Exceptional incentive travel for agents

Adaptable recognition trips give insurance leaders peace of mind

group of insurance agents networking on incentive trip

Creating a luxury experience for sales stars and their guests often presents a host of logistical challenges. Read how the best insurance carriers trust our professional event team to bring inspired ideas and skillfully navigate any disruption.

Planning your agent recognition trip around organizational priorities 

The “why” behind incentive travel is deeper than visiting a desirable destination. These immersive experiences support the organization’s most ambitious goals. Having a partner with creative problem-solving skills helps brands easily adapt and ensure top-notch agent experiences.  

When our team sets an event strategy, it starts with understanding what matters most to the brand. Then doing whatever it takes to bring that strategy to life. Pulling off the “trip of a lifetime” demands thoughtful planning and a ready-for-anything attitude throughout the operation. 

Although a trip’s primary purpose is to reward agents, carriers might also want to achieve additional outcomes, like building trust with a new generation of agency leaders or retaining top agents. We dig into the details to accomplish it all.

Working with ITA Group has been, is and will [continue to] be fantastic. They're looking out for our best interest. They're always staying up to date in a changing landscape. Our ability to make the appropriate adjustments, to stay committed to those trips—they're helping every step of the way.

Michael Sheeley, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, UFG Insurance
cable car mountain ride in Whistler, Canada
insurance agents go bobsledding in Whistler

Client story 1

Communicating major changes to agent incentives and events

Most incentive travel and events are planned a year or more in advance. Lots can happen in the time between registration and takeoff. Keeping attendees informed of and excited about any changes is essential. 

Weeks before scheduled departures, destination-specific risks caused an insurance client to overhaul a highly anticipated trip. ITA Group’s event team quickly developed five new trips elsewhere. This meant executing quick-turn management on: 

  • Canceling contracts 
  • Selecting sites and suppliers 
  • Changing air ticketing  
  • Planning 27 days of events for 1,200+ attendees  

Orchestrating a communication campaign around the last-minute change in plans was a feat.  

  • Once the client decided to relocate, participants received communication announcing the new destinations and travel dates via phone and email. 
  • Travel headquarters managed the resulting inbound communication.  
  • The registration website updated within days to provide current information and ease of use.   

Coming in on time and under budget was a huge win, but the real result was how we wowed client stakeholders and attendees alike. 

I was initially disappointed with the change from ‘time on the beach’ but, in the end, I enjoyed Whistler more than I would have the other locations. It was a fantastic place, and it was amazing how you all pulled this together on short notice. My family had a great experience…

Event Attendee
Lake Geneva resort on marina

Client story 2

Mitigating risks and maximizing brand advocacy

When one insurance carrier chose to “stay the course” and continue a COVID-era incentive trip, ITA Group’s health risk mitigation task force developed airtight oversight. This included enhanced documentation, proactive measures and ongoing agenda modifications, such as:  

  • Attendee communication 
  • Hotel risk mitigation protocols  
  • Attendee waivers 
  • Health screening surveys 
  • On-site medical support 

Our event team used current data and diverse perspectives to deliver on expectations. There were no date changes, no destination alterations and no venue shifts. The best part? 94%+ of attendees felt comfortable on site.

94%

of attendees felt comfortable on site

93%

felt the advance communications were accurate, timely and useful

95%

ITA Group staff service level rating

man looking at awards catalog on ipad

Client story 3

Creating the right experience with awards alternatives 

When an epidemic made travel and group events impossible, one insurance client chose to cancel their annual incentive travel meeting. Instead, we curated an extensive digital awards catalog that satisfied their dual priorities: providing recognition and generating a meaningful connection back to the brand.  

The catalog included name-brand merchandise, activity experiences and philanthropic gift choices. The range of options and redemption campaign gave all insurance agents a reason to participate. 

Once we made our decision, the transition was simple—ITA Group made the process unbelievably easy for us.

Chief Distribution Officer

Feel confident about your insurance agent incentive program

Travel confidence comes from having a nimble partner to navigate challenges on your behalf. From contract negotiation to budgeting, expense management to risk mitigation, ITA Group handles the tough stuff. We take care of your business, so participants focus on having fun.