CACIQUE TURNS 25
Founded in 1997, Cacique International proudly celebrates a quarter-century as the first and leading Destination Management & Event Design Company in The Bahamas.
“Cacique was founded on the pillars of talent, imagination and passion…plus a hefty dose of grit,” said President & Creative Director, Shawn M. Sawyer. “Our firm belief was that a Bahamian company could not only play with the big boys in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) market, but actually deliver a service that would knock their sophisticated socks off!”
EARLY DAYS
Sawyer earned his stripes as Convention Services Manager at Nassau’s iconic Crystal Palace Resort & Casino, before establishing the nation’s premier Destination Management Company (DMC). It was here that the budding Creative Director developed certain key principles that would serve Cacique International to this day - a keen eye for detail, a passion for crafting extraordinary experiences, and a deep understanding of what discerning global clients want when they travel for incentive trips, meetings, conferences and events.
JUST IMAGINE
The company’s “Just Imagine” tagline speaks to a deeper brand promise, explains Sawyer. “A promise that a Cacique experience will always stretch imagination and trump the highest expectations.” As MICE market trailblazers, the company’s mission is to continually push the boundaries of creativity and service, while promoting The Bahamas and its uniquely warm & vibrant culture as an exceptional destination for incentive and group travel.
“For Team Cacique, ‘Just Imagine’ is our daily mantra,” says Sawyer. “A reminder to push the limits of what we do, to blaze new trails instead of following beaten paths.”
TROPHIES
Cacique is proud to have won several international trophies, including the prestigious 2020 Stella Award for Best DMC (Gold | International & US Territories), SITE Foundation 2020 Partner of The Year, and BI Worldwide Inspirational Partner for outstanding service in the event industry. Cacique is also honored to have been selected as a trusted Hosts Global Partner for The Bahamas for its continued dedication to best practice and thought leadership.
SERVICE
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is deeply entwined in the Cacique mission, with globals clients eager to take part in meaningful destination experiences. “We believe that CSR is not about ‘giving back’ as a corporate afterthought” says Sawyer. “Its about helping others in order to help ourselves.”
Testament to this ethos, SITE - the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, created the Partner of the Year Award in response to Cacique’s expert pivoting of the SITE Classic 2019 networking event in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
“Cacique used their unparalleled local connections to create extensive, meaningful CSR activities where our attendees could make a difference. We left The Bahamas personally and deeply enriched as a result of being able to play a part in the Hurricane Relief program.”
TRAILBLAZER
Cacique’s pioneering spirit is stronger than ever as it streaks past its 25th milestone. The trailblazing company is proud to be opening new horizons for Meetings & Incentive travel through its sister company Events Design @ Sea, as well as expanding its Event Design, Production and Wedding services to The Abacos with the recent opening of a Marsh Harbour office.
