"It's essential that our partners understand and respect local customs and traditions": Dell explains how to craft exceptional- and respectful- incentives

Tell me a bit about the projects you work on and your creative process?My primary focus is on designing and executing incentive trips for our top performers. While we operate within a pre-established framework regarding event duration and budget constraints, my creative process centers on crafting unforgettable experiences. I strive to curate events and activities that participants wouldn't typically encounter outside of these incentive trips.Our approach encompasses all aspects of the experience, from orchestrating unique evening events and daytime activities to selecting bespoke gifts. The goal is to create a cohesive journey that resonates with our winners long after the trip concludes. This process involves extensive research, collaboration with local partners, and a keen understanding of our participants' preferences and expectations.What is your best story from an event or incentive?One of our most memorable experiences occurred during an event in Bali. We had planned an elaborate outdoor celebration in a quarry, and in an attempt to ensure perfect weather, we even enlisted a local priest to perform a ritual to hold off the rain. Nature, however, had other plans.As the celebration was in full swing, the skies opened up, drenching everyone as if buckets of water were being poured over us. What could have been a disaster turned into an unexpectedly joyous moment. To our surprise, many attendees were disappointed when we considered stopping the party. They were revelling in the unique experience of dancing under the tropical downpour.This incident beautifully illustrates the unpredictable nature of event planning and how sometimes, the most memorable moments arise from unplanned circumstances. It also highlighted the adventurous spirit of our participants and their ability to find joy in unexpected situations.What do you look for when working with agencies and suppliers?When collaborating with agencies and suppliers, I prioritise several key attributes:1. Creativity and uniqueness: I seek partners who can conceptualise and deliver extraordinary experiences that set our events apart.2. Strong logistical prowess: While creativity is crucial, it must be balanced with impeccable organisational skills and attention to detail.3. Teamwork and transparency: I value agencies that function as true extensions of our team, maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a collaborative environment.4. Innovation: Partners who think outside the box and aren't afraid to propose novel ideas are invaluable in keeping our events fresh and exciting.5. Shared values: I look for agencies that demonstrate strong ethical standards, respect for their employees and suppliers, and a commitment to responsible business practices.6. Cultural sensitivity: Given the global nature of our events, it's essential that our partners understand and respect local customs and traditions.7. Adaptability: The ability to pivot quickly and efficiently in response to unexpected challenges is crucial in our dynamic industry.What are the biggest trends and issues for Dell and the technology sector when it comes to events?Several key trends and challenges are shaping the event landscape in the technology sector:1. Sustainability: There's an increasing focus on minimizing the environmental impact of our events. This includes reducing waste, offsetting carbon emissions, and incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout the event lifecycle.2. Local engagement: We're placing greater emphasis on supporting local communities by partnering with indigenous artisans and vendors for gifts and experiences.3. Cost management: As expectations from winners continue to rise, we're facing the challenge of delivering increasingly impressive experiences while managing escalating costs.4. Geopolitical considerations: The ever-changing global political landscape requires us to be vigilant about the safety and viability of potential event locations.5. Climate change: Rising global temperatures are affecting our destination choices, as some previously popular locations become less suitable due to extreme weather conditions.6. Technology integration: As a tech company, there's an expectation to seamlessly incorporate cutting-edge technology into our events, enhancing the overall experience.7. Personalisation: There's a growing trend towards offering more personalized experiences that cater to individual preferences within the larger group setting."What are the top destinations to look out for in your opinion?In my view, the most exciting destinations for incentive trips are those that offer a perfect blend of uniqueness, cultural richness, and the potential for exclusive experiences. I'm particularly drawn to:1. Lesser-known regions in well-traveled countries2. Emerging destinations that are just beginning to develop their tourism infrastructure.3. Places with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism4. Destinations that offer a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences5. Locations that provide opportunities for truly unique activitiesThe key is to find destinations that aren't oversaturated with tourists, allowing us to create bespoke, immersive experiences that feel exclusive to our group.What is an issue you feel passionate about and how can the industry tackle it?I'm particularly passionate about integrating mindfulness and cultural respect into our events. I believe our industry has a responsibility to honor and respect the locations where we hold our events, especially when we're privileged to access sacred or culturally significant sites.One way we've been addressing this is by incorporating local ceremonies or rituals into our events when appropriate. For instance, when having our event on a sacred land, we have invited local spiritual leaders to perform blessings at the beginning and end of our stay. These ceremonies serve multiple purposes:1. They show respect for the local culture and traditions.2. They create a sense of connection between our group and the location.3. They promote mindfulness among participants, encouraging them to be present and appreciative of their surroundings.I believe the events industry as a whole could benefit from adopting similar practices. This could involve:1. Educating event planners about the importance of cultural sensitivity and local customs.2. Developing partnerships with local communities to ensure events are respectful and beneficial to the host location.3. Incorporating moments of reflection or mindfulness into event itineraries.4. Creating guidelines for responsible event planning that include respect for local cultures and environments.By prioritising these practices, we not only create more meaningful experiences for our participants but also contribute positively to the places we visit. This approach can help build a more sustainable and respectful events industry that values both the destinations we visit and the experiences we create.

"It's essential that our partners understand and respect local customs and traditions": Dell explains how to craft exceptional- and respectful- incentives

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"It's essential that our partners understand and respect local customs and traditions": Dell explains how to craft exceptional- and respectful- incentives

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