Brightspot Incentives & Events

Our team recently had the pleasure of hosting 324 attendees on a President's Club trip to Cancun, Mexico. From the moment guests arrived, the experience set the tone with a beautiful welcome reception, featuring ample food, drinks, and ocean views. Over the course of their four-day escape, attendees enjoyed everything from courtyard cocktail hours to lots of pickleball and golf, an awards dinner, and a dance party that quickly became the highlight of the trip. Thank you to our partners: Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, DreamArt Photography, Planner1Events, and Encore

Each month, we celebrate Brightspotters who embody our core values—our LOV: Living Our Values. 🌟 For May, we’re thrilled to recognize three teammates who went above and beyond: Shoutout to Michelle Hiltabidel, CMP, Juli H., and Katelyn Woodard, setting the standard as true Customer Fanatics! From thoughtful details to seamless execution, they pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable annual meeting experience for both clients and attendees. It’s this level of care, creativity, and commitment that turns moments into lasting impressions. We are proud to have a team that consistently goes above and beyond.

Kaylee Kelley, Gabi Borra, and Ava Bohling recently hosted a President's Club program in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Things kicked off with a welcome reception and dinner, setting the tone for connection among attendees. The following day, guests chose from a range of activities, including a tour of the Dominican countryside, a sunrise catamaran cruise, golfing, or a relaxing day at the spa. On the final day, attendees came together for a meaningful giveback event, donating school supplies to children in the local community. Afterward, guests had the opportunity to visit the Bávaro Beach Market for some final shopping before wrapping up the program. The trip concluded with a farewell reception and an evening at leisure, allowing everyone to enjoy their last night in paradise. Thank you to our partners: INSPIRE, The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, and Amstar DMC

Cruise incentive programs already come with incredible destinations, built-in entertainment, and seamless travel. But what truly makes them unforgettable is everything you build on top of that foundation. From immersive branded experiences to thoughtful personalization and unexpected moments, the right design strategy can transform a cruise from a great trip into something guests talk about long after they return home. Whether you're chartering an entire ship or creating custom moments within a shared environment, intentional design is what turns an incentive trip into a lasting memory. In collaboration with Events Design @ Sea and Shawn M. Sawyer of Cacique International Ltd., our latest blog explores how creative onboard experiences are redefining cruise incentive programs. Read more: https://bit.ly/4triMRu

Stacie Cordell, CTA, Holly Swanzy, CMP, CIS, Amanda Scandaliato, and Stephen Lenahan recently hosted 800+ attendees in Arlington, TX, for a three-day conference. Delivery Services Managers and Sales teams came together for general sessions, district breakouts, an awards dinner celebrating top sellers and operational performers, and a vendor tradeshow with 78 booths. Beyond the meetings, attendees had the chance to update their professional headshots, along with dinner and entertainment at Texas Live! Sports & Social, plus a custom boot gifting experience at Lucchese Bootmakers. Dedicated happy hours for both the DSM and Sales teams added even more opportunities to connect. A highlight of the week was the Summit Club & First-Year M Club event, which attendees named their favorite experience. Special thanks to our partners: Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center, Katy King, CMP, and Holt Haynsworth

We're proud to share that Michael Butler, CITP, CIS will be a panelist at the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Global Conference in Charleston on May 12, 2026! Michael will be a part of a Current Trends session exploring what's shaping decisions today, from brand partnerships and leadership engagement to risk and the role of hotel interactions. If you're attending, be sure to catch the session to learn more about how Brightspot continues to strengthen and elevate our partner relationships.

Rising costs are reshaping the incentive travel landscape - but great experiences are still within reach. In a recent report from Sales & Marketing Management, Mike May, CMP, CITP, IP, shared his perspective on where the industry is headed and how organizations can adapt with smarter, more intentional program design. Explore how incentive travel is evolving and how your company can continue to deliver meaningful trips without stretching the budget. https://bit.ly/3R5imml

Thinking about taking your company's next incentive travel program from land to sea, but not sure where to start? We've put together a guide that breaks down everything you need to know about planning a cruise incentive trip. From understanding cruise line tiers to choosing the right experience for your audience, the options are plentiful and more impactful than you might think. The right ship doesn't just check a box. It elevates the entire program. Read our guide and start designing a program that your top performers will be excited to earn. https://bit.ly/4enRXKf

We're excited to attend the Gartner CSO & Sales Leader Conference! Our message this year is: Great incentives don't just motivate. They perform. Incentives are evolving, and the most effective programs today are built to drive real performance, not just participation. More organizations are taking a closer look at how incentive travel, channel programs, and recognition strategies can more effectively motivate their teams, while making the most of their budgets. If you're attending, be sure to stop by Booth #102 to learn more about how companies are reimagining their incentive programs and how Brightspot can help make that happen!

Please join us in welcoming our newest Account Executive, Angela Cava, CMP, HMCC, MMP, to the Brightspot team! With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Angela brings a load of expertise, fresh perspective, and passion that will help drive meaningful connections with our clients. We're excited to see her ideas come to life. Welcome to Brightspot, Angela, we're so happy you're here!