About ACCENT New Orleans


Since 1991, Diane B. Lyons and her ACCENT team have been shaping events in New Orleans. Diane’s influence, driven by her work, altruism, and infectious joie de vivre, is deeply woven into the city’s fabric.

 

Recognized as a legend in both New Orleans and her industry, Diane’s impact is tangible, earning her prestigious accolades like the DMC Network Founders Award for lifetime achievement in 2023.

 

Diane Lyons of ACCENT New Orleans Event Planning, Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award from the DMC Network.


Our Commitment

For over 33 years, ACCENT New Orleans DMC has been leaving an indelible impression on every client, earning us trust as a trusted partner and shaping celebrations in the Crescent City.

 

Our Mission

In 1991, Diane B. Lyons, a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP), founded ACCENT with just two people and one ambitious goal—to redefine event experiences in New Orleans and beyond.

 

Our Dedicated Team

With 10 full-time employees, including 6 project managers, and more than 100 part-time employees, we’re committed to ensuring the success of every event we touch.

 

Approach

Our goal is simple yet profound—to provide meeting professionals and convention planners with unparalleled local expertise, the highest level of customer service, and truly unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations every time.

 

Our diverse portfolio boasts over 100 programs spanning every major meeting city in the US, as well as Canada and the Caribbean, reflecting our commitment to delivering excellence on a global scale.

 

Reputation

At ACCENT New Orleans DMC, our outstanding reputation is built upon total professionalism, a hands-on approach to each job, and unwavering attention to security and safety procedures, ensuring the utmost care and confidence in every event we undertake.

 

Our track record speaks for itself, with numerous awards and features in major business publications including The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and Nation’s Business, as well as a coveted appearance on Good Morning America.

 

Accreditation

As one of the first accredited members of the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) in New Orleans, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in everything we do.

 

Awards & Accolades

      • DMC Network’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award – Diane Lyons
      • Biz New Orleans Women to Watch 2023 – Diane Lyons
      • PCMA Convene magazine “Author of the Year”
      • Contributing editor to Conference Direct’s Meeting Mentor Magazine
      • ADMEI Achievement Award 2016 for Best Creative Activity – Best Corporate Social Responsibility
      • ADMEI Award 2016 for Excellence in Site Inspections
      • International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award 2015: Best Meeting/Conference Program with a budget over $250,000
      • ADMEI Achievement Award 2015 for Excellence in Sustainable Initiatives
      • ADMEI Achievement Awards 2014: Best Innovative Events – $100,001 – $200,000
      • ADMEI Achievement Awards 2012: Best Teambuilding Activity
      • International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award 2011: Best Meeting/Conference Program Budget over $250,000
      • ADMEI Achievement Awards 2010: Best Innovative Event – $201,000 and above
      • ADMEI Achievement Awards 2010: Best Recreational Activity
      • WBEC South Supplier of the Year 2010
      • Diane Lyons , President, named as one of three women nationally as a recipient of the inaugural 2013 HandCraft Heroes award for her support and fundraising for the breast cancer cause.
      • Diane Lyons, President, Named Top Female Achiever by New Orleans Magazine in 2013
      • Diane Lyons, President, Named Among New Orleans City Business magazine’s “Women of the Year” for 2004 and 2012

 

Affiliations

FICPFinancial & Insurance Conference Planners
SITESociety of Incentive & Travel Executives
PCMAProfessional Convention Management Association
ISESInternational Special Events Society
MPIMeeting Professionals International
NOMCVBNew Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau
NACENational Association of Catering Executives
ADMEAssociation of Destination Management Executives
ASAEAmerican Society of Association Executives