The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) hosted its 2026 SITE Global Conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 420 incentive travel leaders, buyers, suppliers, and destinations for several days of high-impact education, peer-to-peer connection, and industry recognition.
Across main-stage sessions, workshops, and candid conversations, attendees explored how incentive travel delivers measurable business value while responding to evolving expectations, risk considerations, and rapid innovation across the global events industry.
The programme featured a line-up of expert speakers, including keynote speaker James Taylor, alongside business leaders and subject matter experts addressing current challenges and opportunities shaping incentive travel. Sessions examined the business case for incentive travel, shifting business models, risk and security, and practical steps organizations can take to deliver stronger ROI for stakeholders.
Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, said: “This week in Abu Dhabi showed what is possible when our community comes together with a clear focus on outcomes. From practical ideas for proving programme impact, to candid conversations about risk, wellbeing, and resilience, the content and connections reinforced the business case for incentive travel and the responsibility we share in how we deliver it.”
Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the programme paired conference content with destination immersion that demonstrated how incentives can be designed to inspire, perform, and create positive local benefit. Delegates engaged with the city’s venues, cultural experiences, and hospitality, with Abu Dhabi providing a strong setting for discussions about innovation, sustainability, and long-term value. Throughout the week, the destination experience reinforced the role of immersion in quality education, creating space for wonder, awe, and creativity that help planners design more meaningful, motivating programmes.
A highlight of the week was the Crystal Awards Gala at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Friday, February 13 , where SITE announced the winners of the 2026 SITE Crystal Awards, recognizing organizations and individuals raising standards through creativity, measurement, and impact. More on this story here.
SITE revealed that the 2027 SITE Global Conference will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, from March 1 – 4, 2027. “Destination Vancouver is pleased that our city has been selected to host the SITE Global Conference in 2027 and to welcome the world’s leading incentive travel decision-makers,” said Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver.
SITE Global Conference 2026 was hosted with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
