The Event
A global consulting company originally scheduled an incentive program for May 2020 in Miami, but due to the pandemic the event was rescheduled.
The Challenges
Miller Tanner Associates had originally planned this international incentive program for May 2020 in Miami. Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions for international travel to the U.S., Miller Tanner Associates was able to obtain zero damage contracts from the event and reschedule for two smaller events.
The Solution
Utilizing our team’s expertise, we offered a creative solution to address challenges – plan two smaller events, one for the domestic attendees to be held in Maine in August and an October event for European attendees in Ireland.
To ensure the safety of all attendees while also enjoying an elevated experience, both Maine and Ireland offered unique remote settings, with open spaces, outdoor activity opportunities, and creative local experiences which included local land and sea activities and unique dining.
Highlights from Maine Incentive Program
- The Miller Tanner Associates (MTA) team designed a one-of-a-kind experience with intentionality behind every activity highlighting the natural beauty and charm of coastal Maine along with its cuisine and culture.
- Each guest was greeted with a gift hinting of the experiences forthcoming. Welcome gifts intentionally curated to include a pine sachet, locally-crafted Bixby chocolate bar, Cellardoor wine, and other local accoutrements.
- MTA planned three unique coastal dining experiences that showcased the authentic tastes of traditional Maine with engaging educational elements.
- Traditional Lobster Bake Reception Welcome event featuring 1 lb. lobsters, seafood chowder, and local flavors. Each guest received a purposeful “lobster kit” including artful instructional “how to eat a lobster” guide, personalized bibs, and essential tools.
- Dine in the Vines at Cellardoor Winery for a locally crafted wine-paired dinner experience hosted on site in the winery’s dining room with vineyard views. Tasting notes were provided for each course along with an award-winning wine tasting throughout the event.
- Full Circle Kitchen experience at the Barn at Primo for an ultimate farm-to-table candlelit dining experience, featuring garden and farm tour with menu created by award-winning chef. Local folk instrumentalists set the stage for an ambient final evening event.
- Planned local excursions highlighting both land and sea adventures.
- Guests sailed the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Historic Schooner Heron for mid-coast Maine sightseeing.
- Camden Harbor Cruise included shopping in the quaint town of Camden and a boating experience from the vantage point of a lobsterman.
- For the more adventurous, sea kayaking out of the Rockland Harbor offered an exhilarating experience to view natural wildlife and historic lighthouses, including the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
- Guests also enjoyed Samoset championship golf course and spa.
Highlights from Ireland Incentive Program
- In response to pandemic travel restrictions, The Miller Tanner Associates team designed an experience in Ireland mirroring the experience of that in Maine with an emphasis on the tradition and authentic beauty of the local region.
- Upon arrival at Adare Manor in Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland, each guest enjoyed a curated themed welcome gift, a picnic basket which included a cashmere blanket, snacks and in-room specialty drinks to celebrate the start of the incentive experience.
- The event “took flight” with an iconic falconry experience at the Manor’s aviary where guests had the opportunity to interact with the resident raptors.
- Following the falconry activity, guests enjoyed a woodland-themed welcome reception and dining experience in the Manor’s carriage house.
- Planned activities on both the local grounds and by sea.
- Guests enjoyed a full day of a broad range of activities on the estate grounds including golfing on Adare’s championship golf course, fishing on the River Maigue, swimming, clay pigeon shooting, archery, cycling and exploring the estate’s walking trails and gardens. Rounding out a full day of activities, guests enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant.
- Our team planned a ferry ride to view the majestic Cliffs of Mohar, must-see vistas by sea and set to music with a local Irish band on board.
- The Manor’s Gallery was transformed into an elegant celebratory dining experience with locally-sourced traditional Irish cuisine enjoyed by candlelight and live violinists followed by an evening finale – whiskey tasting.
To learn more, visit https://www.millertanner.com/success-stories/.
