#United States #Schaumburg #Creative Group #Crystal Award #Incentive Travel

Creative Group Nominated for SITE 2025 Crystal Award

Creative Group, Inc., a leading agency in meeting management, events, and incentive programs, has recently made headlines by receiving a nomination for the esteemed Crystal Award, recognizing its innovative approach to overcoming adversity during challenging times.

The Challenge

In late October 2023, the timing couldn't have been more critical. Just a month before its client's annual incentive trip was scheduled to take place at the Intercontinental Hotel David in Tel Aviv, civil unrest broke out in Israel, effectively derailing months of meticulous planning. The situation compelled the team at Creative Group to rapidly reassess and redirect their efforts to ensure a successful event despite the unforeseen circumstances.

The need for a swift pivot became clear: the program not only had to be relocated, but it also required the same level of excitement and prestige to honor the winners of the incentive trip. The team wasted no time in initiating a search for an alternative destination that aligned with these goals.

Finding a New Destination

After thorough consideration and analysis, they secured a new venue at the Corazon Cabo Resort and Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico. This location was not only beautiful but also provided the perfect backdrop for the event, as well as the necessary amenities to accommodate all attendees. With a condensed four-month timeframe for adjustments, the planning team faced the dual challenge of managing the cancellation of contracts in Israel while simultaneously designing a new program that would be both engaging and rewarding in Mexico.

Exemplary Teamwork and Execution

Janet Traphagen, President of Creative Group, expressed immense pride in her team’s ability to adapt quickly, stating, "The collaboration between our internal team and our clients during this crisis was nothing short of extraordinary." The result was a newly designed travel experience that delighted both clients and participants alike. A significant 65% of attendees rated their overall experience a perfect 5 out of 5, while 35% rated their experience a commendable 4 out of 5, indicating the success of the relocation and redesign.

The feedback from participant engagement tools further underscores the success of this impromptu transition. Eighty-seven percent of participants noted the app as an effective communication and engagement tool, highlighting the agency's commitment to ensuring a seamless transition even in difficult times.

Participant Feedback

The responses from attendees reflected their satisfaction, with comments such as:

• - "The trip was excellent given the short timeline to plan it. The planning team did a great job in arranging it under those circumstances."
• - "For my wife and I, it was our first trip, and we really enjoyed it."
• - "I would never have guessed that this was pulled together on such short notice. A truly amazing experience. Thank you!"
• - "To the whole team, I give you a 10! My wife and I appreciated it. Well done!"
• - "I tip my hat to the organizers, FANTASTIC JOB."

Such enthusiastic feedback showcases the professionalism and effectiveness of Creative Group’s actions amidst adversity.

About Creative Group

Since its founding in 1970, Creative Group has earned a reputation as an industry leader in incentive travel, meetings, and events, serving a broad range of sectors including financial services, technology, and hospitality. The company has garnered multiple accolades, including several from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and recognition in the CMI 25 Award list for influential meeting and incentive management companies in the U.S.

With a dedicated workforce of over 220 employees, Creative Group operates from its headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, alongside additional offices in cities like San Francisco, Appleton, and Toronto. For more detailed information about their services, visit Creative Group’s website.

Conclusion

The Crystal Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in incentive travel and Creative Group's nomination exemplifies their resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional results, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.