The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence has hosted the conference from 12 to 15 February at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Under the theme “Wonder, Awe & Curiosity”, sessions examined motivation, performance and measurable value through incentive travel. Programme topics included evolving business models, risk and security, responsible technology adoption, sustainability, wellness and demonstrating return on investment. Creativity and innovation advisor James Taylor was scheduled to deliver a keynote session.

SITE Chapter Excellence Awards and industry priorities

The opening programme included the presentation of the SITE Chapter Excellence Awards. Honoured chapters were SITE Northeast, SITE Northern California, SITE Minnesota, SITE Scotland, SITE Florida & Caribbean, SITE Spain & Portugal and SITE Midwest. SITE CEO Annette Gregg highlighted the need for practical tools and a clear business case for incentive travel. Mubarak Al Shamsi of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau noted the role of the segment within the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030. In addition to the education programme, the conference included destination experiences and networking formats.