Surpassing Expectations

For the last 10 years, a national insurance agency has relied on TBA Global to create memorable incentive programs for the firm’s top sales achievers. But with a 98-percent return rate, we must continually find ways to top the previous year’s experience. So we created a six-day, five-night program in San Francisco for qualifiers and spouses that surprised and delighted at every turn.

On opening night, guests were treated to an event that was actually three parties in one: The hotel’s ballroom was divided so that attendees could experience different San Francisco streets and neighborhoods via unique food, décor, and entertainment.

Then, after a variety of city and wine-country tours over the next few days, guests found a slickly-produced awards gala waiting for them. The room contained one stage for awards, and another for a band playing dance-friendly music. The accolades took place between meal courses, while the gold-accented décor throughout reinforced the message that this was a night for special people.

As for the final night, we went with a relaxing, fun atmosphere: A 1960s theme—complete with a vintage VW Bug, a love bead station, caricature and airbrush-tattoo artists, bright linens, and paisley goblets—made participants feel as if they’d been transported, however briefly, to a much different era.