Professionals dedicated to the success of your program
Our outstanding Senior Management team has many years of experience and successful service in the destination management, incentive travel and tourism industries. Meet the Pacific Destination Services people – energetic, creative and wholly reliable:
Joanne Burns Millar
President
As a ten-year veteran of the Canadian National Netball Team, Joanne knows it takes a strong team working together to succeed. She also recognizes that every great team needs a leader—one who understands the game, inspires the players, and directs overall strategy. As founding member of Pacific Destination Services, Joanne is the driving force behind providing PDS’ clients with creative programs, exceptional service, and flawless execution. As ‘captain’ of the PDS team, she is very aware that a crucial
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key to success is carefully choosing her team members and enabling each to perform to the best of their ability.
A graduate in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, Joanne combined her experience as Managing Director of a Vancouver-based Destination Management firm with her proven entrepreneurial spirit and founded Pacific Destination Services in 1998. Intent on providing discerning clientele with unique and memorable experiences throughout the province of British Columbia, Joanne and her team have successfully grown PDS into the most reputable destination management company in the region.
In addition to her role as President, Joanne has been a contributing member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) and a board member of the Influential Women in Business Association. She is also a member of Association of Destination Management Executives.
"We would like to express our appreciation to you and all the members of your company who made the recent Vancouver 'Only The Best' Club meeting such a memorable experience for all who attended. The on-site execution and careful planning are key elements and you did a great job creating and executing the best OTB events thus far. It was a great meeting, full of very special events, wonderful activities and lasting memories. We look forward to the next time we are able to come to Vancouver to work with you!"
General Motors Corporation,
Michigan, USA |
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Terri Samson
Vice President
Terri’s many years of destination management
experience in British Columbia make her an invaluable member of the PDS team. A former Vancouver dance instructor in tap and ballet, her remarkable reserves of energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence have been key factors in the growth and success of PDS since the company’s inception. Terri’s creative arts background is combined with business acumen – she has a Business Diploma from Kwantlen College and is in the |
process of obtaining her business degree at Simon Fraser University.
Always active and involved, Terri is a respected member of the Canadian meeting & incentive travel industry. She is past Chairperson of the Partners in Professional Planning Conference Committee and member of the Board of Directors of the BC Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Born and raised in Vancouver, Terri is deeply committed to establishing British Columbia as a premier destination for the international meeting & incentive travel industry.
“Your team did a PHENOMENAL job!! Their attention to detail really showed. They were knowledgeable, professional and courteous when dealing with attendees…they handled every change, no matter how last minute, with ease and precision…the CEO’s described the Magic on the Mountain event as “walking right into a dream.” The entire team was a pleasure to work with!!
Ambassadors Performance,
CA |
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Amanda Dreger, CMP
Senior Operations Manager
Amanda’s vast and varied knowledge of the tourism and hospitality industries makes her perfectly suited to her role as PDS’ Senior Operations Manager. In addition to her four years in the destination management industry and three years with the prestigious Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, Amanda is a graduate of Guelph University with a Bachelor of Commerce honours degree in Hotel and Food Administration. In 2002, Amanda again expanded her skill-set by obtaining accreditation as a |
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).
Amanda’s exceptional organizational skills and proven attention to detail ensure that PDS’ programs and events are executed flawlessly, regardless of their complexity.
"The professionalism Pacific Destinations displayed on this program was beyond reproach. From the initial meetings in Vancouver through the site inspection, and the minute-by-minute planning of the programs to execution, our experience was excellent. We would not hesitate to recommend your service to other clients, as we can attest to the fact that they would be in good hands."
Spellman Travel Partners Inc., Boston, MA
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Annika Ruberg
Senior Account Manager
Born and raised in Sweden, Annika brings an international flavour to the Pacific Destination Services team. Her varied background includes three years of nursing in England and two years of exploring the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. But when Annika discovered the recreational opportunities and natural splendour of British Columbia, she knew she had found her home.
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Upon receiving her diploma in Business & Tourism Management, Annika began working with one of Canada’s leading adventure companies. Within a year, her professionalism and dedication to client satisfaction had her promoted to manager. In 2003, PDS was delighted to add Annika to its operations and sales teams, where her positive attitude and keen attention to detail enables her to deliver outstanding service to PDS’ most discerning clientele.
"We did everything we planned and more ... rafting, ATVing, spa, fishing, waterskiing ... we were completely exhausted by the end of the week. Thank you all for such a wonderfully executed program! I can't tell you what a difference this year's programming was compared to previous meetings. You and your team really went the extra mile and it was noticed by all!"
Watson Wyatt Worldwide,
Washington, D.C., USA |
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