In the 15th and 16th centuries, European explorers first encountered the pineapple in the Americas. Astonished by its exotic taste and appearance, they brought it back to Europe, where it quickly became a coveted luxury item. Once displayed at grand galas, a pineapple signaled that no expense was spared for guests, making it a powerful symbol of hospitality and welcome.

As time passed, the pineapple’s association with hospitality became deeply ingrained in Western culture. Even when they became more accessible, the symbolism endured. Today, you'll find pineapples in everything from home décor to logos for hotels and restaurants, continuing to evoke that same spirit of warmth and generosity that captured the imaginations of those early European explorers.

At Project Pineapple, our mission is to reignite the spirit of exploration and authentic hospitality. Inspired by the adventurous journeys of early explorers and the warm welcomes they discovered, we crave immersive travel experiences that transform guests into true travelers, not just tourists. We aim to connect people with the world’s diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, fostering genuine connections and unforgeable memories. Through personalized and meaningful journeys, we strive to bring back the joy and wonder of travel as it was meant to be.

Our Team

Ashley Glade, CEO

Chief Experience Officer

Years of Experience: 18

Education: BS in Hospitality Management from Florida International University

Career Highlights: 2012 Olympics, Super Bowl LII - LVII Friends and Family Program, Panel speaker to hospitality management students at my alma mater.

Michelle Elliott, CEO

Chief Event Officer

Years of Experience: 15

Education: BAA in Commercial Recreation from Central Michigan University

Career Highlights: CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Executive), Business Development Manager for National Cherry Festival. AT&T Pro-Am Pebble Beach, Iron Man 70.3 Michigan

Our Powers Combined

Domestic Executed Event Destinations: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachuses, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

International Executed Event Destinations: Aruba, Austria, Bahamas, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, St. Croix, United Kingdom

Addiontional Event Experiences: All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean Cruise, European River Cruise, Mediterranean Cruise, Greek Cruise