Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Site began as an idea; a forum launched in 1973 when 11 incentive travel colleagues decided to create the first international nonprofit association dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in incentives. Based on their vision, that idea has flourished through the past 35 years. Site has grown from a handful of people to more than 2,200 individuals representing all facets of the incentive industry and 87 countries around the globe.
Site has always been a forward-looking organization that seeks new opportunities and embraces change. The charisma and thought-leadership of its members have taken the incentives industry to a new level. Today, more than ever before, this industry is essential to companies’ ability to meet and exceed business objectives.
It’s been an amazing journey — and one that has never strayed from its guiding principles: uncompromising ethics, respect for all cultures, and unleashing human potential through extraordinary motivational events. Since its first educational program in 1975, Site has focused on education and networking as two key components of advancing members’ innovation and creativity, which, in turn, spur the advancement of the entire industry.
As we again prepare to step forward with the new face of Site, let us pause to reflect on the past 35 years that have honed our vision, guided our sensibilities and laid the foundation upon which we will build the future of Site.
Global Connections
As early as 1977, Site members were stretched across four continents. Bridging the experience and knowledge these members had to share was — and continues to be — among the most meaningful benefits of involvement with Site. The Society has since formed 37 chapters in six continents so members can develop business opportunities, address common issues on a regional level and have full access to Site’s worldwide perspective and knowledge base.
Site also has expanded its educational events and now hosts and participates in several top industry functions throughout the year. From South Africa to Reykjavik, Aruba to Kuala Lumpur and myriad places in between, these events are a catalyst for ongoing professional growth. SITE and its members have been industry pioneers for decades and continue to be worldwide trendsetters.
In the coming years, Site is dedicated to enhancing its regional support through educational and networking opportunities as well as research specific to trends in various parts of the world.
Motivational Experiences
Site members have always understood the power of inspiring people through motivational experiences and in 1980 established the Incentive Travel Awards Competition, called the Crystal Awards beginning in 1987. The program honors especially outstanding efforts, ingenuity and ultimate results. To date, more than 135 organizations have received accolades for developing and delivering truly inspiring incentive programs.
By sharing these case studies with Society members, media representatives and business leaders, Site helps to explain the power of extraordinary events and motivational experiences in unleashing the human potential that, in turn, makes an enormous impact on companies’ ability to achieve, and often surpass, business goals. These success are important in any economic climate; but as we face challenges in the months — and possibly years — ahead, they are absolutely essential.
Business Results
When we discuss business results, we must consider two distinct points: career growth for members, and desired end-results for corporate clients.
Through the years, Site has enhanced in-person opportunities for members to build alliances, generate clients and tap into a global network of peers. From the first Site Executive Conference in 1975 to the Site Academy for Young Leaders, launched in 2006, the Society has continuously refined education and knowledge sharing to ensure ongoing value to Site members. In recent years, additional enhancements such as electronic and Web-based communications have further augmented members’ ability to interact with colleagues locally and globally.
Site also has been a proponent of and instrument in collecting information to document, gauge and educate others about the tangible affect motivational experiences have on achieving business objectives related to corporate objectives such as revenue, retention, stability and leadership development.
In 2009 and beyond, expect to see additional studies designed to help Site members generate business results for their clients — and themselves.
Looking Forward
What won’t change is the essence of Site: an association of the best meetings, events and incentive leaders worldwide, dedicated to building business and creating results. I hope you are as excited and engaged as I am in working together to make the Site of the future. It will be our Site, our future, our triumph together.
In an ever-changing global business world, the most prized asset remains constant: excellent performance.
A motivated, skilled workforce is invaluable to corporations wanting to improve their competitive advantage. Business leaders are constantly looking for creative ways to unlock human potential. One of the most powerful tools at their disposal is the motivational experience—including travel and events—which rewards a job well done and offers a way to grow. But at times, this tool for motivational and professional development is used imperfectly, and the benefits not truly realized.
Only one organization sits at the critical intersection between those who seek the full benefits of these motivational tools, and those who can provide these extraordinary experiences. That organization is Site.
Site makes possible the connection between motivational experiences and business results. It is the only global organization dedicated to linking professionals in the travel and motivational events industry with the business leaders who seek improved performance through these experiences.
Site has been defining this industry since the organization was formed more than three decades ago. It is built on a legacy of strong, professional relationships and high ethical standards. Today, Site is the premier worldwide authority in this unique industry segment—the source of knowledge for corporate leaders seeking the best ways to achieve improved results, with the greatest return on their investment.
Site Brand Pillars
For years, members have honed the vision and purpose of Site as well as the value of being involved in this diverse community of thought leaders. As Site embraces its newly refined strategic vision—Unleashing human potential through extraordinary motivational experiences—it will consistently reflect upon three essential brand pillars that truly distinguish Site in the field:
- Global Connections: The connections made through membership in Site, or by drawing from a diverse group of Site members and its expertise, provide best-in-class solutions. Site members have unparalleled opportunities to develop enriching connections across cities, regions, countries and continents.
- Motivational Experiences: Companies engage in motivational experiences because of their power to unleash human potential, something that can only be achieved if those experiences are of the highest quality. Making certain that motivational experiences are exceptional is why Site exists.
- Business Results: Site members deliver the business case for successful motivational experiences. In turn, membership in Site creates connections that deliver business results to Site members.
As the industry evolves, Site will lead the way, offering insights, cultivating cross-cultural relationships and sharing best practices to maximize the business impact of motivational experiences. Our commitment to these brand pillars, the core of the association’s message architecture, will only further advance the success of Site members and stakeholders.
Building Upon Our Strengths
The new Site brand vision will be apparent in everything the association does in the coming weeks and years. A few things that have recently launched and been implemented include:
- New Site logo: Site—along with its chapters, foundation and specialty groups—has adopted a new Site logo that reinforces Site’s position as an industry leader linking professionals in the travel and motivational events industry with the business leaders who seek improved performance.
- Launch of siteglobal.com: This interactive forum will help members not only learn about opportunity for growth available through Site, but also communicate and collaborate with colleagues around the world.
- Chapter marketing resources: Site has developed graphic identity standards that will, along with the templates, recruitment videos and other resources we will provide, support chapters in communicating and promoting their brand.
- Focus on business results: Programs that share knowledge about unleashing the power of human potential, the cornerstone of Site activities especially in today’s economic climate, are essential to the success of Site members and their clients.
- Eye to the future: In close consultation with all membership sectors, Site leaders will continue defining and advancing the industry while staying true to our essence of strong, professional relationships with high ethical standards. This includes all efforts made in collaboration with industry partners pertaining to the health and well-being of the profession going forward.
We also encourage all Site members to share suggestions for additional pursuits that exemplify Site’s brand pillars, underscore our thought leadership and speak to your needs as proponents of advancement in the evolving world of motivational experiences.
Finally, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge member organizations that have generously offered their support to this important project:
Visit London
MCI Group
Silversea Cruises, Ltd.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
On behalf of the entire Site membership, thank you for supporting this exciting new direction.
As we continue to move forward in 2009—a year fraught with economic and budgetary challenges—unleashing human potential becomes even more important in keeping individuals, organizations and even countries working toward a promising future. The potential of Site and its members is limitless; recent accomplishments serve as a testament to our ability to face challenges, exceed expectations and create experiences that provide unparalleled inspiration to people across the globe.
A small sampling from the 2008 Crystal Award Recognition Program demonstrates the impact that motivational experiences can have, one company at a time:
- CiEvents and its Canadian and Australian partners rolled out an 88-country program for IBM Corp. that in one year increased revenues by 62% and services sold by 184.7%, an ROI of 43:1.
- US Motivation’s efforts to help Diebold Inc. incentivize top performers yielded additional incremental revenue of $20 million in 2008 alone.
- Harith Productions worked with contributing partners in the U.S. and Brazil to develop an experience that inspired Endo Pharmaceuticals’ sales force to exceed its $1 billion sales goal by nearly 10%.
These are just three of the 15 Crystal Award recipients honored at the Site International Conference 2008. Read more about these programs and the trendsetters who brought them to fruition. The 2009 Crystal Award Recognition Program has added a new category to recognize impactful destinations. Learn more about the 2009 Crystal Award program and apply today.
Site’s Sense of Purpose
The current economic situation only underscores the influence and purpose of Site and its members. Building on our 35-year foundation, Site’s refined strategic vision and brand identity provide clear direction for strengthening Site’s relevance and voice in the motivational experience industry. It’s this unified vision that has proven to be a critical factor in Site’s ability to quickly rally around and lead industry efforts to champion the importance of meetings. As a member of the industry coalition, Site is an important partner and influencer at a time when joint efforts by all organizations is vital to progress. With resources such as the siteglobal.com website, membership cards and numerous other communications vehicles, Site has the tools it needs to:
- Reinforce our position as the industry leader linking professionals in the travel and motivational events industry with the business leaders who seek improved performance.
- Continue advancing the industry while staying true to our essence of strong, professional relationships with high ethical standards.
- Convey our distinct set of values and attributes among industry participants, media representatives and forward-thinking corporations.
- Use the Site brand across all facets of the organization to strengthen our shared vision and mission.
- Strategically place Site delegates as industry leaders.
- Improve overall awareness of Site and the motivational experience industry.
These goals are ambitious but, with guidance and contributions from Site’s more than 2,200 members, are eminently achievable.
Realizing Your Potential Through Site
Think about how the wealth of resources available through Site and its globe-spanning membership can affect your professional development, business acumen and intercontinental reach—and how you can be part of Site’s ongoing growth.
Site members share the insights, best practices and information that serve as a catalyst for advancing thought leadership not just on an individual basis, but industry-wide. Site chapters and events provide multiple forums for members to address common issues on regional, national and international levels, while having full access to Site’s global perspective and knowledge base.
Imagine how much more powerful your Site connections could be with 50 chapters on six continents, with a network of 2,200 members or with regional offices to support efforts to share Site members’ expertise with external audiences in your part of the world. Now is the time to step up, become a leader and ensure Site’s vision becomes reality for the benefit of all members. The source of Site’s strength is you—the member—and only with your help can we achieve our brand promise: to be the global authority connecting motivational experiences with business results.
It’s a challenge we’re ready for, and I look forward to continue working together to achieve new heights this year.