Diane Lyons is passionate about creating happiness and works tirelessly to bring her clients’ visions to life. With a career spanning over 34 years, she has established a reputation as one of the most trusted and innovative leaders in the destination management and event planning industries. Her creative talents, deep resources, and expert eye for detail allow her to deliver seamless, top-tier experiences that feel effortless for clients and unforgettable for their guests.

A native New Orleanian, Diane brings an insider’s knowledge of the Crescent City’s culture, cuisine, and music to every program she designs, blending the newest trends with the city’s timeless traditions. She is also deeply committed to community impact, most notably as the founder of FestiGals, a women’s celebration she launched in 2011 that continues to uplift and inspire.

Her leadership has been recognized nationally and locally with numerous awards, including the 2025 CityBusiness Best Women-Owned Businesses Honoree, a spot on the Biz New Orleans 500 List (2025 Edition), and the 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Award by Smart Meetings. In 2023, Diane earned the DMC Network Lifetime Achievement Award for her lasting contributions to the global meetings and events industry. She has also been named among Biz New Orleans’ Women to Watch (2023) and twice as a New Orleans CityBusiness Top Woman in Business.

Getting to Know Diane