Diane Lyons Celebrates 35+ Years of Hospitality Leadership with ACCENT Family of Companies

For more than 35 years, SKÅL International New Orleans member Diane Lyons, CMP, DMCP, has built two businesses that have helped shape the meetings and hospitality industry while showcasing the very best of New Orleans.

 

35 years of ACCENT New Orleans, Inc., a DMC Network Company, and ACCENT on Children's Arrangements.
 

Building ACCENT New Orleans Into a Leading Destination Management Company

 

In 1991, Diane founded ACCENT New Orleans, a Destination Management Company (DMC Network Company), with a simple mission: to help meeting planners experience the authentic spirit of New Orleans. Since then, ACCENT has welcomed thousands of corporate, association, and incentive attendees from around the world, designing memorable experiences that celebrate the city’s rich culture, renowned cuisine, vibrant music, and legendary hospitality. Today, ACCENT is proud to be the oldest certified woman-owned destination management company in New Orleans.

 

The details matter. From guest engagement to cultural touches, thoughtful planning is what turns a New Orleans event into an experience people actually remember.
 

Creating the Nation’s First Professionally Managed Events Childcare Program

 

That same entrepreneurial spirit led Diane to identify another unmet need within the meetings industry. As a meeting planner and working mother, she recognized the challenges faced by professionals traveling with families and founded ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements (AOCA)—the nation’s first professionally managed on-site children’s program company serving meetings, conventions, trade shows, corporate events, and sports organizations. AOCA helped establish a new standard for professionally managed children’s programs, making meetings more accessible and welcoming for working families across North America.

 

Children and AOCA staff pose for a group photo in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom during an ACCENT on Children's Arrangements on-site event program.

 

More Than Three Decades of Innovation in the Meetings Industry

 

Together, these two companies represent more than three decades of innovation, hospitality, and service to the meetings industry. While one introduces visitors to the unforgettable culture of New Orleans, the other has helped thousands of parents fully participate in meetings and events with confidence, knowing their children are safe, engaged, and cared for by experienced professionals.

 

Diane B. Lyons, CMP, DMCP, President and Founder of ACCENT New Orleans, smiling in a professional business headshot. Woman-owned destination management company (DMC) leader with over 35 years of experience in New Orleans meetings, events, hospitality, and convention services.Looking Ahead to the Future

 

“Looking back over the past 35 years, what I value most are the relationships we’ve built,” said Diane Lyons, CMP, DMCP, Founder and President.

 

“Our clients, industry partners, suppliers, and incredible team have made this journey possible. It’s been a privilege to share New Orleans with visitors from around the world while building businesses that have made a positive impact on our industry and the families we serve. I’m excited for what the future holds.”