NEW ORLEANS – Diane B. Lyons, CMP, DMP, President of ACCENT-DMC, Inc., was selected by the American Red Cross as one of ten honorees for its 2016 Power of Women celebration recognizing extraordinary volunteers and community leaders who have made a significant contribution to the local community.
Lyons founded FestiGals, Inc., in 2011, a nonprofit organization that inspires, connects and celebrates women while supporting causes important to their well-being. Since its inception, FestiGals has raised more than $130,000 for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, Breastoration and the New Orleans Family Justice Center to help local women who are impacted by cancer and domestic violence. Approximately 2,200 women participated 26 events during the July 28-30, 2016, FestiGals girlfriend getaway weekend that showcased New Orleans and featured the New Orleans Women’s Conference, Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch and Auction, and the Stiletto Stroll Second-Line Parade.
In her 30-year career as a special event professional, Lyons has earned her Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) designations, and has led destination management company ACCENT-DMC and ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, a national child-care service provider for meetings and conventions.
ACCENT-DMC, a DMC Network Company, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Lyons said she was humbled by the honor, stating “I am thrilled to be named one of the honorees for 2016 Power of Women by the American Red Cross. To be a part of this incredible group of women is such an amazing feeling”.
The award will be presented on Friday, September 16, at a luncheon at the Sheraton New Orleans. Kearney Gay, chief development office for Louisiana, said, “As the Red Cross celebrates 100 years of service to Southeast Louisiana, we are honored to applaud these remarkable women and their efforts to revitalize our community and improve the lives of those in it.”
Founded in 1991 Lyons, ACCENT-DMC, Inc. is a privately held corporation with the primary interest of planning, managing and supervising group activities to include spouse/ guest programs, team building activities, special events, entertainment and décor, transportation services, speaker programs, hospitality staff and VIP services as well as children’s programs and events. Headquartered in New Orleans, ACCENT has a management team with more than 90 years of combined destination management experience. It is a member of the DMC Network, an LLC of the topperforming, wholly owned DMCs through North America.
