Industry Leaders Gather for Education and Recognition
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has officially closed its 2026 SITE Global Conference in Abu Dhabi. The four-day event brought together global incentive travel leaders, buyers, suppliers, and destinations for focused education and high-level networking.
Throughout the week, attendees explored how incentive travel drives measurable business value. At the same time, speakers addressed changing expectations, risk management, and innovation across the global events industry.
Education Focused on Business Impact
Main-stage sessions and workshops delivered practical insight. Speakers examined how organizations can strengthen ROI and prove programme value. In addition, discussions addressed new business models, security considerations, and long-term resilience.
Keynote speaker James Taylor joined industry experts to share forward-looking perspectives. Meanwhile, peer-to-peer conversations encouraged honest dialogue around wellbeing, leadership, and accountability.
Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, said the Abu Dhabi gathering demonstrated the power of community. She noted that sessions focused on outcomes, measurable results, and responsible programme design. As a result, attendees left with actionable strategies and stronger industry alignment.
Abu Dhabi Showcases Destination Strength
Abu Dhabi hosted the conference and supported the programme with destination experiences. Delegates engaged with local venues, culture, and hospitality throughout the week.
Importantly, the setting reinforced how immersive destinations enhance education. The programme paired conference content with real-world examples of incentive design. Therefore, attendees experienced how incentives can inspire performance while creating positive local impact.
The city’s infrastructure and hospitality supported discussions around sustainability and innovation. Consequently, the destination became an active part of the learning journey.
Crystal Awards Celebrate Excellence
A major highlight of the week was the Crystal Awards Gala at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Friday, 13 February. During the evening, SITE announced the winners of the 2026 SITE Crystal Awards.
The awards recognise organisations and individuals who raise industry standards through creativity, operational excellence, and measurable impact.
Annette Gregg congratulated the winners and emphasized their leadership. She stated that the recognized programs demonstrate what best-in-class incentive travel looks like today.
2026 SITE Crystal Awards Winners
- Best Destination-Based Experiential Incentive Travel Program: One10, LLC – Layers of Argentina: A Tailored Journey of Reward and Discovery
- Excellence in Incentive Travel, Africa and Middle East: Wynford – TELUS Presidents Club
- Excellence in Incentive Travel, Asia Pacific: Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd. – Viaje Diamantes 2025: India–Maldives
- Excellence in Incentive Travel, Europe: Moniker
- Excellence in Incentive Travel, North America: Creative Group
- Excellence in Incentive Travel, Latin America and Caribbean: VAOVA Travel – A Tale Woven Between Cultures
- Most Creative Solution Deployed to Overcome Adversity: Maritz – HON Team Up 2025
- Most Impactful Effort Toward CSR as Part of an Incentive Program: Achieve Incentives & Meetings – El Mercadito
- Special Commendation for Excellence in Motivational Marketing: MFactor Meetings – Partnership Retreat 2024
- Grand Prix, Par Excellence Award: Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.
Additionally, IMEX Group continued its sponsorship of the Crystal Awards programme, supporting recognition for excellence in incentive travel.
Vancouver Confirmed for 2027
SITE also confirmed that the 2027 SITE Global Conference will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia, from March 1 to 4, 2027.
Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver, welcomed the announcement. He said the city looks forward to hosting the world’s leading incentive travel decision-makers.
The 2026 conference took place with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
About SITE
SITE is the only global network dedicated exclusively to incentive travel professionals. The organization supports the industry through advocacy, research, education, and networking.
Furthermore, SITE connects professionals worldwide to strengthen business performance and promote the long-term value of incentive travel.
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