ECUADOR — South America
When our client asked us for recommendations for a perfect incentive destination, we had to scratch our heads. There are so many unique places on the planet that fit the bill. But, after surveying the group, we came back with an ‘out-of-the-box’ recommendation: Ecuador. With the tagline “Like Nowhere Else,” Ecuador is a fascinating land with an awe-inspiring topography. We weren’t sure about our client’s reaction, but simply put it was overwhelming. The management committee unanimously endorsed our recommendation. Now, we had to get to work to put together an incentive program that stood to its claim—leaving participants with an experience of a lifetime.
First a Lesson in History
What is now Ecuador was home to a variety of native groups that were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire during the 15th century. The territory was colonized by Spain during the 16th century, achieving independence in 1820 as part of Gran Colombia, from which it emerged as its own sovereign state in 1830. The legacy of both empires is reflected in Ecuador's ethnically diverse population, with most of its 16.4 million people being mestizos, followed by large minorities of European, native, and African descendants.
Topography
Ecuador is made up of four distinct worlds: The famed Galapagos Islands, the Amazon region, the Andes and the Pacific Coast. Our group arrived in the Capital, Quito, a city so amazingly rich in architecture. Quito is a capital city high in the Andes, dramatically situated, squeezed between mountain peaks whose greenery is concealed by the afternoon mist. Modern apartment buildings and modest concrete homes creep partway up their slopes and busy commercial thoroughfares lined with shops and choked with traffic turn into peaceful neighborhoods on Sundays. Warm and relaxed, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture – overflowing market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat-makers–mixed with a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.
After a nearly 24-hour flight, the group was understandably tired and in bad need of rest. We rushed them to the Hilton Colon Quito to also get them acclimatized to the high elevation, which causes fatigue. After all, we needed them well rested for a packed program for the days that followed.
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VIETNAM —Timeless Charm
How to organize an incentive trip in the land of mystery?
The joy in our job as event planners is to showcase far-away lands as potential destinations for our clients’ desire to woo and impress their top-performing executives. So, when one of our clients asked us for our input in where they should take their group, we had to get to work. We first had to find out about the group’s appetite for adventure. Well, we knew that intuitively because we had worked with this client for many years organizing their incentive programs throughout the world. For many, Vietnam does not naturally come to mind when one thinks of an incentive destination—but it sure conjures up a land of mystery and intrigue. So, we proposed the destination at a meeting of the company’s senior management team. It was easy to detect the group’s profound intrigue with the destination. We got the green light to proceed. Now the hard work started.
Arrival
Our group of 50 guests along with their partners arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and we managed to whisk them away to the Sapphire Hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for a well-deserved rest and recovery from their long-haul flight.
A Day in Saigon
Saigon is surely one of the most evocative places in the world and definitely an extraordinary one at that. The most Western in atmosphere of all Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use its official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. Golf courses, bowling alleys and shopping malls vie for space with fruit and vegetable markets, pagodas and karaoke rooms.
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PORTUGAL - To Portugal with Love
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve's beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s-1800s, when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire. So, when our client asked us to organize their next incentive trip to Portugal, we welcomed the news with excitement. Portugal has so much to offer an incentive program.
Client Profile:
Our client is an automaker; and the target group was made up of the company’s inside sales team—a group of 45 along with their companions. The group is scattered across the US and Canada. Well-travelled, the group was interested in unique experiences.
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FRANCE — Five Glorious Days in South of France
Even as event planners that organize events of all sorts and sizes anywhere around the globe, we can hardly hide our excitement when we receive a request for South of France. The area conjures up so much romance and passion that it is hard not to get excited. So, when our client, a financial institution, reached out for our ideas about an incentive program for their best sales executives, we were all enthused and had to roll out a program that would leave lasting memorable impression on this team of go-getters. Most of the participants had already been to Paris—hence, why the client was looking for somewhere other than Paris for this program.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A DETAILED AGENDA CLICK HERE
MANHATTAN — Kayak the Waters of Manhattan
Looking for something new, fun and exciting to do on your next incentive program in New York?
Kayaking is a new experience for most of us, and more fun when you share it with people you know. Kayaking from Manhattan out to the Statue of Liberty is one of the most amazing ways to enjoy New York City. Join your colleagues for a teambuilding event, complete with lessons and games. Looking for a challenge (like learning to rescue each other), a new perspective (New York City and the Statue of Liberty are amazing from a kayak), or sheer lunacy (Try kayak polo!) at your next incentive trip — The Maxxus Group will make your event more eventful!
MONTANA —Cattle Drives & Horseback Riding in Montana
Become a real cowboy or cowgirl on your next incentive program!
If you have ever dreamt of acting as a real cowboy or cowgirl, then Cattle Drives & Horseback Riding in Montana is exactly the right choice for your next incentive trip. Experience a stunning scenery and countryside while chasing cows and calves. Challenge your staff with Mountain Trails on the horseback! Sleep in authentic lodges and cabins or camp overnight in spacious wall tents and Indian teepees while on the track. Learn to punch those doggies as real Montana cowboys & cowgirls. A western adventure that you will never forget — The Maxxus Group will make it all happen!
ANTARCTICA —Discovering the Antarctica
Explore the "coolest" place on Earth!
The most isolated continent on the planet, Antarctica is vast wilderness just ripe for your group to explore it. Large mountain ranges and expansive plateaus of snow and ice mark the land, with weather patterns that can only be described as savage. Take a cruise or ferry around some of the most dramatic scenery in the world and be one of the few to observe polar animals in their natural environment. Kayak up to icebergs for even closer views or huddle around geothermal waters. Antarctica is the ultimate destination for your next incentive trip and for travelers who are not afraid of the elements. Let us at the Maxxus Group make this trip the ultimate experience for your group.