As we begin planning for 2025 at Key Meetings and Events (KME), it’s time to rethink how we design incentive programming for top performers. The traditional formula of packed schedules, forced choices, and cookie-cutter experiences no longer meets the expectations of today’s high achievers. Instead, focusing on creating experiences that truly resonate, leaves attendees feeling valued, rejuvenated, connected, and inspired.
Here are the 6 learnings defining our approach to 2025 incentive planning:
Lean Into Leisure
Overbooking can leave your guests feeling hurried and stressed – exactly the opposite of what an incentive reward is intended to do. Design your itinerary with ample leisure time, allowing guests to unwind and recharge. By prioritizing relaxation, you’re not just offering a break from the daily grind; you’re enhancing their overall experience, which can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction. ICYMI, here’s more on the value of giving your agenda room to breathe – read Key’s POV into Event Trends in 2024.
Remove the “Versus” from Your Programming
All too often, we see top performers forced to choose between a spa treatment and a group activity. Why not budget for both? Providing options that allow attendees to enjoy both self-care and exciting activities ensures they don’t feel like they’re missing out. This approach not only boosts morale but also fosters a more thoughtful and personalized experience. Your guests will thank you for extraordinary trips to places like Dubai, where adventure and relaxation are unmissable. Read more here!
Diversify Your Dining Experiences
Consider shifting the focus from nightly group dinners to group breakfasts. This tweak allows guests to enjoy relaxed dinners on their own terms, perhaps including a resort credit to explore the destination’s culinary offerings. A group breakfast (or even an incredible brunch special event) could be the change you need, setting a positive tone for the day and leaving the remainder open for relaxation and personalized experiences.
Prioritize Wellness
Incorporating simple and optional wellness activities throughout the stay, such as beach yoga, meditation and breath-work, or a guided walk can make a world of difference. Your focus on self-care and relaxation helps guests feel rejuvenated each day. Attendees that return home feeling better than when they arrived is a win for everyone. Need a more compelling reason to weave wellness into the agenda? According to a recent Human Workplace Index survey, 65% of employees surveyed reported that their approach to mental wellness has changed over the last two years, expecting their organizations to value and support their wellness. The outcome? A magnified emphasis on wellbeing, and a refreshing chance to rejuvenate and rekindle relationships before diving back into the fast-paced frenzy.
Heighten the “Sense of Place”
Top performers, especially millennials and Gen Xers, crave authentic experiences that connect them to the local culture. Infuse the destination into your programming through subtle yet meaningful touches – local cultural performances, guided tours, or city “welcome” walks. These additions offer a deeper connection to the locale without overwhelming your guests with too many commitments. More than a trend, this is an expectation of the next generation of top performers. When you stay at a property built on these principles (like Rosewood Hotels and Resorts who trademarked the phrase), it makes it that much easier to incorporate a sense of place for your guests. Read more about one of our favorite properties – Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort.
Gift Cultural Connection
Today’s top performers value experiences over material gifts, so any tangible items should be self-selected, sustainable and tied to the local culture whenever possible. Memorable, localized gifting experiences can fit any budget, whether it’s a small local gift paired with an activity, the option to shop for a unique item, or partnering with a small business or a local vendor to create an exclusive branded gift for your guests. Bespoke doesn’t have to be difficult to find. Boutique properties like Blackberry Farm have embraced this trend, allowing guests to shop exclusive items from the property that can be shipped home post-event, extending a lasting impression.
By rethinking how we plan top-performer events, we can create experiences that not only reward but also deeply resonate with attendees, ultimately driving greater engagement, loyalty, and performance.
Want to learn more about how we help strategize for your sales teams’ success?
At KME, we are uniquely positioned to help you architect an incentive experience with exceptional ROI so that you hit your revenue, retention, and recognition goals every time. Visit our Sales Initiative Suite and drop us a line.
