Diane B. Lyons, DMCP, CMP
Founder and President

Diane Lyons began a career in the hospitality industry in 1977 as a tour guide and later, she achieved Director of Operations and Director of Sales positions with destination management companies in New Orleans. Along the way, Diane noticed an increase in the number of infants and children accompanying their parents to meetings and social events. She combined her extensive hospitality industry knowledge, her Bachelor's degree in elementary education and her own experiences as a working mother to launch a company whose mission was to meet the childcare needs of working professionals.

Diane has earned a Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) certification and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. The designation differentiates those who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism in the industry.

In an effort to stay abreast of hospitality trends Diane maintains an active role in professional organizations. She serves on the Membership Committee of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) and has represented them as chair of their National Tourism Week activities. Her expertise in the area of children’s programming made her as ideal candidate to assist the NOMCVB in the development of “New Orleans for Kids” a special publication for young visitors to New Orleans.

Additionally, Diane serves on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Chapter of Meeting Planners International. As a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Lyons sits on the Convene Advisory Board and is a part of their Ethics Committee. As a contributing writer, she has been honored as their “Author of the Year” for her articles on children’s programming for meetings and conventions. She also arranged and moderated a panel discussion for a PCMA annual meeting entitled “Who’s Watching the Kids?” Diane is not only active in the professional setting, but has been a tireless volunteer on community projects. Her many contributions include service on the boards of the United Way, Junior League of New Orleans and The Artists’ Institute. She has received special recognition for her contributions to the industry and the community. The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce recognized her skills in corporate and community arenas with their “Small Business Champion” award in 1997. Most recently, New Orleans CityBusiness honored her as one of New Orleans’ Top 50 Businesswomen for 2004. In addition, the company’s activities have been featured in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, USA Today and Nation’s Business.

Jody Halter, DMCP, CMP
Vice President of Sales

Jody Halter brings to ACCENT on Arrangements more than 26 years of hospitality experience. A native of New Orleans, Jody left a position as a retail buyer to pursue her love for the history and culture of New Orleans and the growing tourism industry.

She began her career in the hospitality industry in 1981 joining New Orleans Tours as Regional Sales Manager. Halter’s sales expertise and leadership abilities led to her advancement to the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., where she was instrumental in the development of a corporate sales team and a strong national account base. Continued successes earned her a position as Director of Sales and Marketing for Hospitality Enterprises whose entities included New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., New Orleans Tours, Inc., Destination Management Inc., Airport Shuttle Inc. and Visitor Cellular. In 1996, Halter was named Vice President & General Manager of Destination Management, Inc.

Jody left Destination Management, Inc. to partner with Diane B. Lyons and the ACCENT to expand into the destination management arena. Since joining ACCENT in early 2000, Jody has played an instrumental role in designing and implementing events across the country for ACCENT’s clients as well as growing the company’s overall sales.

Jody is actively involved in professional organizations including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Meeting Planners International (MPI). Additionally, she earned the designation of Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Both designations are high standards of achievement within the meeting industry. In addition to passing a rigorous examination, she has demonstrated her experience in the field and responsibility and accountability for successful meetings.