Returning to Hawaii with an Annual Incentive Program?

June 30, 2016 Frank Robinson

There’s no need for “Been there, done that!”

For so many reasons, Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the top destinations for incentive programs in the world. It could be the weather, the tropical locations, or the people and the spirit of aloha. Most likely, it is all of the above , but what do you do, as a planner, when you must bringing your top performers back to Hawaii year after year?

How do you continue to provide new and exciting elements while staying in budget and not duplicating previous programs?

As one of the most sought after destination management companies (DMC) in the state, Island Events operates a high number of repeat programs every year with great success. Here are some of the keys to our success:

Embrace Mother Nature

We have learned to capitalize on the many ways that Mother Nature continues to bless our islands. Each island has so many fantastic outdoor activities that can be safely done by diverse groups. There’s no reason to repeat anything!
As a certified DMCP, we tirelessly vet all activities and have learned the details that will make a difference - so we can pass them onto you. A few examples include:

Knowing where the best deep sea fishing spots are
When the peak of whale season is and where best to see them
When not to go waterfall rappelling
How to dress for sunrise at Haleakala Volcano
When a full moon will add the best lighting and how to design it into your evening events

Offer Interpretations of “Iconic Hawaii”

Every group wants to have some iconic elements of Hawaii included as part of their program. But as a planner, you don’t want to duplicate the experience for what could potentially be the same guests each year. As it relates to evening event design, we refer to this practice as offering “Luau #7 with a side order of fire dance” – or offering the same performance to everyone all the time. As great as that luau may be, this duplication will fast become a less memorable experience for your guests.

Instead we offer a customized “Polynesian Experience” that can change story line - perhaps incorporate aerialists or acrobatics or female fire dancers – all with a Polynesian flair. We guarantee you a new, fresh, and exciting interpretation on the iconic Hawaiian experience.

Keep Good Records

It sounds simple, but as a DMC, we keep great records for our clients. We track what our group guests do, what they liked, disliked or loved doing on their incentive program in Hawaii.
From direct guest feedback, to behaviors such as sending emails during the grand finale set, we notice these details which is very important to the returning client. Our record-keeping allows us to create a personalized program for your group, incorporating the best parts of last year’s trip combined with new and exciting, and relevant elements. This practice also allows us to be knowledgeable when working with new clients, to be able to speak with experience about the pros and cons of every element of a program.

When you least expect it … expect it!

As a luxury focused DMC we recognize that life is a collection of experiences. We are in the business of creating experiences. Taking the day-to-day trappings of life and adding a bit of a spin to them is what keeps things fresh. Part of building any experience is playing on the element of surprise.

One of our favorite recurring expressions from guests is “Wow, I did not see that coming!”

How do we do this you ask? By incorporating some unexpected elements that evoke a sense of awe and what we call “goose-bump moments” into our clients programs. Some of our more memorable surprises have been:

A snow storm at an evening event to announce next year’s venue!
Champagne after a private horseback ride (a favorite)
Elvis singing Blue Hawaii while arriving by outrigger canoe to your gourmet dinner on one of Hawaii’s only “private” beaches!

If we can help make your first or your returning Incentive program in Hawaii a huge success, please let us know! A free consultation is just a phone call away.