When you combine a passion for creating immersive experiences with Disney's expertise in rich storytelling you get an unparalleled conference environment. Here at Disney Meetings & Events, we pride ourselves on delivering the Disney Difference to our clients, who then become a part of our Disney family as they join us for their conferences year after year. Hear from Monica Villafana, Director of Client Relations and Executive Services, as she gives our readers a glimpse inside her experience hosting the Great Minds in Stem conference this past September at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. 

The 31st annual Great Minds in STEM Conference aimed to highlight the incredible accomplishments of national role models in STEM fields and create pathways for students to gain access to STEM Career opportunities. 

After hosting their conference in 2010, 2011 and 2012 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Monica and her team were excited to return to Disney in 2019 after the addition of Gran Destino Tower. She remarked, "In addition to the incredible customer service from the Disney Cast Members, the renovation and construction of the Tower elevated the security and allowed for the high-level Executives who participate to be able to stay at the Hotel. They liked the availability of Wi-Fi throughout the convention property, the eating establishments and the luxury of the Gran Destino Tower and its beautiful …convening venues."

 When asked about her experience with our team of expert planners, Monica emphasized "The team was amazing, from the sales team to the individuals who supported the events. They were great in anticipating our needs and making sure that all of our T’s were crossed and I’s were dotted. They were also instrumental in taking care of the many sponsors and their large teams so that they too had a pleasurable experience. Your concierge team and banquets and events team were also fabulous to work with. It was wonderful to see how the customer service experienced in previous years continued to be at same excellent level which was felt by all conference participants." 

When asked what her attendees enjoyed most about meeting at Disney, Monica said "The participants and in particular our Honorees were able to not only share their award experiences with their families, but they were able to make it a short vacation and enjoy the parks. All the Disney touches were fun as well from Mickey butter and desserts to the pretzels the venue allows for people to work and still have a bit of added fun." 

We are very excited for Monica and the team at Great Minds in Stem to return to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for their 32nd annual conference this September. Monica had this to say on why her group made the decision to return to Disney, "The overall experience of our conference … was magical for our STEM college students from across the country and Puerto Rico. From the moment they arrived on the Magical Express, to the beauty of the Gran Destino Tower, to have a fantastic conference and be able to leave with internships and job opportunities in STEM and have it be at such a wonderful venue was just amazing." 

Tell us - What was your most memorable moment from your group's Disney Meeting? Let us know on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn or Instagram using #DisneyMeetingsandEventsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings & Events representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii or at our international destinations, please contact us or submit a request for proposal or sign up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.