THE FUTURE OF CORPORATE AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL: WHAT WILL TOMORROW’S MICE INDUSTRY BRING?

As the world looks to tomorrow, all eyes turn to the future of corporate and incentive travel. How will trends shift as companies regroup? What novel approaches may gain traction to revitalize morale and spark creative collisions of ideas among far-flung colleagues? Exciting forecasts indicate travel managers who stay attentive now stand ready to thrive on the imminent rebound tide.

Industry experts predict small-group retreats rising in popularity as hybrid work sticks. More dynamic team bonding experiences personalized for connecting colleagues around passions like sports, arts and culture, culinary, wellness or outdoor adventure will unlock productivity and a sense of community difficult to achieve remotely.

Similarly, ecosystems will emerge making intermittent zoom-based conferences more engaging. Expect artificial intelligence and augmented reality to streamline scheduling hassles. Virtual reality meeting spaces may transport remote participants into digital venue walkthroughs and immersive hybrid sessions. High-end swag arriving at executives’ homes and pop up venues will aim to replicate the VIP experience of tier-one hospitality suites.

In sustainability pushes, railroad excursions are about to steal the scene. Cross country trips onboard luxury carriages trace scenic routes during multi-day journeys fusing business sessions with stunning Americana vistas and excursions. Attendees arrive refreshed while avoiding airport headaches. Carbon emission reductions earn CSR acclaim.

Touchdown space-sharing represents another trend, where colleagues hop meetings at ever-shifting flex locations between projects across nomadic workstyles. Apps dynamically identify available spaces, catering and A/V resources at urban outposts optimal for spur-of-moment convenings when leveraging gig economy peer platforms like Breather.

Wellness rises as a top priority with corporate athleisure replacing stuffy suits. Expect fitness conscious site selection featuring morning yoga and farm-to-table dining to improve health on the road. More emotional intelligence coaching and mediation may ease re-entry anxieties as traditional 9-to-5 work paces crumble. Anticipate nature retreats for digital detoxes too.

One thing seems certain post-pandemic: The future of corporate and incentive travel will thrive again, just with extra personalized meaning, responsibility and sense of collective appreciation underpinning each excursion.