2023 Reflections - Duane

Reflecting on my experiences with clients throughout the past year, a key takeaway emerged being the immense value derived from stepping away from the familiar confines of New Zealand event locations.

A lot of our existing clients who had previously only held events in NZ discovered the power of a neutral overseas environment, one that provided a conducive setting for collaboration, networking of their teams, clients, and suppliers, and the creation of enduring memories.

In a landscape where their previous events were held within NZ borders, we made a concerted effort last year to underscore the advantages of venturing abroad. It was eye-opening to witness the surprise of clients who initially believed their budgets couldn't stretch to accommodate overseas ventures. After a few conversations and some scoping from us, it became evident that achieving an offshore experience could be as economical as $3,500 per person.

Post-event feedback from these incentive-style gatherings was truly remarkable. Participants reported a 100% growth in connections - way more than they had for a national event, and many clients attributed this to the absence of distractions and a change of scenery. The assurance that they were leaving behind their stresses upon boarding the plane played a significant role. We've come to realize that even when in NZ, those nagging reminders of daily life may linger in busy business minds.

Ultimately, there's something transformative about being in a distant location that fosters a deeper connection with fellow attendees, allowing for more meaningful interactions, whether you're brainstorming in a meeting room or networking by the pool.