Qualifications:
We highly recommend setting expectations and qualifying rules in month one or two of the year at the annual sales kickoff meeting for the following year's trip (current year's President's Club). During this meeting you can announce the dates in a save the date format but you do not need to release the location. Start building up anticipation and excitement within the sales team or entire company. It is important that your employees know how they can qualify and can get a jumpstart in the beginning of the year. This sets a standard and level playing field so all employees know what to expect.
Location Release:
Once you have announced a save the date you start to build excitement and suspense for a few months. This also allows you to cement the final logistics behind the trip 12-16 months ahead of time. We highly recommend securing your contract at least 14 months ahead of time if you are looking to secure between 60-100 rooms (unless you are looking at a large property such as Atlantis or Wynn).
We recommend announcing the actual hotel/location at the current years Incentive Trip. This can happen at the Welcome Party or the Awards Dinner. Companies have used Firework displays, sand drawings, and branded gifts for this announcement. This allows the Presidents Club inductees to get first look at the next year's trip and adds to the perks of being a President's Club member.
No Trip Hangover:
Announcing next years trip during your President's Club gets attendees back in the office following the trip pushing hard versus the after vacation slow ramp up. You don't want a 4 day Incentive Trip to lead to 8 days of lost sales efforts!
