Attendees from six continents and 43 countries, including representation from some of the world’s leading incentive houses, came together for robust conversations about incentive travel issues relevant in their home markets and on a global scale.
At the Site International Conference 2012 in Beijing, China, 14-17 September, Site upheld its reputation as the global leader in providing education and raising the bar on the use of motivational experiences to engage employees and key stakeholders to achieve greater business results. Attendees from six continents and 43 countries, including representation from some of the world’s leading incentive houses, came together for robust conversations about incentive travel issues relevant in their home markets and on a global scale. As part of China Meetings Week and colocated with CIBTM, the Site International Conference provided thought leadership in the specialized and highly sought after arena of motivational events and incentive travel.
“Tourism authorities the world over recognize the importance of incentive travel to their economic health,” stated Site President Alejandro Verzoub. “Leaders in Beijing hold a commitment to elevating the professionalism of the MICE industry, including a focus on excellence in motivational events and incentive travel. We are grateful that the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development recognized Site as the global leader in this field and partnered with us to deliver the Site International Conference in Beijing as part of an initiative to train its professional community and further develop Beijing to the position of being viewed as a top motivational experiences destination.”
The Site International Conference delivered on those objectives with a dynamic and relevant education program during which attendees heard from travel journalist Peter Greenberg, leading tourism expert Geoffrey Lipman, and President of the U.S. Travel Association Roger Dow, and also got an insider’s look at Microsoft’s use of motivational programs from Fay Beauchine, CITE, President of Business Loyalty for Aimia, and Michele Samoulides, Senior Manager of Worldwide Recognition & Rewards Programs for Microsoft Corporation. Following findings from the Site International Foundation’s The Participant’s Viewpoint study, Ms. Samoulides addressed needs, perspectives and benchmarks for the Fortune 100 company related to its incentive travel programs that recognize top performers.
Applying the foundational understanding that people build stronger bonds when they share extraordinary experiences, Site and the host city offered delegates manifold opportunities to get to know each other and Beijing, from a spectacular Welcome Dinner at Taimiao, the Imperial Ancestral Temple, to the closing night’s Gala Dinner at the Water Cube, located in the center of the Beijing Olympic Green. Excursions paired with group dining experiences offered a taste of Beijing at the Forbidden City Museum, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Silk Street and Youth Opera Theatre.
The extent of Beijing’s commitment to the conference and to the advancement of the motivational events industry was expressed in the heavy participation of government officials and crystalized by the personal audience that Site President Alejandro Verzoub, Immediate Past President Mary MacGregor, Managing Director Allison Summers, and Conference Chairman Sean Mahoney had with Mr. Wang Anshun, Acting Mayor of Beijing Municipal Government, to talk about Site. Site was featured on Beijing television and received more than 150 media hits during the conference.
The conference also served as a backdrop for Site members to make connections and celebrate achievements through the Site Annual General Meeting of Members, Site Chapter Leaders Meeting, Site Crystal Awards ceremony, Site Chapter of the Year and Excellence Awards and individual member awards. Site members and friends from Florida, along with leaders from Visit Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort, invited participants to “Dream of Orlando” during a luncheon that kicked off Site’s countdown to its 40th anniversary celebration and the Site Global Conference 2013, 7–10 December in Orlando, Florida, USA.
Site Managing Director Allison Summers said, “It is with immense pride that we thank Sean Mahoney of Silversea Cruises, Ltd., for serving as our Site International Conference 2012 Chairman and Mr. Sun Weijia of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development for serving as the Host Committee Chairman. Together, and backed by many other great volunteers and the members of the Site China Chapter, these gentlemen delivered a visually stunning and relevant event.”
Site looks forward to continuing conversations toward a lasting, positive growth for the motivational events and incentive travel industry and for Beijing. The Site International Board of Directors is always interested in talking to destinations about nurturing incentive travel. To join the conversation, or to take a leading role in an upcoming Site event, please contact Site Global at site@siteglobal.com.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
![[PR] PR_Ascott and Vimut Hospital_2024](https://www.traveldailynews.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PR-PR_Ascott-and-Vimut-Hospital_2024-400x265.jpg)
