Executive Group Travel Blog

Viceroy Anguilla Hotel Review


Anguilla Hotel Luxury Experience:

“Throughout the Anguillan resort, modern architectural forms interplay with the natural environment, while sophisticated, contemporary interiors by designer Kelly Wearstler add rich textural contrast. The resort's signature restaurant, Cobà, offers dining with exquisite views of Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, and the dramatic bay-view Sunset Lounge and cliff-side Half Shell beach bar and restaurant add to the culinary offerings at this stunning luxury Caribbean resort. Two white sand beaches, our glimmering Sunset Pool, an array of water sports, a spa and fitness center, and programs for children and families add to Viceroy's rarefied experience.”

 

To Charter Or Not To Charter Your Next Incentive Trip


Corporate Events:

As your President's Club trip or annual Sales Kickoff grows, the question many ask is when does a charter flight make sense.  If you have 240 employees flying from NYC to Vegas or Boston to Mexico, isn't it the best option?


What is the right award to present to your Presidents Club?


Awards:

Everyone loves to be recognized for their achievements so presenting the right awards at President’s Club is important when measuring the success of your incentive trip. Years ago award giving was pretty vanilla and each attendee would go home with an engraved crystal award, wooden plaque or trophy. Recently award recognition has changed and the recent shift is due to shifts in workplace environments. The days of large offices with doors are over and the concept of open workspace of no walls is gaining popularity. With this shift we have also seen the competition rise among sales reps within a company. There is something about hearing the person sitting next to you close deal after deal. The fact is people no longer have walls in their offices to fill up but instead are more mobile than ever. They are also more competitive than ever and bragging rights are sought after.

 

Hotel Highlighted - Atlantis, Bahamas; The Great, Good and Bad


Royal Towers, Atlantis Bahamas:

For our first hotel feature we will introduce The Great, The Good and The Bad on the Atlantis in the Bahamas. One thing you will notice is that the Atlantis is a great option for a large group, >200 guests.

The size of the property, number of guest rooms and endless activities provide something for everyone. For a Caribbean destination they are one of the few hotels that welcome large group travel during the busy season.

Should You Host Corporate Meetings On Your Annual Incentive Trip?

This is a question that is constantly debated in the industry and there are great arguments for both sides.

Kids or No Kids on Your Next Incentive Trip


Kids or No Kids:

One question that gets asked each year is can I bring my kids? Unless the children are under 1 year old we recommend you DO not open your trip to allow kids to attend. We recommend setting an age limit of 18 and over.   This not only takes away the opportunity for attendees to bring a child as their guest but also deters guests from bringing their entire family on the trip. In the past we have seen a request for kids to attend end up being three children and also two grandparents for babysitting duties.

Why promotions are important for a successful incentive trip?


Promotion:

How to make your next incentive trip memorable for not just the attendees but those sales reps back in the office. One of the most important aspects of an incentive trip is the promotion of that trip.

The promotion of the trip begins with the big announcement. How can you make this event stand out and get your team excited?

  • Video
  • Branded Swag with Trip Logo
  • Release Party

Why Free Wi-Fi is a Must on Incentive Trips


Importance of Wi-FI:

One of the biggest risk of an incentive trip is taking your top sales reps out of the office for 3-5 days and the lost revenue during this period.  Not only does the number of deals closed during this time decrease significantly but also there is no increase to the sales pipeline while your sales reps are enjoying their reward. 

Most people assume the reason Wi-Fi is most important is so the sales reps can stay in touch with their clients and prospects while on this reward trip.  Yes this is important, but free Wi-Fi also enables your attending reps to stay in touch with each other while on property without additional costs.  Within the industry it is best practices to negotiate free Wi-Fi for any incentive group.  

Here are a few tips to help alleviate any stress regarding communications while on your incentive trip. 

The Group Flight Block and What It Means


Group Incentive Travel:

Flight Blocks are a perfect solution for group travel especially when a majority of attendees are flying the same route.

Make sure you let the airline know that the flight block is for an incentive trip as this increases flexibility in the rules.  Most travel agencies will help layout the different policies and help you decide what is the right route and airline for your company.

All-Inclusive vs. A La Carte Incentive Trips


All-Inclusive Right For You?:

There are some great benefits to booking an all-inclusive trip but also some drawbacks.  One major hurdle for companies deciding on an all-inclusive resort is the quality of food.  We recommend finding an all-inclusive option that has multiple restaurants on property and a range of different cuisines.  Do research the food quality in places such as Tripadvisor and also ask the hotel to provide recent incentive group contacts so you can reach out to them directly.  The quality and selection of food can make or break your trip and with incentive travel this is the biggest hurdle when finding the right all-inclusive option for your company.  A la carte hotels are a great solution but dinner per plate charges can quickly blow a budget for nightly company dinner events.