A tech giant’s choose-your-own-adventure incentive trip

Employee incentive travel program prioritized personalization

incentive trip attendee filming balloon ride

For high performers, leisure time is the ultimate luxury. A global tech company’s leaders wanted a thoughtfully designed incentive travel program that allowed winners to tailor their trip to Whistler Olympic Park. An agenda that empowered attendees to choose activities and provided ample downtime before evening events proved popular.

Storytelling strategy informed incentive trip design

Mountain views greeted a multigenerational group at Four Seasons Resort Whistler, a sustainable, world-class incentive travel destination. Each Cloud Club event told a story from beginning to end. In Whistler, British Columbia, this meant defying expectations of the area as a ski resort town to spotlight its culture and natural summertime beauty.

examples of incentive travel experience design

Evening event showcased strategy and production 

Two immersive evening events celebrated the destination’s history and culture through local vendors, artists and performers. Whistler’s First Nations peoples took center stage at a welcome event designed to honor traditions and evoke the wilderness. Throughout the trip, “Culture Corner” hands-on activations appealed to a wide range of ages and interests.

Incentive trip production elements

“Only in Whistler” hosted activities

Winners personalized their experience with a variety of options ranging from outdoor adventures to spa services.

Outdoor activities for incentive trip attendees in Whistler, Canada

Repeat incentive trip winners recognized

Those who achieved Cloud Club three or more times enjoyed extra perks like upgraded flights, suites and special welcome gifts. They also chose between exclusive activities: a premier fishing excursion or a helicopter ride to an ice cave.

Examples of exclusive activities that engage repeat incentive trip winners

Canada’s sustainability commitment encouraged responsible event design

Choosing a destination like Whistler advanced sustainability goals, creating an incentive experience that cared for environmental concerns and made positive economic impact. 

Examples of sustainable event elements

Thoughtful touches elevated each experience

A farewell festival experience celebrated winners at Whistler’s Olympic Park. Attendees got a bird’s-eye view of the grounds via hot air balloon. Local artisans demonstrated painting, pottery making and more in a curated “Artist Alleyway” while Olympian and event emcee Jon Montgomery hosted a “Hold My Gold” meet and greet.

Sustainability practices at incentive trip events

Peak performance 

Transformative incentive travel takes top performers beyond the expected. Cloud Club winners gave this Whistler trip high marks for hospitality. What’s more, they indicated the recognition influenced a desire to achieve it again.

Incentive trip attendees participate in helicopter ride in Whistler, Canada

Results

96%

of winners said Cloud Club motivated them to continue to work hard to earn a spot next year

93%

of winners said they had enough time to connect with peers and their guests

I loved all the programming and ability to balance downtime, networking, meals, experiencing nature and having so many options at a given time!

Winner

It’s already midyear and I continue to make every motion count, but now I have a tangible goal in mind to make sure my contributions/impact are visible again.

Winner