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Switzerland incentive travel event

Incentive

Event: Incentive Event

Industry: Artificial Intelligence 

Destination: Montreux, Switzerland 

Attendees: 270, from two different countries

Event objectives:

A global tech scaleup approached us to help them hold an internal incentive travel event to celebrate their growth and team achievements over the previous years. The primary goal was to create incredible lifelong memories for their team and to create an amazing experience for everyone.

We worked closely with the client on the project, coordinating the trip with a client’s event team throughout the entire process, this was to ensure everything was aligned to the client’s values and also helped manage internal communications and requirements.

During the event, we provided dedicated support for all delegates at our event desk in the hotel. All arrivals were directed to check-in at the event desk, and there was a member of the First Event team on hand to support all our client’s needs during their stay.

Event overview:

Surrounded by the soaring Alps and nestled along the shores of sparkling Lake Geneva, Montreux in Switzerland was the perfect location for their event. It really does have lots to offer, an authentic little piece of paradise with a huge range of activities nearby!

Before the event even started, the team experienced top-notch service in the sky, on their very own branded charter flight. They had a personalised check-in, the seats were branded and passengers received tailored onboard messages, too.

The four-day visit to Switzerland included a jam-packed itinerary of exploring, activities and dinners. All travel arrangements, venues, sessions and activities were managed by us, First Event.

In the run-up to the event, to get everyone prepared and excited, a bespoke website was built that was full of important information and fun content – this was all designed using the client’s visual brand guidelines.

 

 

We designed a seamless event itinerary that catered to the client’s objectives and needs, with extra little details to take the event to the next level, which included:

A leadership summit

Which brought together the global management team from across three different countries. Delegates arrived one day early to discuss business strategies and goals in-person.

Welcome to Switzerland party

We kicked off the trip with a memorable celebration – a chance for everyone to meet in person for the first time. This party included a surprise roaming acoustic band, Swiss buffet, beer pong, table tennis, branded ice sculpture, selfie wall, music and dancing, and much more.

Glacier 3000

experiencing spectacular views over the Swiss Alps. The experience included tobogganing, sledging, and cable car rides and traversing the famous Peak Walk, at 3000 metres. This was followed by delicious food and drink at the top of the mountain!

A day in Geneva

Where guests enjoyed a day at leisure, surrounded by the lake, Mont-Blanc, and the Alps. There was also an option of skiing / snowboarding in Leysin, located in the beautiful Canton of Waadt.

Chocolate workshop

At Läderach in Vevey learning the techniques, tips and tricks of tempering chocolate, melting, pouring and filling moulds with professional Chocolatiers. Followed by a wine tasting adventure in the World Heritage Site of Lavaux.

Swiss restaurant tour

Trying out the local cuisines along with team building activities, which included a visit to these incredible restaurants; Kju Vevey, Restaurant Le Museum, Bis, 1820, La Brasserie J5 and La Rouvenaz.

Gala dinner at Chillon castle

The event as a whole was extremely bespoke, but the gala dinner was especially unique. As the date fell on the ancient Hindu festival Holi, which many of the guests celebrate, we made sure to incorporate this by putting together an honorary dance performance, a three-course, fine dining Indian meal and decorating the castle in bright, colourful flowers. Creating one of the most special moments of the whole trip.

A prestigious awards ceremony

The client requested a special award event on the final evening to celebrate exceptional individuals across the business. This was arranged in the spectacular Le Petit Palais venue in the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace hotel. A fantastic way to end the trip.

Results:

The event was absolutely incredible! It’s safe to say that they achieved their objective to bring the teams together and celebrate their collective success and so much more!

Client feedback:

“We’ll always look back fondly at the trip we organised with First Event. The aim was to create incredible life long memories for our team, and it’s safe to say that everyone who came along to Switzerland believes this experience will stay with them as one of the most amazing trips of their lives. We chose to work with the First Event team because of their extensive experience organising large-scale events, the alignment of our values and brand, and also the great people on their team. The First Event team were professional and supportive throughout the entire process, they went above and beyond to make this the most memorable trip for us. And if we had challenging situations to solve, the First Event team always provided us with the best guidance, advice, and support to help us make the best decision. We wish we could be back in Switzerland with First Event and do the whole thing again!”