Employee engagement in Lisbon

No. of delegates: 150

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Event type: Incentive

Event type: Builders Merchant

Event objectives:

Every two years, this First Event client operates a company-wide reward and recognition trip, with all their employees and their partners. First Event was entrusted to deliver the latest trip for this client, the first hosted in nearly four years, the destination being luxurious Lisbon. With the main goal being to build employee relationships outside of the office, as well as rewarding their people for their dedicated service. 

This trip was initially scheduled to take place before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, and so the delivery of this event was made complicated by the volatile regulations surrounding international travel. This required an extra level of attention and detail from the First Event team, who were keen to adapt alongside the client to deliver an outstanding level of service. Itineraries were re-drawn and rehashed, with the First Event team’s flexibility ensuring that what was provided for our guests was fresh and relevant to what they would enjoy. 

 

 

 

Event overview:

This client also presented the unique challenge of requiring non-digital delegate communication. As such, the First Event team shifted their focus to the design elements of the trip. Everything associated with the event sported the clients branding, from luggage tags and menus to a branded catamaran!

Since digital communications were off the menu, the First Event team rang each delegate individually to ensure that they were kept up to date with the trip’s plans and logistics. Not only did this add the personal touch to all communications, but delegates were able to develop their working relationship with the First Event team and ask key questions before departure. 

Once on the trip, delegates were able to consult their welcome packs for any burning logistics related questions. These branded packs listed the itinerary, suitable clothing, where to be and when, and allowed the delegates to enjoy the trip without worrying about being prepared for the next activity. 

Highlights of the trip included a Portuguese welcome dinner, a Tuk Tuk tour with plenty of stops for food and drink along the way, and a trip to Sintra. Guests even spent the day on a private Catamaran, from where they could take private rib trips to explore the luxurious location further.

Results:

All delegates came away from Lisbon with a suitcase full of amazing memories. Given that this was the first trip our client was able to make in 4 years, the First Event team went above and beyond to ensure that all delegate needs and client objectives weren’t just met, but exceeded. The team were able to push the client slightly outside of their comfort zone in terms of what they had planned for their delegates; a push which resulted in delegates who felt valued and rewarded by their organisation. 

The personal touch and attention to detail demonstrated by the First Event team warranted particularly glowing feedback from the client: 

Thank you for the care and attention you provided to all our staff during the Lisbon trip […] you overcame all with your professional attitudes along with courtesy and smiles. Every day was different and from all the comments we are hearing very much appreciated.” 

“Many thanks to Richard and the team for a very successful trip to Lisbon. Everybody I have spoken to says how much they enjoyed it, and how well it was organised.”

First Event were delighted to have played a role in helping John A Stephens make their workforce feel valued and appreciated on this employee reward trip.