Aligning Incentive Travel With Next-Gen Values

A new generation of attendees will shape the incentive programs of the future driven by values like freedom, individuality and authenticity.

The Stand-Up October 22, 2024 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   Have you considered how the incentive game is shifting as Millennials and Gen Z take over the workforce?   Today's incentive travelers aren't just looking for luxury—they're craving authenticity and the ability to choose how they spend their time.   According to the 2024 Incentive Travel Index, 65% of North American respondents ranked free time as their top activity, a stark rise from previous years. Younger attendees want flexibility over packed schedules and would instead explore on their own terms.   These attendees are far more interested in a local eatery than a formal five-star meal — and they'd love a stipend to discover it for themselves.   With attendees' personal values at the core of their decisions, which may lead planners to opt for second-tier cities with a local vibe and choose artisan gifts over generic keepsakes.   So, how are you adjusting your incentive programs? Hit reply, and share your thoughts on the future of incentive travel! Aligning Incentive Travel With Next-Gen Values A new generation of attendees will shape the incentive programs of the future driven by values like freedom, individuality and authenticity. Marriott Launches New Sustainability Tool for Planners Marriott is betting that Connect Responsibly is the right tool for planners pressured to showcase tangible environmental commitments for their events. Austin Hotels Collaborate to Support Meetings During Convention Center Rebuild Hotels are joining forces to accommodate large groups during the closure of the Austin Convention Center. IMEX America 2024 in Review: From Baseball to Pickleball, the Industry Is All-In on Personalized Experiences In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we recap the record-breaking IMEX America 2024, diving into industry trends and the innovations shaping the future of events. Events Industry Rallies to Help Asheville After Devastating Hurricanes  Two major hurricanes, Helene and Milton, left a path of destruction that stretched from Florida to Virginia. Asheville, a popular destination for meetings, was severely impacted. The meetings industry is doing its part to help. Nature, Walkable Downtowns, and Top-Tier Venues Elevate the Attendee Experience Created collaboratively with Tourism Whistler Whistler, British Columbia, shines as a meetings and incentives destination with its natural beauty and planner-friendly amenities. How I Got My Start In Events Few people wake up one morning and decide they want to be a planner. Most literally fall into the meetings industry, like these 10 planners did. WEBINAR From Planning to Promotion: Elevating Your Pre-Event Marketing In partnership with Stova In this webinar, Anush Alexander, Chief Marketing Officer, Stova and Madeleine Monaghan Golda, Director of Global Training, Stova, and Kristen Ashton, Vice President of Business Development, Executivevents, Inc. will explain the importance of the blending state-of-the-art technology with fundamental knowledge on creating engaging events. REGISTER NOW San Francisco Travel Association's New CEO Outlines Plans to Escape the City's Doom Loop Narrative Anna Marie Presutti is finding new ways to increase funds for the San Francisco Travel Association, which is crucial to revitalizing its meetings and events business. Helsinki Earns Top Spot in Destination Sustainability Index The latest edition of the industry's only ranking of destinations focused on sustainability benchmarks the strategies, action plans, and initiatives of 100 cities and regions worldwide. Gen Z Will Reshape Events There is an untapped group that can help you make your events a must-attend, according to a new Freeman Report. NEW REPORT Beyond Eco-Friendly: Putting Sustainability at the Center of Meetings and Events Created collaboratively with Destination DC What began as a way to think about making meetings and events more eco-friendly has evolved into implementing steps to create an ecosystem for meetings, events, and conferences — as well as their host destination — to thrive.   In this report, we examine the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem for events from the perspectives of planners, attendees, and the host destination. DOWNLOAD REPORT More From Skift Meetings IMEX America Breaks Attendance Records and Commits to Vegas  Sneakers Take Center Stage at IMEX Sustainability Lags in the Events Industry While Budgets are Up Hotel Points for Planners: Who Cashes In? UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS: IBTM World (Nov.19-21 in Barcelona, Spain ) Event Tech Live London / Event Sustainability Live (Nov. 20-21, in London, UK) IAEE Expo! Expo! (Dec. 16-19 in Los Angeles, CA) Explore our full calendar of industry events 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