do you incorporate into your events?
#EventProfs #EventPlanner #LocalExperiences #CorporateEvents
When doing site inspections in Palermo…
When doing site inspections in Palermo…
The “apetta” is a great and typically local way to cross the historic centre's cobblestone streets and narrow alleys!
Have you ever been on one of these traditional three-wheeled vehicles in Italy?
#palermo #eventplanner #siteinspection
Museums as event venues
Have you ever attended or organised an event in a unique venue like a museum?
What impact did it have on the overall experience?
Share your thoughts!
#EventVenues #EventPlanner
Amalfi Coast: June vs February - Can you spot the differences?
Can you spot the differences?
This is a clear example of how mass tourism makes you NOT want to see a place anymore.
When you find yourself in situations like this, you don’t enjoy the place – whether you are the tourist who travels or the person providing services locally.
In high season, prices are wild, and there is often little organisation.
Tour guides and services strive to accommodate the influx, often at the expense of authenticity and quality.
This rush can dampen the joy of tourists and locals, as the true essence of the Amalfi Coast gets lost in the hustle.
On the other hand, low and mid-seasons offer a tranquil escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the genuine charm of the region.
Visitors can savour local culture without the rush. And locals can provide services in a relaxed, sustainable manner, ensuring a more enriching and authentic experience.
Timing can make all the difference in your event and travel experience!
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What are your thoughts on traveling during off-peak seasons? Have you experienced the difference?
Let us know in the comments.
#Seasonality #SustainableEvents #ResponsibleTourism #ISODMC #EventPlanner
Sports & Education for the children of VSA Kenya
In a world flooded with negative news, we often forget the incredible stories of hope.
One such story is about the children of the Victoria Sports Association in Kenya.
This grassroots organization inspires by helping disadvantaged children stay in school through the power of sports.
Coach Dennis Otieno founded the association in 2006.
Despite his humble origins and living in a slum, his dedication led him to attend 3 coaching courses in football, one of which was a funded scholarship in Rome.
Dennis believes that education and sports are fundamental pillars for the holistic development of children – and we agree with him.
Education empowers young minds, promoting critical thinking, innovation, and economic growth.
On the other hand, sports teach invaluable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership.
The activities organised by VSA Kenya include talks on the importance of planting and preserving trees and the environment, sex ed and community empowerment.
VSA’s programme promotes the physical health and mental well-being of girls and boys, creating well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society.
As event planners committed to making a positive impact, we are happy to support VSA Kenya.
At our events, we distribute branded water bottles to attendees, with proceeds going towards the association's education fees and sports activities.
If you would like to learn more about VSA Kenya and help Coach Dennis, visit VSA KENYA - Gem, Siaya
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Do you support any beautiful initiatives with your events?
#EventProfs #SustainableEvents #Education #PositiveImpactEvents #EventsCreateChange
Off-site meeting with team-building activities for a sales team
Upon their return home, the Client confirmed the group’s total satisfaction with our off-site meeting, thanked us for our dedication and availability, and hinted that they wanted to repeat the experience!
What made this corporate retreat so special?
Watch the video and find more insights in our case study on our blog.
#OffSiteMeeting #EventPlanner #TeamBuilding #CorporateRetreat