Behind every thoughtfully planned journey is a story. This is mine, and how it inspired the way MERIT approaches travel, hospitality, and meaningful experiences.
Hi, I'm Chelsea.
For nearly two decades, I've helped people create meaningful experiences through meetings, events, and travel. Those years taught me that the smallest details often have the greatest impact, and that genuine hospitality is what people remember long after a journey ends. That's why I created MERIT.
It started with hospitality.
Some of my earliest jobs were in hotels and restaurants, where I learned that the smallest details often leave the biggest impression. A warm welcome. Anticipating someone's needs before they ask. Creating moments that make people feel genuinely cared for.
But the foundation was laid long before my first job. My parents both built careers in hospitality and shared a love of travel, introducing me to everything from iconic five-star resorts to historic grand hotels. Those experiences sparked an early appreciation for exceptional service and the lasting memories thoughtful hospitality can create.
I didn't know it then, but those experiences would shape everything that came next.
Then came the events.
That passion led me into the world of meetings and events, where I spent nearly twenty years with destination management companies (DMCs) and event agencies, designing experiences for Fortune 500s, global brands, executive teams, and thousands of attendees. From intimate leadership retreats to conferences welcoming more than 2,500 guests, I learned how thoughtful planning can transform an ordinary gathering into something unforgettable.
Somewhere along the way...
Over the years, I realized my favorite part of every project wasn't just the logistics. It was understanding people. Learning what mattered most to them, then creating an experience that reflected it.
Whether I was planning a corporate retreat or helping someone celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, the goal was always the same: make people feel cared for.
Today.
Today, I work with individuals, families, and organizations planning everything from meaningful vacations to executive retreats and destination celebrations.
No matter the location or occasion, my approach remains the same:
Thoughtful planning.
Genuine hospitality.
Experiences that feel effortless and special from beginning to end.
