When putting together incentive trips, it is important to get the greatest return possible. Start by selecting a bucket-list-worthy destination that's unique and appeals to all your VIPs. Here are seven ideas that are sure to inspire.
Make Experiential Travel an Adventure
Lying by the pool, hitting up the buffet and chilling out on with a cocktail is what getting away is all about—right? Well, maybe for some people. But if that’s not your idea of a good time, you're not alone. If you want more activity and adventure when you travel, you have lots of options.
Anticipate the Unexpected
Whether you’re scrambling to fix a snafu or simply aiming to boost the attendee experience, careful planning can ensure you’re ready for whatever is thrown your way. Some specialty box lunches that cater to many special requests (such as Kosher, Halal, gluten free, etc.) will make you a hero to those with dietary restrictions; scheduling back-up activities and events in case rain ruins your pool party, or high winds wreak havoc on your luau; and paying be mindful of cultural rituals, as some areas and venues may require a certain dress code, will position you to elevate the attendee experience, no matter what obstacles are thrown at you.
Delightful & Decadent Destinations
It’s a wide world out there, and it’s full of jaw-dropping destinations and eye-opening experiences. But, do you want to know a secret? The more difficult, expensive and time-consuming it is for people to put together their own trip—the more effective the incentive becomes.
The right destination depends on your attendees, your objectives and your budget, but whether it’s a remote, snowy paradise in the Rockies or a bustling adventure in a land far, far away, there’s no shortage of incredible incentive travel destinations.
Live Like a Local
To know something is to immerse yourself in it. The same is true for places. If you want to really get to know a destination, you’ve got to ditch the guided tour and hit the backstreets like a local. Incorporating destination-specific elements helps your people truly experience a destination, not just pass by. Take your guests beyond the surface of a destination and give them a taste of cultural flair.
Get There & Give Back
Just like those who want a little more adventure in their getaways, some people have that inherent drive to leave a place better than how they found it. Millennials especially love the opportunity to make a difference in the world. Whether that means helping out the environment, working with kids or something else, participants will walk away with a greater understanding of the world around them and an irreplaceable experience when you work with a local charity.
Break Away From the Boardroom
In a recent report on the event planning industry, surveying nearly 500 professional event organizers, Bizzabo found that the majority of planners spend most of their budget on the event venue. And with good reason. Attendees are looking for meetings to be more of an experience than just lectures and cocktail receptions in the expo hall, something more akin to Coachella than the annual meeting. Make attendees feel like they’re part of something special and spark creativity with a venue as unique as your conference.
Make More of Your Event Space
Your venue is a blank canvas and you’re the artist. How will you take it from just another space to the place to be? A unique structure can be built on a beach or vacant lot to create a structure that looks like it was always there, such as a pirate ship, a nightclub, a castle or anything else you can dream up. In order to get the most from your event and maximize engagement, you need to revamp your space and turn it from bland to grand.
If you’re looking to create an incentive travel program that challenges the limits of your people’s ability, you’ll need an unbelievable, awe-inspiring adventure to motivate them.Want more info? Check out our strategic events ebook for ways to take your event or incentive travel program even further.
Want more info? Check out our strategic events ebook for ways to take your event or incentive travel program even further.