In an increasingly decentralized workforce, faced with rising costs and economic uncertainty, motivating employees is more important than ever—and incentive programs are crucial.
According to research by the Incentive Research Foundation, for organizations, incentive programs no longer just drive performance—these rewards are a powerful retention tool.
Meanwhile, employees want meaningful, unique incentives that are more exciting, exclusive, authentic and memorable.
Meeting these expectations whilst staying on budget, means focusing on incentives that go above and beyond—and for that, you need look no further than Canada.
St. John’s, in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a legendary incentive destination and as host of this year’s Incentive Canada - Summer, it exceeded all expectations.
This exclusive Destination Canada Business Events signature event gathers qualified incentive agencies to highlight a different Canadian incentive destination each year.
Select global clients experience a destination as incentive winners do, through transformative activities and fireside chats, and connect with Canada’s leading incentive providers.
This August, Incentive Canada created a unique experience that left attendees feeling inspired and energized, with new connections and fresh motivation. Here’s how.
Leveraging a Legendary Welcome
The closest point between North America and Europe, Newfoundland has a unique reputation for welcoming travellers who come from away, so they feel right at home.
At Incentive Canada, attendees got a taste of this genuine hospitality during dinner theatre at The Rooms, hosted by Destination St. John's. This Canadian folk tradition is deeply rooted in Atlantic culture, full of colourful encounters and incredible stories.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious feast of locally-sourced food, served family-style, and of course, got “screeched in” and kissed the cod, to become honourary Newfoundlanders.
A night of dinner, live music and dancing in a local pub, hosted by Destination Canada Business Events brought Incentive Canada to a merry close, creating long-lasting memories for all.
Diving Into Exhilarating Excursions
Excursions during Incentive Canada – Summer focused on outdoor adventure, pristine shores and ocean waters around Newfoundland. Attendees chose from three different activities to experience just as top performing incentive winners would.
First on the menu was a deep dive into sea life with Lori McCarthy, innovative chef, forager, hunter, educator, storyteller and proud Newfoundlander.
Attendees felt the ocean floor beneath their feet, foraged for wild kelp along the East Coast Trail, then cooked over a traditional open fire boil-up. They enjoyed local delicacies, flavours they had never tasted before and gifts to take a taste of Newfoundland home with them.
A second option was an exploration of the sheltered waters of Cape Broyle on a paddling excursion led by Rock + Water's Stan Cook.
This unforgettable tour quenched attendees’ thirst for adventure, discovering Newfoundland’s rugged coastline from a unique perspective. Attendees explored caves, sea arches, hidden coves and waterfalls, at a relaxed pace with frequent laughter breaks!
Last, but not least, was a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled ocean safari in beautiful Petty Harbour, aboard a top-of-the-line Zodiac, with Ocean Quest Adventures.
Attendees were immersed in the nature, wildlife, culture and folklore of Newfoundland, explored sea cliffs, caves, and secluded beaches, and kept watch for whales and puffins. Meanwhile, trained divers harvested scallops by hand, which were then served for lunch back at base.
Leading Excellence in Sustainability
Destination Canada Business Events’ Sustainability Plan aims to elevate the sustainability practices of business events, including incentive group events, hosted across Canada.
Determined to walk the talk and create real change, Destination Canada is putting economic, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability at the forefront of its own operations.
In St. John's, this meant implementing a series of small changes that ultimately made a big difference—this summer’s Incentive Canada was more sustainable than ever before.
For example, the Destination Canada Business Events team worked with venues and vendors to procure local and sustainably-sourced menus and minimize single-use plastic.
Most communication was digital, through email, an app and digital signage. Attendees walked to venues less than 15 minutes away and a morning walk/run was incorporated into the agenda.
Attendees were also asked to do their part, if possible, by booking flights with minimal layovers, packing light and reusable, and choosing souvenirs from local artisans.
Incentive Canada was tracked by the TRACE program to better understand its carbon footprint and support actionable changes to advance a portfolio of carbon neutral programs.
Finally, Destination Canada shared its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals over social media and on their website, to foster education and additional action.
Destination Canada Business Events’ next Incentive Canada signature event will showcase the exhilarating incentive experiences of Banff and Lake Louise, among the world’s most breathtaking mountain destinations, in January 2024.
The Destination Canada Business Events team can help planners personalize incentives, provide impartial insights, offer industry introductions, and more. Contact Jennifer Attersall, Acting Senior Director, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com or +1 403-923-5972