Cohera expands national footprint with Destination South DMC acquisition

Cohera announced the addition of Destination South’s destination management (DMC) business to its growing portfolio, further strengthening its national presence in the DMC industry. This expansion introduces Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, and Palmetto Bluff to Cohera’s offerings, bringing the company to 50 destinations nationwide, each supported by a strong local presence with deep market expertise. 

Destination South’s DMC operations will be fully integrated into the Cohera brand. The Destination South meeting planning services are not included in the transaction and will operate independently under the Destination South brand and leadership of Owner and Founder Cynthia Alford.  

This next chapter builds on a long-standing professional relationship between the Destination South team and Cohera’s leadership, who have collaborated for years as trusted destination partners through industry networks. That history of working together across markets to support shared clients has established a strong foundation of trust and alignment, making this integration a natural and thoughtful progression for both organizations. 

For Destination South, joining Cohera creates a clear path forward, allowing each team to sharpen its focus while creating long-term value for clients. “Becoming part of Cohera is such an exciting move for our DMC business and the clients we support,” comments Alford. “Having worked alongside Trevor and his team for many years as destination partners, I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to service, collaboration, and doing what’s right for those we serve. Cohera’s vision for the future of destination management and their people-first culture make this an ideal fit. Our clients will benefit from expanded resources and national reach while maintaining the relationships and local expertise they value.” 

This milestone reflects a natural next phase in Cohera’s continued growth, as the company continues to pave the way for what a DMC should be, blending local insight, inspired event design, and operational excellence at a national scale. The addition of these destinations strengthens Cohera’s presence in key Southeastern markets, while providing clients with consistency as well as expanded elevated experiences across the country. 

“Bringing Destination South’s DMC business into Cohera is first and foremost about our clients and our people,” said Trevor Hanks, CEO of Cohera. “Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, and Palmetto Bluff are destinations our clients continue to request, and this allows us to support them with trusted local teams, deeper expertise, and the same care they expect from us everywhere we operate. Our history of collaborating with Cynthia and her team gave us confidence that this was the right next step for us and the people we support. We believe that when you put people first, you naturally raise the bar for the industry. As we grow, our focus remains on leading with intention and setting meaningful benchmarks for what destination management should be.” 

Now spanning 50 destinations, Cohera is defining what’s next in destination management, uniting inspired design, local expertise, and industry-leading standards to deliver exceptional experiences nationwide.   

About Cohera:
Cohera is the nation’s premier creative agency, delivering bold, unforgettable events across 50 destinations nationwide. With DMC roots that date back to 1978, Cohera combines decades of expertise with a fresh, innovative spirit that’s redefining what corporate events can be. From high-touch logistics to boundary-pushing creative design, Cohera transforms meetings, incentives, and celebrations into experiences that inspire. With a nationwide team that thrives on collaboration, local insider knowledge, and a culture rooted in listening and partnership, Cohera doesn’t just manage events—we reimagine how the world’s best companies connect. 

About Destination South: 

Founded in 1995, Destination South Meetings + Events is a nationally recognized leader in destination management, experiential event planning and meeting management. Known for its innovative approach and flawless execution, Destination South delivers transformative programs across corporate, association, and incentive environments. Deeply rooted in the southern hospitality community, Destination South is guided by a commitment to bringing award-winning experiences to life and elevating the power of connection and celebration. 

For more information, visit destinationsouth.com.