The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (
The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (
In announcing the destinations, SITE President Peggy Whitman, cite, (western regional sales director, MI Fulfillment Services, LLC) noted the significance of the decision. In 1973 SITE was founded to provide education to ensure incentive delivery standards around the world, Whitman explained. The goal was to ensure that no matter where an incentive program was delivered, experienced providers would be available to handle the program. This founding principal is still in practice and will be on display in 2003 as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary in two exciting new incentive destinations.
SITE annually holds two multi-day educational programs aimed at those involved in the design and delivery of incentive programs and motivational events. In addition to classroom learning, special networking sessions are offered that showcase destinations and venues suitable for incentive groups, as well as the professional skills available within the locale.
SITE University will be held at the Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. SITE University is a multi-day educational program aimed at providing practical, hands-on education. A tiered curriculum fulfills the needs of veteran industry professionals, while also playing an important role as a training ground for new employees entering the incentive workforce. Hanneke Dannhorn, managing director, Brook Green Travel Ltd., London, has been selected to chair this program.
SITE`s 2003 International Conference will be held at the Icelandair Hotel Esja in Reykjavik, Iceland. SITE`s International Conference provides an industry-specific `think tank` – a sophisticated business forum for those involved in the design and delivery of motivational programs and events.
The caliber of speakers and depth of business information presented are designed to attract the most seasoned veterans in the industry for a focused discussion of business strategy. Eugene deVilliers, managing director, The Extra Mile Company Ltd., New Zealand, will serve as chair of this SITE program.
In selecting destinations for its major educational programs, the SITE board weighs such factors as destination appeal to the incentive market, infrastructure, air lift, supplier support, and a readiness to handle the expectation levels of incentive qualifiers. Both the Dominican Republic and Iceland are poised and ready to move their product into the glare of the incentive spotlight, notes Whitman. First-hand inspections of emerging incentive destinations is an important element of our programs and a critical draw for our delegates. I`m confident that these destinations will pass muster with our discerning group.
The SITE anniversary will be tied into the Society`s activities throughout the year. The traditional gift for a 30th Anniversary is pearls, explains Whitman, so it is most appropriate that we are in the Dominican Republic, which has earned the title the pearl of the Caribbean. And, where better to celebrate SITE`s actual anniversary than the top of the world in Iceland.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
