Incentive - September 2008 - (Page 83)

TRAVEL Hot Young Destinations PA G E 8 8 A Splendid Safari PA G E 9 9 Argentina, Malta and Dubai are a few of the up-and-coming destinations that are catching the eyes of incentive planners From watching baby elephants to dining on ostrich meat, a trek through South Africa is unforgettable A Promising Future SITE’s Young Leaders looks at what’s ahead for incentives By Alex Palmer T hose interested in the future of the incentive industry would likely be heartened by this year’s SITE Academy for Young Leaders. The program brought together scores of young (under 35) professionals in the performance improvement industry for a three-day program in New York City. Participants exchanged ideas, took part in seminars conducted by industry veterans and toured the city. Now in its third year, this Young Leaders program had the highest number of participants—88—and was the most diverse, with 23 countries represented. But even with ever-growing numbers, the conference maintained a sense of intimacy, according to the participants. Cosimo Bruzzese, director of sales for New York–based Briggs Inc. and committee chair for the conference, points to its ability to develop a “niche within a niche” for the young leaders. “Because we limit it to about 100 people, it allows the guests to be more open, and by the end of the conference you meet all of the guests,” says Bruzzese. “This group is very interactive.” “The fact that we are all at similar stages in our careers makes it easier to come together, sharing similar views and experiences,” says attendee Amy Dewar, assistant director of sales for Radisson SAS Edinburgh. The program included a number of networking breaks and activities at well-known New York destinations, including Tavern on the Green and the Rainbow Room, and a tour of the United Nations building that included the rare opportunity of a photo op on the floor of the General Assembly (pictured at left). But while participants described feeling excited by these activities, just as often they commended the educational lectures and interactive town hall meetings for covering relevant and compelling topics, with generational differences being a topic of particular interest. The session titled “The Vision continued on page 84 incentivemag.com A Greener Spa Travel industry veterans were hosted by Green Spa in Brooklyn, N.Y., the first and only full-service, luxury, green spa in the city to showcase this oasis’ offerings. Combining elegance with a dedication to respect the environment, the owners have enhanced their Wellness Center decor through the use of natural products, colors, textures and by following the traditions of Feng Shui. Their green initiatives include using recycled paper for the menu of services, business cards and shopping bags. Recycled and energy-efficient material was used during construction: recycled denim (as seen on “Toolbelt Diva” on HGTV) to insulate walls and environmentally friendly paints and clays from the earth that actually repel dust. Incentive and meeting groups are welcome. www.greenspany.com —Jennifer Juergens | September 2008 | Incentive | 83 http://www.greenspany.com http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Incentive - September 2008

Incentive - September 2008
Contents
Editor's Note: The Best of Times and...
Headlines
Cover Story: MetLife Rethinks Recognition
Incentive Interview: Russ Edelman
Case Study Orkin: The Presidential Treatment
Coca-Cola Bottling: The Sweet Taste of Success
Keep Cash Off the Hood: Auto Incentives
Handle with Care: Motivating After Layoffs
Start Spreading the News: PR Incentives
Planning: Got Lemons? Make Lemonade
Industry Veterans Speak: The President Slept Here
Motivation: Action! Start Teambuilding Now!
Incentive Primer: How To Reward Well
Motivation@Work: The Character Connection
Travel News: Where To Go and What To Do
Top Undiscovered Destinations: New Territory
Field Report: South Africa In Style
Field Report: Golf's Pilgrimage
Potentials Here and Now
In-Room Gift Ideas: Pillow Talk
Shopping Sprees: Shop Till You Drop
Gift Cards: Plastic Is Perfect
Advertiser Index
Last Word: Outsmart! Author James Champy
Special Supplement: Mexico

Incentive - September 2008