The Site Classic Featured "A Brand New Day" and the Spirit of the Bahamas
Delegates attending the fourth annual Site Classic experienced the best of the Bahamas while supporting the mission and research of the Site International Foundation. Taking place 3–6 November at The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island, the theme of “A Brand New Day” resonated strongly with all who attended.
Site International Foundation President Fay Beauchine, CITE emphasized the value of leveraging available Foundation resources when planning for the future. A keynote presentation sponsored by InterContinental Hotels Group and delivered by ‘The Branding Diva’, Karen Post, reinforced with delegates that branding is the art and science of being an offering of choice.
Delegates focused on the growing trend of incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into programs. When developing a CSR project in a destination, unique challenges can and do arise. Whether planning an event in your home country or in a new destination, there are many factors to take into account for your CSR project. Valuable tips and resources have been compiled for your reference — click here for more >>
Continuing a focus on corporate and social responsibility, a sponsorship by Maxvantage and Maritz inspired delegates to donate over 400 clothing items to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel, provided a CSR reference kit, and delivered an Ecoquest activity that had participants racing throughout Atlantis to learn about the environmental work of Kerzner International Resorts and the Kerzner Marine Foundation.
Charles Adderley (far right) and Lio Mograbi (far left) were met with a big thank you as they delivered clothing items to hostel.
Local host Destination Management partners injected creativity and Bahamian hospitality into the evening events. Sunsplash Events and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board welcomed guests to an Island Elegance White Party and capped off the evening with an oceanfront fireworks display. Cacique International Ltd and Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort celebrated a Bahamian tradition with a new twist on Junkanoo. A stunning final evening hosted by Sunbound and Atlantis, Paradise Island invited guests to dine under the sea within the ruins of the Atlantis with entertainment from Cirque du Soleil. A special tribute was delivered by Site President Sean Mahoney to honor Site Past President Gregory H. Kurdian, CITE. Greg was the founder of Sunbound, the oldest and largest Destination Management Company operating in Florida and the Bahamas. The final evening also featured a live and silent auction, with proceeds that directly fund the work and research of the Site International Foundation.
Also featured was the annual Site Classic Golf Tournament at the Tom Wesikopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course and choice of lifestyle activities including interactions with dolphins at Atlantis’ Dolphin Cay, snorkeling on Sea Horse Sailing Adventure, an underwater excursion on SUB Bahamas, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and the extremely popular Site Classic culinary experience at the five-star Graycliff Restaurant.
The Site International Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose primary goal is research, trend analysis and educational program support for the incentive and travel professional.
About the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel
The Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel was formed for the purpose of providing administrative and financial management of the emergency placement facility that was originally started by the Kiwanis Club of Nassau. The sole purpose of the Hostel is to provide temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care and other necessities for the benefit of abandoned and neglected children, until more permanent arrangements could be made for their welfare. The Home is ideally capable of housing approximately 35 children at any given time.