Incentive trips are designed to let your employees know how much they are appreciated, motivate sales and performance, and create company loyalty and community... so you want to do your best to create an incredible trip for your team. Here's an overview of some of the most important factors to take your trip from good to great:

Destination

Choose a “wow” destination that people want to go to. Bonus points if it's a "bucket list" kind of place - almost everyone wants to go to Italy, Paris, Hawaii, Cabo, etc. Choosing the right destination at the right time of year is important too… Cancun in September may be affordable but when it rains all week you’ll regret it.

Hotel Selection

Hotels with name recognition will add more pre-trip excitement than a great hotel that no one has heard of. Hotel location, room size, view, and onsite amenities will add to the overall experience.

Registration and Ticketing Process

Every guest should be treated like a VIP during the registration and ticketing process. Let your employees know that you care about them by having a professional team manage their questions and special requests. This isn't an exciting part of the trip to talk about, but when it's done right (or poorly) people definitely notice!

Arrival and Check In

Your attendees’ first impression on the trip is what happens once they arrive. They might land feeling tired... having their airport transfer, hotel check-in, and baggage delivery managed by a smiling event team will let them know from the start that they are going to be well taken care of. Bonus points for a creative welcome amenity in their rooms on arrival!

Balance of Work / Downtime

You definitely want time for bonding, networking, and recognition but people also appreciate time with their partner and/or friends. Be sure to allow downtime! We've seen companies plan dinners for three out of four nights, and then the hosts invite people to dinners on the 4th night. Employees may appreciate a night off more than another banquet dinner.

Special Events

One or two big special events help to create memories and let your team know how much you appreciate them. Of course you'll need to consider entertainment, lighting, centerpieces, and menu - but what else can you do that adds a little “wow” to the event? What can you do to make the event fun and unique?

Staffing

Having the right team onsite can take an event from good to great. Even small programs need someone to reconfirm transportation, count chairs at each meting and function, etc. Every event should be advanced by a team member who will make sure everything is executed as planned. A hospitality desk provides a place for your employees to go with questions and concerns so they feel heard and taken care of.

Details, Details, Details

There are a thousand more details that help make a program great. Menu choices, bag pickup, departure notices, entertainment, little surprises, a clear agenda and/or welcome packet, room gifts, clear name badges, transportation schedules, signage, etc.

Does your team need help with planning incentive trips? This is what we do… let’s chat!

What Makes an Amazing Incentive Trip?