Executive Group Travel Blog

In 2020, you would assume the answer to this question is yes. And for the most part, that's right. Technology in the meetings and events industry has transformed over the last 5+ years with smartphone apps, websites, and on-site displays. However, despite providing attendees with all of this technology (from event websites to agenda apps, and even screens displaying throughout the property), there's still feedback that certain guests miss hard copy agendas. The days of printing agendas for every attendee are over, but if you find it necessary to provide hard copies for some, we recommend printing 20% of the attendee number. If you run out you can always print more on site.

The main benefit of having your agenda online is the ability to make live updates. Our world is more unpredictable than ever, so this is an increasingly important aspect in event planning. When COVID-19 started to impact everything earlier this year, we were able to update itineraries and communicate with clients as soon as changes happened. This is crucial, especially when planning for a large group traveling from all over the world. Even when things are going smoothly though, apps and event websites are the most streamlined way to communicate effectively with large groups of attendees.

This has been a very difficult year, and while sales numbers may be down, incentives are more important than ever to keep employee morale up.  Although you may not be thinking about a trip anytime soon, this information will be helpful whenever you do start planning again. 

How to streamline your next incentive trip

It’s 2020 and the days of mailing invitations and President’s Club packages to employees' homes are long gone. Especially in the current climate, the need for connectedness and communication is more important than ever. A good tech solution is essential for a successful incentive trip, but what are the key components that will benefit your event?

Photo by William Iven

Incentive trips are meant to reward employees and boost positive team energy. Now more than ever, it's crucial to keep employee morale as high as possible. Our world has changed drastically this year and if you've been lucky enough to keep your sales team on, you'll probably be planning incentives for them in the near future for having weathered the worst of it. Eventually, you will start re-establishing the reward structure that works for your company, even if it may look a little different than before. 

We hope this information will be helpful in planning your company's next trip. 

While we may not be traveling again just yet, it's never too early to start thinking about your company's next incentive trip. For those looking for a virtual escape, this could be the perfect time to start researching ideas for next year's trip!

Today, we're highlighting two of the leaders in the five star golf retreat space: Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. Both are great options for corporate retreats, board meetings, or smaller incentive trips, as long as the events are mainly centered around golf. If golf isn't your trip's main focus, I recommend looking elsewhere as there is very limited nightlife in the surrounding areas. For those focused purely on golf or meeting space with five star service, these options could be the perfect fit for your next event.

Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina (200 rooms; opened in 2016).
The Montage is the main hotel located in Palmetto Bluff with 200 hotel rooms, a spa, two small pool areas, and 16,000 square feet of meeting space. The Montage also manages a handful of large resort homes/villas that can be rented through the hotel. May River Golf Club is a 5-minute golf cart ride away and guests staying at the Montage have access to tee times at the course (caddy required). 

CSR stands for corporate social responsibility and is a great piece to add to your next sales kickoff or incentive program. It’s an opportunity for your company to give back to the community through local or global charitable organizations.

As we try to manage the fallout from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we are also focusing on what we can learn from this devastating situation. Though we obviously hope we never have to face another crisis like this, it's always important to be prepared for the unexpected. 

Rosewood, SLS, Grand Hyatt Review

The Baha Mar hotel facility has come a long way since its opening back in 2017. It’s a great product for MICE travel, given its convenience to the US. There’s plenty to do in terms of golf, spa, and snorkel. And the price is a good value for your dollar when comparing it to other Caribbean islands. Food and beverage prices are still a challenge at the hotels, but with MICE travel that’s expected.

Here are our top hotels for incentive travel in 2020.

Malliouhana Anguilla (63 rooms; opened 1984, renovated 2019 and became an Auberge property). This property recently reopened after a large renovation and Auberge taking over management of the hotel. From the moment you enter the lobby, there's definitely a wow factor from the view down to the decor, and it doesn't stop there. The beach, service, food, spa, and pools are all extremely impressive. This is the perfect opportunity for an incentive program buyout for groups with 50-60 rooms. The addition of the beachfront casual dining restaurant, Leon’s, is perfect for a casual lunchtime option or entertainment each evening.

When someone asks me what I wish I knew before I started Executive Group Travel, you might be surprised by the answer. Yes, the importance of hiring a great accountant and the fact that Gusto is the best investment for a growing startup are both up there on the list of things I wish I knew.

But given our lack of strong industry knowledge at the outset, we wish we had found these five industry partners back in year one.  Every meeting planner must get to know them, use their expertise, and let them continue to make your company look like rockstars.