The trend is undeniable: Demand for travel is incredibly strong. Despite rumblings of recessions and industry-specific layoffs, travel bookings have been running above pre-COVID levels and incentive travel programs are booking well into 2025 and beyond. While many companies try to keep the cost of their incentive travel program flat year over year, steady inflation will gradually eat into the …
Two Very Different Resorts: One Very Big Thing in Common
When it comes to experiencing a wide selection of great destinations and resorts, I’ve been pretty lucky. Recently, I’ve had two stand-out experiences: Cameron House on Loch Lomond in Scotland and The Resort at Paws Up in Montana. In support of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), and as a way to showcase the resort to industry leaders, properties sometimes host …
Incentive Travel in 2023
Rapid Recovery Driving Pressures and Expectations Susan Adams—Vice President of Engagement Strategy at Next Level Performance, and Chair Elect of the IRF Board of Trustees—was recently featured in the 2023 State of the Industry for Corporate & Incentive Travel Magazine. Read her assessment below. From a complete standstill to an explosion of demand, the incentive travel industry’s experience of 2022 served …
Travel Partners of the Year 2022 named for exceptional service by Next Level Performance
New Brunswick, NJ, October 18, 2022—Next Level Performance is excited to recognize our dedicated partners during the 2022 Travel Partners of the Year Awards—our first since the COVID pandemic. Next Level awards best travel partners of 2022 in the following categories: DMC Partner of the Year: IMSHotel Partner of the Year: Bellagio Our committed partners at IMS have been named …
Next Level Performance Announces Leadership Advancements in Group Travel
[New Brunswick, NJ] (October 14, 2022) – Next Level Performance, an industry leader in group travel, meetings and events, is pleased to share a series of promotions and advancements in our travel operations team. “After a period of rapid growth and the successful delivery of the biggest travel season in our history, we are pleased to announce the promotion of several members of …
A Case For Incentives
As You’re Budgeting for ’23, Plan for Incentives Incentives, rewards, and loyalty programs can have a remarkable impact on the success of your business. As we enter Q4 and the planning season or 2023, we’ve outlined some of the key benefits of budgeting for performance-based incentive programs. Focus on sales performance Incentive programs allow you to quickly focus the behavior …
The world is eager to travel.
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to increase, winter weather breaks in most areas of the country, and restrictions loosen on retail capacities and personal gatherings, Americans have one thing on their mind: it’s time to travel.
Reward Preferences: Which Rewards Really Motivate?
To succeed, an incentive program must capture the attention of participants and inspire them to do great things. Rewards are key to earning mindshare and achieving results. I serve on the Research Committee of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and we recently completed the Rewards Preferences: Making a Lasting Impact on Incentive Program Participants study to understand which rewards really …
Incentive Travel: Get Ready for a Comeback
COVID-19 vaccines are in distribution. Hotels and airlines are operating with new health and safety protocols. Destinations are opening their doors with clear guidelines. And if the gorgeous hotels and resorts filling my social media feed are any indication, there’s a great deal of pent up demand to get back on the road, or on the beach. Get ready for a comeback! Incentive travel is ramping up.
5 Things You Should Know About Incentive Budgets Now
In a turbulent year, forecasting for recognition and incentive programs can seem challenging. The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) has just released the Industry Outlook for 2021: Merchandise & Gift Cards study, capturing the changes of 2020 and forecasting for 2021. The outlook is indeed positive – strong financial performance in 2021 is expected by the majority of corporate program owners.
Virtual Meetings and Events: Tales from the Front Line
The venue may be virtual, but the planning remains the same.
Postponed or Canceled Travel Program? Here’s What You Can Do Right Now.
Postponed or canceled travel program? You still have to reward your top performers or best customers. Here’s what you can do right now.