The Biggest Stressors – and Must-Haves – for Senior Incentive Planners

What are their priorities and pain points as they navigate rising costs, evolving expectations, and a shifting geopolitical landscape?

The Stand-Up July 16, 2024 by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   We're always curious about planners' thoughts. The latest SITE survey reveals the current thoughts of senior incentive planners.   The most surprising finding? Inclusivity tops the list of must-haves for event destinations.   The senior incentive planners surveyed will only consider destinations that treat all participants equally and respectfully. The need for inclusivity applies across generations, too.   Unsurprisingly, nearly all respondents are worried about rising costs and inflation, while geopolitical instability is the second biggest concern.   Respondents also emphasize the value of local partnerships, particularly with host property counterparts and DMCs.   Read the story on Skift Meetings Austin to Expand its Convention Center, But Faces 4 Years Without It The Austin Convention Center is closing for a $1.6 billion redevelopment. The city is stressing that it will still be open for events business. Why Australia Is Attracting Global Appeal Among Meeting Planners Created in partnership with Business Events Australia Australia's incredible scenery, boom in state-of-the-art meeting venues and accommodation, and commitment to sustainability have placed it top of mind for incentive trip and association meeting planners. The Biggest Stressors – and Must-Haves – for Senior Incentive Planners A new industry survey reveals senior incentive travel planners' current priorities and pain points as they navigate rising costs, evolving expectations, and a quickly shifting geopolitical landscape. All You Need to Know About Skift Meetings Forum A one-stop shop with answers to your questions about Skift Meetings Forum and what to expect. 28 Rewarding Speaker Gift Ideas For Every Budget From thoughtful, low-budget options to sophisticated, high-budget gifts, the key is to select items that resonate with your speakers' preferences and enhance their experience. NEW REPORT Networking by Design: Crafting Events for Meaningful Connection Sponsored by Cvent Elevate your event design skills and create unforgettable networking experiences that leave a lasting impact. Featuring insights from industry experts, this report reveals how thoughtful and intentional networking strategies can enhance engagement and cultivate deep professional relationships. DOWNLOAD What's New for Meetings and Events in the Caribbean The Caribbean is a popular destination for meetings, events, and incentive travel. Here's a look at what's new. Tapping Into Unexpected Moments to Elevate Events Created in partnership with the Arizona Office of Tourism Creating authentic and unexpected experiences is a surefire way to maintain attendee engagement, thus making your event much more valuable than a standard day inside a convention center. Your Event Is an Environmental Disaster: What Will You Give Up? Events create 2.5 pounds of landfill-bound waste per person per day. Eliminating things like swag, water bottles, and lanyards can go a long way toward delivering more sustainable events. Skift Meetings Forum We're gathering the meetings industry's brightest minds for our flagship event. Don't miss our one-day exclusive learning experience on September 17 in New York City.   Tickets are $695; complimentary VIP tickets are available for invited senior planners. Maritz Acquires Convention Data Services from Freeman — Maritz CEO Discusses First Acquisition in 12 Years Former rivals, Maritz and Convention Data Services, have joined forces. Maritz has acquired the company from Freeman. LA Convention Center Expansion Approved Ahead of 2028 Olympics Los Angeles is now on track to unveil a major convention center expansion, just in time for the LA28 Games. Convention Data Services President Talks Next Steps After Maritz Acquisition The intricacies of absorbing a multi-million registration company is the focus of an upcoming internal Maritz tech summit. More From Skift Meetings What's New for Meetings and Events Across the U.S. AI-Powered Venue Booking Is Here Are Celebrity Speakers Worth It? What Does California's Junk Fee Law Mean for Planners?  CALENDAR   In mid-August, SISO invites CEOs, owners/managers, and first-line executives to discuss strategic issues and specific industry challenges at its summer leadership event for for-profit show organizers. July 21-23: NACE Experience in Denver, CO August 10-13: ASAE Annual in Cleveland, OH August 13-15: SISO Summer Conference in Philadelphia, PA Explore our full calendar here. To ensure there are no pauses in our communication, please add our email address to your contacts: meetings@skift.com. Skift, 35 W 31st St., Frnt 1, New York, NY 10001, USA, (516) 399-0304 Manage preferences