Nicole Cozier
Nicole has more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry. Beginning with Walt Disney World in Florida, she later moved as Event Consultant for a premier off-premise catering company in Washington, D.C. Returning to Florida for 4 years, she served as Director of Catering at Celebration Hotel. Returning to Washington, D.C. so she could be closer to family, Nicole served in a sales role for the Regan Building until Kuoni recruited her. Kuoni Destination Management turned out to be the benefactor of Nicole’s dynamic background, and she says that it has been the perfect marriage of her career aspirations.
WHAT'S YOUR REGIONAL TERRITORY OR DESTINATION OF FOCUS?
Nicole primarily serves clients who operate programs in Washington, D.C., and also lends her expertise to client programs operating in Maryland and Virginia.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION?
A trip to our nation’s capital provides unparalleled access to Museums, Dining, Entertainment and Government institutions– all in one location. Washington, D.C. is called “one of the most exciting restaurant cities on the East Coast” by Travel + Leisure. D.C.’s culinary distinctions include James Beard award-winning chefs, AAA Five Diamond ratings and Esquire’s list of the “Best New Restaurants in America.”
Visitors come to D.C. to meet and have access to some of the most unique venues in the world. Where else can you tour with lawmakers on the hill, lunch with a Top Celebrity Chef, dine in the Library of Congress at dusk with a view of the Capitol, and wake up to coffee with the Washington Monument? It’s exhilarating!
HAVE YOU EMBRACED USING SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR WORK? IF SO, HOW?
Yes, I have been able to stay connected with clients and vendors through social media sites. I use social media to foster long term relationships, as well as stay on top of industry trends, networking opportunities and learn about new event spaces.
WHAT’S NEW AND HOT IN YOUR DESTINATION?
After many years on the radar, Washington is now thought of as a true culinary destination. From Bravo’s Top Chef contestants to James Beard Award Winners – a number of celebrity chefs are represented in our city. In addition, the burger and food truck craze is growing every day. Most notably so, is the addition of New York City’s “The Shake Shack” on DuPont Circle.
DESCRIBE THE BIGGEST MISPERCEPTION OF YOUR DESTINATION?
Meetings do not have to be government focused to have a place in Washington, D.C. This destination has so much to offer, and there are many people who have not been to U.S. nation’s capital ever in their lives.
WITH WHAT OTHER DESTINATIONS DOES YOUR DESTINATION COMMONLY COMPETE?
New York and Boston.
DESCRIBE SOMETHING FUN A TWIST ON EVENT CONCEPTS THAT YOU RECENTLY DID?
Recently, a client really wanted to somehow use the American History Museum. However, the venue was too large for her small 120 attendee final night event. Therefore, we proposed its use for a “Welcome to Washington” opening kick-off venue. Breakfast was served in Flag Hall, the foyer to the newly-renovated Star Spangled Banner Exhibit with a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard troop and the National Anthem, started things off. Colorful “Old Glory” inspired décor, and a beautiful, custom-designed event program, which included a guide to the museum, helped create an elegant and patriotic environment. It was a moving and memorable start to what the client later referred to as their “best meeting yet!”