There is an old expression that suggests that killing two birds with one stone is wise, even if it does sound a little graphic. In the modern era a business equivalent of that translation might be offering top employees the chance to go work on an all-inclusive cruise. Here’s how it works:

• Many companies are now hosting meetings at sea, and that in turn means that companies usually need to have staff members and some of the top brass on the trips. Who better to bring than some of the company’s better employees?
• Choose better employees with a contest that uses set metrics to determine who gets to go and who gets runner up prizes. Runners up should get something reasonable to keep them motivated.
• Make sure to let different departments compete for spots whenever relevant but setting up different departments to compete for spots might be more difficult because it is almost certain to cause some complaining. Department A feels that the metrics they have to live up to are actually more difficult than they feel Department B’s metrics are. Not surprisingly, Department B feels that same way about Department A’s metrics. Avoid this by giving each department a set number of seats or slots.
• Remember that corporate travel expenses can generally be written off so long as they are working trips, so make sure to get proper receipts for the accounting department.

Choosing an incentive cruise for a company's corporate incentive travel program can be a very exciting venture. With all inclusive services and many exotic destinations from which to choose, employees will be motivated to earn their place on the cruise ship. Planning an incentive cruise should not be undertaken at the last minutes. While last minute planning will not make a ship charter impossible, advance planning can ensure enough space for all eligible cruise participants. Advance planning can also help companies make certain that they get the best rates. A meeting planner can offer these tips for successful incentive cruise planning:

1. Booking the cruise – the sooner the cruise is planned, the better. In this way, companies may have their choice of things such as cruise lines and ships. They may also have their choice of itinerary as well.

2. Choosing an itinerary – having an idea of preferred destinations will be most helpful. In addition, companies will also need to consider the length of the cruise. Cruise length often helps determine cruise destination.

3. Choosing a ship – companies need to ensure the ship they choose can easily accommodate their employees. Choosing a ship that is not too big or too small will be essential.

Not everyone in the office can get the big promotion and the corner office, but that does not mean that there are no other rewards to dole out to encourage performance and loyalty. In fact, some of those rewards can be tax deductible while simultaneously offering an immediate and direct benefit to the company, such as incentive travel where meetings or other events are part of the plan. Here’s how it works:

• Corporate travel and meetings are very common, but usually the top few people in any department get to go. If a new promotion has been handed out, consider letting the runners up to the position go as sort of a second-place prize. This shows them that even though they may have come so close to getting that coveted promotion, that they are not truly that far away. Special perks are still available, and Joe’s corner office as much as perk as it is a ball and chain.
•  It is usually best not to announce the travel meetings or travel events as a secondary prize before any decision making is done regarding who gets which promotion. Instead, try approaching the proposition of meeting travel as a conically prize as a way to reward those that try so hard to please and perform their duties with diligence. Loyalty and hard work deserve rewards, and those rewards are even better when they help smooth over potentially ruffled feathers while still putting the needs of business first.

When group cruise planning, a bigger cruise ship is not always better. While larger ships can be extremely advantageous, for some groups a more intimate setting on a smaller charter ship is preferable. Even though some charter ships may be smaller, these ships still feel spacious and very accommodating. By choosing a smaller ship for an incentive cruise, businesses can create a more personalized experience for cruise event participants. Smaller charter ships still offer amenities such as sizable conference rooms, fitness facilities, lounges, panoramic ocean views, and spas. By choosing a smaller ship for an incentive cruise, participants will not miss a thing.

One of the most significant advantages of smaller charter ships is their ability to dock in destinations that are not oft-visited. In many cases, these ships can dock in exotic destinations not available to larger cruise ships. Cruise event participants may be greatly motivated by corporate travel that is out of the ordinary. Visiting exotic destinations on a ship charter that feels intimate but roomy will likely be high on the list of participants' preferences. While this type of cruise may seem like it would be more expensive than a larger cruise ship or land venue, businesses may be surprised at their affordability.

Even if the money is available for corporate travel incentives such as ship charters, this type of travel may simply not be feasible for one reason or another. Oftentimes, trips are complicated to plan due to scheduling conflicts. However, businesses must still hold essential meetings with their employees on an annual, semi-annual, or quarterly basis. To make these meetings more enjoyable and memorable, businesses may want to consider other types of incentives. When the travel itself or the location of the meeting is not necessarily an incentive, there are other ways that businesses can motivate employees and show their appreciation.

Favors can make excellent incentives. As a rule, incentives given to employees at meetings should somehow relate to the task at hand. The majority of items distributed as incentives should be useful and relevant to the meeting. A few of the incentive items should be things that will simply make the employees or meeting participants happy. For example, coupons or vouchers for free coffee or dessert at a local coffee shop is a great way to make employees feel appreciated. Other types of incentive products that are well-received include things such as pens, notebooks, coffee mugs, and shirts. These items should be branded with the business' corporate logo.

Corporate meeting planners always have to be on the lookout for attractive, affordable venues to add to their list of possibilities. Few companies want to hold meeting after meeting in the same location, particularly when it is clear that new environments can breathe new life into corporate meetings and can prove highly motivating. Even those companies that do not mind holding regular meetings at the same venue repeatedly will likely want a new location for bigger meetings or corporate events. Knowing that you are at least partially responsible for the success of the meeting, it is your job as a corporate meeting planner to ensure that your meetings take place in venues that provide the required logistics, as well as an environment that is conducive to productivity.

Naturally, you will have local hotels and banquet halls on your list of venue options, but it is also important to seek out unique locations to offer to your clients. For example, you may want to consider contacting local museums, wineries, landmarks, theme parks and zoos to inquire about their meeting facilities. If you are located in a smaller city or town, you should also familiarize yourself with the options available in the closest major city in your region. In order to accommodate your clients that require more unique options, you should also have information on hand regarding cruise ship meetings and venues located in popular corporate travel destinations around the world.

There has been a lot of talk of government restrictions on corporate travel. Frivolous expenditures in other departments has brought meeting travel under scrutiny. However, if planners study the guidelines and make the government a partner instead of an adversary, they can make the recession work in their favor.

First, Look at the Bright Side

No one likes a perennial Pollyanna, but if you look at the positive things the guidelines will do it can help you work your way into a special place in the companies you serve. It will make you a better planner. When you talk to your clients your voice will have a new spirit of confidence. You will have ready solution for their problems. You will be able to give them more value. Read the rest of this entry »