The Event:
Our customer, a clinical research organization, needed assistance planning two separate, concurrent, 4-day incentive trips for their Achievers’ Club in both Europe and US markets.
Understanding our customer’s goals of connection and reward, Miller Tanner Associates began sourcing for the two incentive events in summer of 2022 for the spring 2023 events.
Challenges:
Why Vendor Partnerships Are Important
Typically, European hotels are closed from November to March which can make planning challenging. This can impact site visits and coordination. The MTA Team worked closely with the hotel partner to ensure no delays in planning even through the closed season.
Post-event, return flights were canceled for six attendees in St. Martin but because of our vendor partnership with the hotel, they were quick to accommodate our guests for additional nights.
Solutions:
Creating Connectivity for the Two Events
To create a connection between both incentive events, the events were held the same week. St. Martin was the destination selected for the 20 U.S. attendees and Venice, Italy was selected for the 17 EU attendees. These destinations were not only selected to align with the goals and budget, but also to allow for ease of travel for the attendees given their respective proximities and travel duration.
Partner Connection
MTA partnered with the Belmond Hotel properties, offering luxury, boutique experiences at both Venice’s Hotel Cipriani and the La Samanna in St. Martin. By partnering with Belmond properties for both events, communication was streamlined for a more seamless pre-planning process.
Attendee Connection
The MTA Team intentionally designed the two events, mirroring the theme and branding, excursions, and overall experience for all attendees. Additionally, to create a shared connection between the Achievers’ Club attendees, the MTA team recorded congratulatory videos from attendees in each event location and shared the videos at both celebration dinners.
St. Martin Highlights:
- Guest accommodations at the exclusive La Samanna, Belmond Hotel, with oceanfront rooms for all guests. This hotel offered exceptional VIP services for attendees and the property offered pools, beach access, high-end dining, and more.
- Welcome amenities and unique local artisan gifts to commemorate the St. Martin event and enhance the week’s experience.
- Welcome reception began at the Wine Cave. Guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner on the beautiful hotel veranda overlooking ocean set to traditional Caribbean music.
- Full day of R&R, with VIP “Cabana Day” beach experience – Attendees could choose among various activities, such as water sports, jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling and parasailing, at their leisure.
- Leisure day with spa, golf, and Rhino Safari adventure (snorkel and jet ski boat tour) followed by an upscale, six-course French dining experience at the exclusive Hibiscus, a premiere restaurant with personalized, curated menus. Courses paired with wine from the restaurant’s French cellar.
- Celebration dinner with saxophone trumpet duo, Caribbean rum station, photo booth activation and gift amenities.
- A surprise vow renewal for one of the attendees and significant other. “A sincere thanks to Janina and team for helping me to surprise my husband with a wedding vow renewal ahead of our 31st anniversary.”
Feedback from St. Martin attendees:
“Janina was so kind and helpful throughout the week. She is truly an asset to MTA.”
“Janina and team were stellar!!! No details left untouched and so accommodating.”
“The onsite staff were wonderful; they truly made the experience top notch.”
“It was an amazing trip beyond words! Every detail was so thoughtful. Thank you so much!!”
“Perfect! Immensely grateful to experience that wonderful event and to make so many new friends amongst our group.”
“Well done from start to finish.”
“One of the best resort experiences I have had.”
Venice, Italy Highlights:
- Guest accommodations at the luxury boutique Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel – a treat in and of itself.
- Water taxi arrival for guests and welcome reception with specialty gelato dessert cart, and Aperol station as well as featured hotel’s signature Peach Bellini.
- Personalized monogrammed amenities, local artisan bags, and specialty gifts for a one-of-a-kind gifting experience.
- Tour of the iconic St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the Murano Glass Factory.
- Wine tasting at Venissa Wine Estate located on the Island of Marzzorbo in the Venetian Lagoon.
- Group gondola ride through Venice’s ancient canals.
- Dinner at Gritti Palace overlooking the Grand Canal surrounded by breathtaking vistas in the heart of the city.
- Venetian-inspired farewell celebration dinner, complete with traditional Italian music and masquerade masks, at the Sala Tiziano Ballroom overlooking the historical St. Mark’s Square.
Feedback from Venice attendees:
“Everything was perfect. I now have memories of a lifetime!”
“It was an unforgettable experience, simply amazing!”
“Attention to detail was impeccable!”
“Wonderful event and magical location!”
“We had a fantastic time making amazing memories on a trip of a lifetime!”
“An experience I won’t forget!”
Through vendor partnerships, keen intentionality, and impeccable attention to detail, the Miller Tanner Associates team designed two elaborate memorable incentive experiences, doubling the success for our customer’s Achievers’ Clubs celebration for EU and US attendees.
In April 2024, MTA received a Bronze Stevie® Award for this event. To read more, visit here.
