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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the common questions by organizers of incentive programs is whether or not to incorporate any “business” activity during the course of a pure incentive program. Team building is often the “business” activity that comes to mind. While there are no right or wrong answers to this question, fun team-building activities can in fact enhance the value of an incentive program—to both the participant as well as the company. The most successful, memorable team-building events need not feel like a day at the office. On the contrary: They should blend with and augment the value of the incentive trip.

Team building and incentive programs have one thing in common: They are both the most important investments a company can make. They are both intended to build trust among employees, mitigate conflict, encourage communication, and increase collaboration. Effective team building as part of an incentive program mean more engaged employees, which is not only good for company culture but also to improve profitability.

To get the most value from incorporating team-building activities in an incentive program, there are a few ground rules that should be kept in mind:

1. Don’t force the corporate stuff

Team-building activities during the course of an incentive program should least resemble the corporate stuff. No overt reference to company goals or lessons in leadership. Don’t lose the sight of the fact that the participants have already paid their dues by working hard to meet specific goals and are now being rewarded with the incentive trip. Team-building activities should primarily encourage spending time together, sharing an experience or working towards a common goal to allow bonding to happen more organically. One idea is for participants to share their life/personal goals with each other. It’s a powerful way to learn about people and their dreams, as well as to generate ideas for future team-building activities.

2. Don’t forget the partners

If the incentive program includes partners, make sure any team-building activity you plan for involves partners too. It turns out that happiness and performance are closely tied together. The objective is twofold: To improve employee happiness as a result of an incentive trip and also foster bonding among employees. Partners play a pivotal role in boosting those two goals if they are included in all activities. To make it purposeful, choose something unique and slightly outside of people’s comfort zones to encourage all participants to come together in new ways.

3. Take the positive energy back to the office

Trying new concepts with your staff as part of an incentive program can generate good vibes among employees—both those who got to go to the incentive trip and those who didn’t. Any team-building activity planned as part of an incentive program should have somewhat of a lasting effect. The ultimate goal is to take that positive energy back to the office. Most team-building exercises falls flat because they are often a one-time activity—done and then forgotten. Incorporating team building in your incentive programs is a way to keep the excitement going long after participants return from the trip. The challenge is creating opportunities for the returning participants to spread the positive energy among all employees by connecting and interacting with one another in more meaningful ways, outside of regular meetings or corporate interactions.

How do you know you’ve got team building correctly blended into your incentive program? If there was laughter, a sense of excitement, accomplishment and togetherness, and maybe a few Instagram moments, you’re definitely on the right track!

The Maxxus Group is a leading international event planning company with unique set of expertise in planning incentive programs or state-of-the-art team-building activities or both.

Three Days on One Happy Island

Team Building and Incentive Programs