CHICAGO, Thursday, July 18, 2024 — Boutique by choice and intimate by design, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence’s (SITE) Incentive Summit Americas (ISA) drew 125 incentive travel professionals to St. John’s, Newfoundland, in Canada for four days of networking, education and destination immersion.
Hosted at the wonderful Alt Hotel St John’s, ISA built enduring relationships between incentive travel buyers and suppliers; provided thoughtful education with both personal and professional resonance; and showcased a destination that was brand-new to most attendees.
“SITE’s research has shown the top requirement for corporations and agencies utilizing incentive travel as part of their reward and recognition programs is selecting ‘destinations not used before.’ With this in mind, we identified St. John’s, Newfoundland, as a prime contender and collaborated with our partners at Destination Canada and Destination St. John’s to craft the perfect program. What unfolded at Canada’s Atlantic edge was a truly impactful travel experience that was unapologetically local and uncompromisingly authentic,” said SITE CEO Annette Gregg.
Destination St. John’s CEO Paul Buggé said, “Hosting so many talented incentive travel professionals dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that motivate and inspire was a true pleasure. St. John’s, with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offers the perfect setting for a transformative and memorable incentive experience.”
Attendees had two mornings of education at the Signal Hill Campus of Memorial University. SITE’s CEO Annette Gregg presented “What’s in Store for ‘24” and then led a seaside chat and lively discussion on diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging with Jeffrey Fehr of Destination Canada.
On the second day, former MMA fighter turned humanitarian and philanthropist Justin Wren packed a powerful punch with his redemption story of a journey from hopelessness and despair in Mexico to meaning and purpose in the Congo.
Afternoon activities provided a range of immersive adventures on the edge, including an unforgettable helicopter flight over Newfoundland’s Irish loop, a whale and bird watching trip, an ocean safari, and two hiking options.
Delegates were left with a profound sense of the uniqueness of St. John’s and its potential as a compelling location for transformative incentive travel experiences.
Incentive Summit Americas 2025 will take place at the Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont, from April 1–4.
