Three Days on One Happy Island

One of the exciting challenges for professional event planners specialized in incentive programs is to come up with the next destination that can excite the participants.  With so many competing stimulating destinations around the world, it is always a test of our understanding of our clients and what motivates their participants to strive to achieve their goals to get to experience the next inspiring destination.  For this auto maker client, having had incentive programs on every continent, it was time for “One Happy Island.”  Aruba is one of those destinations that conjures up so many inspiring notions—a perfect stimulant for our next destination for this selective client.

With a fitting tag line “One Happy Island,” Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds bring cool breezes and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly. European influence shows in architecture that features Dutch gables painted in tropical pastels. It’s also evident in language, with English, Dutch and Spanish spoken alongside the local tongue, Papiamento.

Arrival

Bound from multiple points of origin from across North America, the participants converged at Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport, where their VIP status was recognized with prearranged expedited customs formalities after which they were whisked away in the waiting vehicles arranged by our ground transportation partner—and onto the Ritz-Carlton Aruba for their awaiting luxury accommodations.  

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea with miles of azure waters to explore, experience, surprise and delight at every turn, the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, is one of the newest Aruba luxury hotels to rise along the island's spectacular Palm Beach. The hotel features 320 rooms and suites all offering private balconies and stunning ocean views; four dining outlets; a luxurious, 13-treatment room Spa; two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. This exquisite getaway combines legendary Ritz-Carlton service with unprecedented opulence for an island retreat like no other. 

Ritz Carlton

Aruba

Nothing says “ice breaker” than a “Bon Bini” Cocktail Reception at the Ritz’s Recreation Pool followed by a sumptuous dinner at BLT Steak terrace that provided the perfect backdrop for the group to connect in an ambiance of Classic American Steakhouse with a modern interpretation.  

BLT Steak Terrace Dinner

Day 2

After a restful night’s sleep, the group was in need of a good “stretch”—with a choice of yoga on the beach or for the more adventurous ones on standup paddleboards, after which they got to rest and enjoy the serene ocean scene from waiting private cabanas.   

SUP

Yoga

As the morning drew to a close, equipped with hearty lunch boxes, the group got to choose from exploring the island on ATVs or, for a more tamed activity, head to the hotel’s luxury spa for some pampering.  

In paradise, it seems fun never ends.  Before you knew it, it was time for another sumptuous dinner. This one at the famed Wilhelmina Restaurant in its open-air setting that left everyone starry-eyed.  

Day 3

Even on the Happy Island, time marches on fast—or is it faster? Day 3 was already here and so much yet to do.  We couldn’t leave Aruba without experiencing “Cas di Wichi,” a local venue, a typical “Cunucu” house—actually the home of a local DMC owner—where the group was treated to an authentic breakfast of local cuisine; and where the group was able to connect and indulge in local experiences by participating in a watercolor painting session with a local artist, making their own local sauce or by learning how to prepare some local dishes. 

You can’t be in these crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean without a hearty dose of snorkeling.  Onboard we went and sailed to calmer waters to witness a magnificent display of nature’s extraordinary colors in the waters below.  

Sadly, before you knew it, the farewell ceremonies were upon us. And what a display of color and fanfare with a traditional carnival sendoff—bringing three spectacular days of sun, sand and fond memories to an end.  Infused with remarkable enthusiasm, the group was sent off to produce yet another record year performance to be celebrated in yet another spectacular corner of the globe.  

Hong Kong in Two Days or Less

When our pharmaceutical client asked us to help them spice up their intense product training program that was taking place in Hong Kong for 5 consecutive days, we knew we had to come up with ideas to help the group recover from its “education fatigue.”  To make matters more exciting, we were only given a few days to pull together a “rest and restoration” program.  We rolled up our sleeves and pulled together a very light but fun-filled itinerary.

Morning 1:

We set off to Kowloon, the “Land of the Nine Dragons.”  Kowloon is a melting pot of bright neon, shops and markets. The group got to discover the Bird Market, fortune-tellers and a huge range of bars and restaurants along the way.  Some even wandered away to the nearby Space Museum, the Museum of History and the world-renowned Hong Kong Cultural Centre.  Along the way, the group traveled through or by such well-known places as Tsim Sha Tsui East promenade, the Peninsula Hotel, Langhamplace, Temple Street, jade market, West Kowloon waterfront promenade, Hankow Road and Mody Road.

Afternoon 1:

After a hurried lunch, the group got to get “personal” with the city—one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities where East truly meets West.  The group saw the Man (Literature) and Mo (Martial Arts temple), notable for its many fine, well-polished brass and pewter incense burners, after which we took the Peak Tram, climbing 373 meters and leaning at a 45° angle to see the most spectacular view of the city!  On return, we stopped by the Stanley Market, a shoppers’ paradise where the group was able to do a spontaneous shopping for a wide variety of souvenirs as silk, garments, sportswear, Chinese artwork and accessories.

Night 1:

Before you knew it, it was nightfall.  We headed to the world-famous Temple Street Night market, a great place for bargain hunting and rubbing shoulders with the locals.  Our “Hon,” the open-top bus took us on a spectacular drive through neon-lit streets where the group was able to witness the towering skyscrapers glittering against night sky.

To end the night on a romantic note, we hopped on a chartered boat for a leisurely sunset cruise on Victoria Harbor with a gourmet international buffet on board for the participant to enjoy.

Morning 2:

After a leisurely breakfast on their own, the group was taken to Lantau Island, which is almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island and is one of the best-loved outlying islands. Along the way, the group got to see the experience the development of Ngong Ping Cable Car.  The attendees then got a chance to explore Tai O, a quaint fishing village where the houses are all built on stilts, and visit the world’s tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha statue sits at the Po Lin Monastery nearby.

Afternoon 2:

Time to head to the harbor again and see the world’s pinkest dolphins in action.  We boarded the group onto a luxury cruiser from Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon to Tung Chung New Development Pier on Lantau Island.  Along the way, while sipping their refreshments, the group got educated about the dolphins and their habitat.  

Travel Home:

After this marathon of a program (the shortest we have ever run), we had to rush the group to their hotel to gather up their belongings and head to the airport for their individual journeys home to far-flung corners of the world.

In need of an “express” incentive program at the tail end of your annual meeting?  Call the professionals at the Maxxus Group.  We know how to get value out of every available minute for your participants. 

How to Hire the Best Event Planning Companies

There is no unanimity about whether or not to hire an event planner for your company’s important upcoming event.  Some corporations work with an event planning company for all their events while others hire an event planner on an ad hoc basis.  Some even try to do it on their own.  If you choose to work with an event planner, selecting one need not be a daunting task.  Follow these important steps to secure the services of a competent event planner—and to ensure the success of your event(s).   

Event Objectives

One cannot help but think of the famous expression from Alice in Wonderland, “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you.”  Without clearly-enunciated objectives for your event, any event planner should do.  Event objectives are not just intended to keep the event planner on track, they are the roadmap for your entire corporate team to stay focused.  Many corporations often fall in the trap of thinking that hiring an event planner starts with a budget.  A good event planner will quickly remind you that unless you go through the discipline of formulating specific objectives for your event, it is unlikely that you will end up with a satisfactory result.  In this important phase, a good event planner will guide you to answer relevant questions about who, what, where, when, why and how.      

Once the thread of a common objective for the event appears, it’s time to zero in on an umbrella theme for the event.  Here, your event planner can help you with your messaging strategy and activities that can be tied together with that common thread and determine the internal and external resources needed to accomplish the identified goals.  It is only then that your event planner can come up with a realistic budget for your event—from lodging, to venue rental, catering, speakers and entertainment, décor and transportation, etc. 

Reputation & Experience  

Unfortunately, the barriers to entry in the event planning profession are non-existent or minor.  Consequently, there appears to be a proliferation of many with little or no experience calling themselves event planners, making the job of selecting a reputable one very difficult.  Good event planners will have a roster of clients and milestone events they have put together.  Ask for references and check out the candidates’ previous work.  In particular, pay attention to the planner’s creativity in his/her other work.    

Proposal

Once you have narrowed your list to just a few event planning companies, ask for a proposal containing all the elements that you require for your event.  This is an opportunity for the event planner to shine and to demonstrate their ability to embrace your event objective(s) and put forward not only creative solutions but also realistic ones bearing in mind your budget. 

Interviews

As a final step in selecting your event planner, schedule an interview (face to face or remotely) to have a better “feel” for your possible candidates.  Ultimately, there has to be a chemistry between you—and your corporation—and the event planner.  Consider the fact that for the duration of planning and rolling out the event you and the planner will be working closely and for extended hours.  It is important that you can establish a mutually-enjoyable working relationship with your chosen planner.

These are only a few of the criteria that can help you determine whether or not you need an event planner for your next company event, and if you do, how to select the best candidate for the job. 

As an event planning company, GMS has been in business for over 20 years.  We welcome the opportunity to share the wisdom we have gathered over the years with our existing and prospective clients.