BBC Destination Management Talks Meetings & Incentive Travel at this Year’s 25th IncentiveWorks Tradeshow
On August 16th, IncentiveWorks celebrated its 25 year anniversary at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. As Canada’s longest running conference and largest trade show, industry leaders travel from around the globe to participate. This year alone, over 700 exhibitors and 2000 event planners were in attendance. BBC Destination Management’s Bonnie B. Boyd, CMP, DMCP, CEO & President and Lyndi Smith, CMP, Associate Director of Sales joined forces to represent and sell New Orleans as one the most prime, authentic, American incentive travel destinations.
B
BC has been involved with IncentiveWorks since inception in 1991. This year was particularly special because Bonnie was invited to participate in the panel discussion, the “State of the Industry: M&IT Incentive Travel Report”, alongside three other airline and hotel representatives who are immersed in the incentive industry. The discussion focused on the authentic experience for guests and the role DMCs as essential partners play in the success of large corporate companies.
Bonnie highlighted the importance of contracting a DMC when planning any incentive program as delivering an authentic experience requires both local expertise and fierce creativity. “Incentive travel done well”, she argued, “can serve as a beacon for motivating exceptional performance while simultaneously supporting and strengthening a corporate culture of excellence.”
Another key discussion point focused on the challenges in planning programs for multi-generations, including Millennials, and the value of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The consensus was that increasing open-mindedness, communication and creativity among the various a ge grades and planning partners—from airlines to hotels to DMCs etc. — were critically important in order to ensure that creativity continues to be fostered in all program design and delivery. This ultimately provides the highest level guest experience.
