DELIVERING INCENTIVES THROUGH VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES
It's no surprise that current events have brought incentive travel to a screeching halt. Programs involving all-inclusive resort stays, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and whistle stop weekends continue to postpone. But there are still ways to digitally deliver incentives to top performers, both staff & customers.
Top performers provide critical value to the success of any business. And especially during this unique time, it's imperative to keep them engaged and motivated. Incentives can still move business forward we just need to get creative. Here's how we can still bring the most memorable experiences into the homes of a company’s most important audience: their employees.
Hosting a Virtual Event
Producing ‘hybrid or blended incentives’ are a great way to connect with and celebrate employees & customers. Though they may look different, the digital space still allows for creating memorable and personal experiences. Even though the core of the event may be virtual, it's still about providing that exclusive access to something desirable they may not be able to attain on their own.
Think: home-based cooking demos with a celebrity chef and branded meal prep kit provided so participants can cook along at home, an exclusive performance by a well-known artist brought into their living rooms or an interactive session with a celebrity where participants can engage with them directly.
If people can travel safely then you could use a wonderful venue as your base for a small number of participants and through the use of technology bring an exclusive digital experience such as a cookery masterclass, wine tasting or speaker into your event.
The Future of Incentives
It's impossible to know exactly what incentives will look like in the future. Looking ahead, there might be fewer winners or smaller groups on trips. We will have to adjust just as the rest of the industry will. One thing we know is that travel & experiences and how they connect employees to brands and to each other, will continue to be a powerful way to motivate and reward.