Sutton Planning

Sutton Planning Corporate Incentives, Meetings, & Retreats "People Move Business. Incentives Move People."

Pop quiz. And yes, there is a right answer.What’s the missing ingredient to a successful travel incentive program?Think ...
08/26/2026

Pop quiz. And yes, there is a right answer.

What’s the missing ingredient to a successful travel incentive program?

Think you know? Drop your answer in the comments — or tag the person on your team who definitely would.

And if you’re leaning toward E, we’ve conveniently provided the study guide.

Read the latest Sutton Planning blog to find out → https://suttonplanning.com/the-missing-ingredient-to-a-successful-travel-incentive-program/

08/19/2026

What makes a destination worth experiencing firsthand before recommending it to a group?

Wendy recently traveled to Costa Rica for a site visit at Secrets Papagayo, getting a closer look at the resort, the region, and the experiences that make this destination such a compelling choice for incentive travel.

Her takeaway: Costa Rica strikes an impressive balance. Beautiful surroundings and elevated hospitality meet approachable adventure, giving groups plenty of ways to experience the destination on their own terms.

Read Wendy’s firsthand look at Secrets Papagayo and why Costa Rica deserves a spot on the incentive travel radar.

https://suttonplanning.com/site-visit-at-secrets-papagayo-costa-rica/

Don't be short-sighted! A successful incentive trip doesn't begin at the airport. It starts with a business objective.In...
08/04/2026

Don't be short-sighted! A successful incentive trip doesn't begin at the airport. It starts with a business objective.

In our latest blog, we explore the research behind incentive travel and why leading organizations continue to invest in experiences that inspire performance.

What are the top three reasons why incentive programs fall short of success?

Read the full article to find out: https://suttonplanning.com/does-incentive-travel-actually-drive-performance/

We're celebrating two years with Kristin Walston (though our photo archives may argue otherwise)!Swipe to the last image...
07/28/2026

We're celebrating two years with Kristin Walston (though our photo archives may argue otherwise)!

Swipe to the last image, and you'll discover she's been part of Sutton Planning long before she officially joined the team.

As Vice President of Leisure & Finance, Kristin plays an important role across both Alabama World Travel, our leisure division, and Sutton Planning, our corporate meetings and incentive travel division.

She recently returned from The Dunlin in South Carolina, where she supported clients during their board meeting, and is now preparing for Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas.

Kristin, thank you for leading with both heart and precision. Your commitment to operational excellence, strong partnerships, and continuous improvement helps our team deliver exceptional experiences for our clients and their attendees.

Join us in celebrating Kristin's two-year milestone!

If you're responsible for motivating employees, driving sales performance, or planning meetings and incentives ➡️ the in...
07/21/2026

If you're responsible for motivating employees, driving sales performance, or planning meetings and incentives ➡️ the industry is changing in ways worth paying attention to.

The conversations at the 2026 The Incentive Research Foundation Invitational reinforced a clear message: today's most successful incentive programs are becoming more personalized, more intentional, and more closely tied to measurable business outcomes.

We've distilled the biggest trends and what they mean for organizations planning ahead.

🔗 Read the full article: https://suttonplanning.com/inside-the-2026-irf-invitational-the-future-of-incentive-travel/

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07/14/2026

President Liz Sadie Sutton, CTC has just returned from Ireland and is giving us a sneak peek at one of the country's newest luxury properties.

While cheering on Team USA at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup—and supporting her son, Thomas Sutton, who served as an assistant coach—Liz also toured The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a brand-new boutique hotel on Ireland's spectacular west coast.

For groups seeking an elevated Irish experience, Liz recommends The Hawthorn as an exceptional setting for meetings and incentive programs, especially when paired with world-class golf and a stay at nearby Dromoland Castle.

This firsthand insight helps us evaluate how a property can support program goals, participant engagement, and the overall success of an incentive experience.

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The best incentive programs don't just reward performance. They drive it.As we wrap up our Why Incentives Work series, h...
06/30/2026

The best incentive programs don't just reward performance. They drive it.
As we wrap up our Why Incentives Work series, here's the bottom line: ROI

📈 Well-designed incentive programs deliver an average 2–4x ROI
📈 79% of companies say incentives help achieve revenue goals
📈 Organizations that invest in recognition programs are 12x more likely to see strong business outcomes

Ready to explore what an incentive travel program could do for your organization? Schedule a complimentary strategy call with our team:

https://tinyurl.com/ys3skmcs

Over the next few weeks, we’re counting down five ways incentive programs drive meaningful business results. Today in ou...
06/17/2026

Over the next few weeks, we’re counting down five ways incentive programs drive meaningful business results. Today in our series, "Why Travel Incentives Work," we're covering #2: Lasting Impact Through Experience.

A bonus may be appreciated in the moment, but experiences have a way of staying with us long after the trip is over.

Travel incentives create memories, strengthen connections, and give employees stories they'll share for years. That emotional impact makes recognition more meaningful, and often more motivating.

📈 Non-cash incentives (like travel) are up to 24% more effective at improving performance
📈 Experiential rewards create 2–3x longer emotional impact than monetary bonuses
📈 65% of employees say travel experiences are more motivating than cash rewards

What would motivate your team more: a bonus or an unforgettable experience?

What makes Los Cabos such a powerful destination for media and incentive programs?It's more than beautiful beaches and l...
06/09/2026

What makes Los Cabos such a powerful destination for media and incentive programs?

It's more than beautiful beaches and luxury accommodations. The right destination creates opportunities for meaningful connection, memorable experiences, and moments that reinforce business goals long after attendees return home.

In our latest Program Spotlight, we explore how Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos combines elevated hospitality, personalized service, and immersive destination experiences to deliver an incentive program that feels both exclusive and impactful. With its adults-only atmosphere, boutique setting, and access to the award-winning amenities of Grand Velas Los Cabos, it offers a compelling option for organizations seeking something beyond the expected.

Read the full spotlight in our blog. Link in comments.

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