Incentive programs are most
likely to take place in the spring, incorporate a weekend and
exclude participants’ children, according to a study of
organizations that offer incentive or recognition awards.
The findings were gathered in July by the Business Travel
Coalition, a Radnor, Pa.-based advocacy group for corporate travel
managers. It was the first such study by the association, which
surveyed planners at 55 of its member companies, most of them
U.S.-based Fortune 200 firms.
Kevin Mitchell, BTC chairman (right), launched the study at the
request of a member in the manufacturing field who wanted to know
if his competitors were beefing up their incentive programs
following a several-year lull.
Among the key findings:
" More than half (52 percent) of respondents expect their
budgets will increase next year; the average boost they anticipate
is 8.9 percent over their 2004 budgets.
" The average amount sponsors spend on each qualifier and guest
is $5,806.
" Seventy-seven percent do not allow children to come on
programs.
" Four nights/five days is the most typical length of a
program, cited by 43 percent of respondents.
" Spring is the most popular season for programs (cited by 48
percent of respondents), followed by winter (35 percent).
" Senior management has the most influence in selecting a
destination, as noted by 66 percent of respondents, while 17
percent said planners held the cards.