Three BIG Takeaways from the SITE Texas Roadshow 2024

Three BIG Takeaways from the SITE Texas Roadshow 2024

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Gen Y, Gen Z, Meetings & Events, Tips, Travel

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the SITE Texas Roadshow 2024, where I connected with incentive travel professionals in Houston, Austin, and Dallas. Our discussions revolved around one crucial topic: the impact that Gen Z and Gen Y are having on the incentive travel industry. These younger generations are redefining how organizations design travel experiences, and here are three key takeaways I learned from our time together.

1. Personalization Is No Longer Optional—It’s Expected

One of the most significant shifts in the incentive travel industry is the demand for immediacy and personalization. Gen Z and Gen Y generations want more than just a well-organized trip; they want experiences tailored to their preferences, values, and interests. In Houston, we discussed how corporate travelers today expect custom experiences that reflect their individuality. Whether it’s cultural immersion, adventure levels, or wellness-oriented experiences, there’s a strong focus on personalization.

This shift is driving incentive planners to dig deeper into data, ensuring that no two travel experiences are alike. It’s not just about rewarding top performers anymore—it’s about creating something memorable and unique to them.

2. Sustainability and Purpose Are Front and Center

In Austin, a key topic that stood out was the increasing importance of sustainability and social responsibility. Gen Z and Gen Y are vocal advocates for environmental stewardship and ethical practices. Incentive travel is no exception to this trend, as professionals in the industry are finding innovative ways to align travel programs with eco-friendly values. From eco-conscious venues to carbon offset programs, the focus is shifting toward experiences that not only reward employees but also give back to the planet.

These younger generations also care about purpose. Incentive travel can no longer be just about relaxation or luxury—it needs to incorporate a sense of impact, whether through CSR activities or support for local communities.

3. Tech-Savvy Travelers Are Raising the Bar

By the time we reached Dallas, it was clear that technology is playing a critical role in how Gen Z and Gen Y engage with incentive travel. These groups are tech-savvy and expect seamless digital integration from start to finish. Whether it’s using apps for real-time updates, booking, or tracking rewards, they prefer travel that comes with digital convenience.

We talked about how incentive planners need to embrace digital platforms not only for logistics but also for enhancing the overall experience. This could include augmented reality tours, virtual concierge services, or gamified reward systems to keep participants engaged before, during, and after the trip.

THE SUM

Wrapping up this tour was an eye-opener. Incentive travel is evolving fast, and the influence of Gen Z and Gen Y is pushing the industry to think differently. These generations want more personalized, purposeful, and tech-driven experiences, and those who adapt to these preferences will lead the charge in the future of travel. The key to winning them over is to exceed the expectations that they are setting for themselves in their leisure travel, which can be a tall order. With the right creative planning, any incentive travel buyer or planner can be ready for Gen Z and Gen Y.

3 Ways Gen Z is Changing the Meetings & Events Industry in 2024

3 Ways Gen Z is Changing the Meetings & Events Industry in 2024

by | Jan 17, 2024 | Gen Z, Meetings & Events, Tips

I’ve been speaking (and posting) about Gen Z for a long time and continue to be fascinated with their habits, especially their obsession with the 90’s style – that one I will never quite understand. These kiddos continue to have a limitless impact on literally everything, and the target of understanding them seems to always be moving. However, I believe that as meetings and events (and travel) are bouncing back after the pandemic, there are a few ways we can adapt to their desires.

1. Build Towards Hybrid & Virtual Experiences

The traditional 4-wall event boundaries have been obliterated thanks to new technology and hybrid and virtual events forced by the pandemic. Gen Z can now expect that events blend physical and online participation as their inherent comfort with technology has driven a significant shift towards making events more accessible, inclusive, and globally connected. That means Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being increasingly utilized by event producers to create immersive environments, allowing attendees to engage from anywhere in the world.

2. Emphasis on Authenticity and Social Responsibility

Gen Z seeks genuine connections and experiences, pushing event organizers to prioritize authenticity in the way the event looks, feels, and is communicated (BizBash has a great article on how to bring authenticity to an event). Also, Gen Z is very committed to social causes which is influencing events to incorporate sustainability practices, diversity, and inclusivity wherever they can. They are after all the most diverse generation ever and have expectations of your event mirroring who they are at their core.

3. Influence of Social Media and Influencer Culture

The power of social media over Gen Z has forever changed the way events are marketed and experienced. Events are increasingly using social media geared toward the younger generations (i.e. TikTok) to amplify their reach and make events more interactive. Also, the rise of influencer culture has become a powerful tool. If events can engage with social media influencers in the right way, it will not only promote the event but lead to that desired authenticity mentioned in point 2.

The Sum

Gen Z is driving some serious transformative changes in the meetings and events industry.  Though technology and digital seem to be at the core, they are after all only human and desire a more meaningful and educational experience when attending your next event. The bar may seem high, however, the most minor tweaks will knock it out of the park for this generation.