Incentive Trips Reimagined.

One of our clients had an international incentive trip booked for 500 guests in early 2021. Given the current circumstances, they asked us to come up with an alternative way to reward their employees’ hard work and dedication without requiring international travel or large gatherings. Their overall objective of the incentive trip didn’t change—making employees feel appreciated and valued. What did change was how we approached their traditional big group trip format.

 Our team developed a menu of themed individual incentive trips so the employees who achieved their goals could still be treated to a memorable, luxurious travel experience with their plus-ones. We worked with our suppliers across the country to develop three different west coast itineraries and three different east coast vacations—all COVID-safe. Our client’s team members get to choose between golf/beach, wine country and spa retreat destinations, with added regional nuances reflecting the diversity of the east and west coast locales.

Our hotel partners’ willingness to be flexible was integral to the success of this reimagined incentive trip concept. In addition to relaxing terms and conditions around attrition and cancellation, our hotel partners thought outside the box and built creative packages that will provide a compelling, thoughtful experience. Everybody is on the same page:  the key is to ensure all attendees feel super special no matter which trip itinerary they select.

For us, this project underscored the need to break the typical incentive mold and find innovative ways work with our clients and partners to encourage travel and bring meetings and incentives back. Plus, given stress levels are at an all-time high, being part of something that will boost morale and spotlight all the good folks are doing in their careers is rewarding, meaningful work for us too!