Another successful year for IncentiveWorks

The 24th annual IncentiveWorks has wrapped up for another year, following two days of educational sessions, a tradeshow and networking events, connecting people from throughout the meetings and incentives industry Aug. 18 & 19.

"We’ve had really incredible feedback from both our exhibitors and attendees," Robin Paisley, the managing director of Meetings + Incentive Travel, told PAX. "They said they feel it’s been the best one yet, so the gauntlet has been thrown down for next year."

While some attendees reported slower than normal traffic on the tradeshow floor on Wednesday, Paisley said the second day is traditionally less busy, however, it allows suppliers to have more in-depth meetings with potential buyers.

There were also plenty of activations throughout the floor to demonstrate engaging experiences available for offer.

"It's no longer 'If you build it, they will come,'" Paisley said of the show. "With planning and producing events of any size and scale, there’s a greater expectation of engagement and customization to that particular group. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all mentality.

"Attendees overall want the opportunity to create their own experience, which is part of the reason why we create a number of different activations and installations throughout the show," she continued. "It gives planners a number of opportunities to augment their time on the show floor with education, experiences and ideas... A lot of people will see something [here] and then they can translate it into something that works for their group."

A Wellness Lounge available on the floor for the first time proved to be a hit, offering attendees the opportunity to meditate, take advantage of aromatherapy and massages, and speak with wellness experts.

Paisley said numbers were on par with years past, with 425 exhibitors and 1,750 attendees. Plans have already begun for next year's event, which will mark the 25th year of IncentiveWorks.