MOTIVATE & CELEBRATE Incentive trips motivate employees, and as more organizations recognize the importance of giving back, there’s increasing demand to create innovative, impactful CSR activities that combine corporate objectives with powerful experiences attendees won’t forget. From wildlife conservation efforts to refurbishing local schools, here’s how to integrate inspiring give-back programs into your event. UNDERSTAND THE VALUE During their recent incentive event in Cancun, tour operator ALG Vacations (ALGV) executed their biggest give-back program ever, raising $40,000 for children with special needs. Seeing how huge the need was after volunteering at one school on a past trip, ALGV’s global head of trade brands, Jacki Marks, decided to elevate efforts by spreading 400 attendees out to nine schools. “We needed a much broader participation level so the amount of painting and repairs we could do plus a monetary donation would be life changing for those schools,” says Marks. ALGV diverted the keynote speaker budget into the give- back, knowing it would present more value for delegates. Organizers encouraged school supply, clothing and monetary donations far in advance, and most attendees brought an extra suitcase of items for the kids. Participation for the half-day event itself was higher than expected. ALGV split the funds raised between the Mexican schools and a children’s charity in Tennessee run by the event’s headliner, country superstar Dustin Lynch. ZERO IN ON WHERE THE NEEDS ARE Several years ago, Anne Findlay-Gomes, a director of regional sales with Prestige Global Meeting Source in Toronto, organized a build-a-bike program in Costa Rica. “It was fun, but when we drilled down to learn what their community actually needed, it wasn’t bicycles; it was school supplies,” recalls Findlay-Gomes, whose attendees filled backpacks and donated funds to the schools. “We also helped overhaul a shelter in Oahu— everything was stripped down, cleaned and painted. We also built a library and a garden area so they could grow fruits and vegetables.” WORK WITH LOCAL PARTNERS TO AVOID FRAUD Before committing to a give-back program, do your research, advises Danielle Casselman, who does business development for Metracon Travel Group in Toronto. “It’s hard to know which company is legitimate, so dig deeper by contacting organizations directly, or asking your hotels and DMC for recommendations,” she suggests. During a telecom conference in Mexico, Casselman’s THE POWER OF PURPOSE Make incentive trips rewarding in more ways than one by incorporating engaging, meaningful give-back activities into your program by Wendy Helfenbaum → Summer 2025 | Ignitemag.ca | 53
