Challenges:
The program brief was to reward Asia Pacific winners and their guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Australia’s Tropical North Queensland.
However, in addition to delivering unforgettable moments, the client also wished to prioritise sustainability initiatives and minimise the carbon footprint of the event, to enrich the jaw dropping moments the destination has to offer. The event also had the added complexity of accommodating around 50 children, aged up to 17 years old, as guests were encouraged to bring their families. As a result, family-friendly fun was another key priority throughout the planning journey.
Solutions:
The incentive program was designed to be inclusive from the outset with child-centric activities top of mind. A particular focus was the Gala Dinner and Awards night, where a ‘kid club’ was organised for the evening so adults could let their hair down and dance the night away. This involved;
- Contracting a local vetted nanny agency to coordinate the activities and provide appropriate care for the 50 children
- Kid-friendly entertainment such as a Kid’s DJ magician, giant floor games & arts and crafts stations, face-painting, and Xbox gaming consoles for the teens
- A dedicated kids menu buffet dinner, frozen slushie machines, DIY ice cream station
- Specially-designed Movie room with couches, ottomans, sleeping mats, blankets, & a popcorn cart
To meet the sustainability objectives of the program, Cairns’ leading environmental supplier network was utilised:
- Hotel: Crystalbrook Riley was the chosen accommodation, offering sustainable luxury for the guests. The property holds silver level EarthCheck-certification for its efforts in energy, water and waste reduction and uses locally sourced, sustainably grown food.
- Transportation: The electric bus fleet owned and operated by Tropic Wings provided a carbon zero transfers for participants throughout their stay.
- Activities: Attendees visited Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for close-up croc encounters. The tourism operation is an accredited member of Ecotourism Australia and has a strong Environmental Management plan, which involves water conservation, soil conservation, tree rehabilitation and more.
- Experience: For the unforgettable trip to the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Unlimited was the sustainable choice, with a clear Environmental Sustainable Policy that aims to protect and preserve their working environment within the World Heritage Protected Area. Reef Unlimited also has an emphasis on connection to Country and the traditional owners of the reef by engaging local Aboriginal guides. Participants spent the day on Reef Magic, the most sustainable pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, powered by 18 solar panels and 3 wind turbines.
- Gala Dinner venue: Cairns Convention Centre, which recently underwent an expansion designed from a passive strategy first for sustainability. The venue uses the latest energy efficient technologies and sustainable operating practices to be as committed to environmentally sustainability as possible.
- DMC: Arinex is a carbon neutral events management company provided surety that carbon emissions created through event management practices were eliminated.
Outcomes
The 5-day incentive trip delivered a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that inspired and celebrated the attendees’ success, while also meeting the client’s overall sustainability goals. The family friendly design meant the incentive was completely inclusive and allowed parents to enjoy the high-end program with their children. The ‘kids club’ was a huge success and allowed parents to let celebrate with colleagues. Cairns’ socially responsible supplier network was also a big advantage, providing the opportunity for environmental and community engagement within the program. The use of electric buses removed an estimated 350kg of carbon from the atmosphere, equivalent to about 14 trees.
