The 2026 SITE Global Conference in Abu Dhabi brought together incentive travel
leaders, buyers, suppliers, and destinations for several days of high-impact
education, peer-to-peer connection, and industry recognition.
Across main-stage sessions, workshops, and candid conversations,
attendees explored how incentive travel delivers measurable business value
while responding to evolving expectations, risk considerations, and rapid
innovation across the global events industry.
The programme featured a line-up of expert speakers, including
keynote speaker James Taylor, alongside business leaders and subject matter
experts addressing current challenges and opportunities shaping incentive
travel. Sessions examined the business case for incentive travel, shifting
business models, risk and security, and practical steps organisations can take
to deliver stronger ROI for stakeholders.
Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, said: “This week in Abu Dhabi showed
what is possible when our community comes together with a clear focus on
outcomes. From practical ideas for proving programme impact, to candid
conversations about risk, wellbeing, and resilience, the content and
connections reinforced the business case for incentive travel and the
responsibility we share in how we deliver it.”
Delegates engaged with the
city’s venues, cultural experiences, and hospitality, with Abu Dhabi providing
a strong setting for discussions about innovation, sustainability, and
long-term value. Throughout the week, the destination experience reinforced the
role of immersion in quality education, creating space for wonder, awe, and
creativity that help planners design more meaningful, motivating programmes.
A
highlight of the week was the Crystal Awards Gala at Warner Bros. World Abu
Dhabi on Friday, 13th February, where SITE announced the winners of the 2026
SITE Crystal Awards, recognising organisations and individuals raising
standards through creativity, measurement, and impact.
Annette Gregg said:
“Congratulations to this year’s winners and recognised organisations. Each
programme reflects the skill, care, and leadership that keeps incentive travel
evolving, from creative design and operational excellence to measurable impact
for people, businesses, and destinations. These honours set a clear standard for
what best in class looks like in our industry.”
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.
SITE
revealed that the 2027 SITE Global Conference will take place in Vancouver,
British Columbia, March 1 to 4, 2027.
“Destination Vancouver is pleased
that our city has been selected to host the SITE Global Conference in 2027 and
to welcome the world’s leading incentive travel decision-makers,” said Royce
Chwin, president and CEO, Destination Vancouver.
The
IMEX Group sponsors SITE's Crystal Awards throughout the year, supporting
industry recognition for excellence in incentive travel.
SITE
Global Conference 2026 was hosted with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention and
Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
