Michelle van der Velden
Surprising people is our business. But what if your client works in the events industry themselves?
For a fast-growing organization, we organized a multi-day incentive trip to Slovenia. A company that normally develops its own events, but due to massive growth in recent years, decided to outsource the organization of this trip. The team had doubled in size in a short period of time from 25 to 50 colleagues, had achieved major successes, and wanted to celebrate that milestone with a trip that felt like a true reward.
During the briefing, it quickly became clear that this would not be a standard assignment. The participants know the industry, know how programs are put together, and have already seen many special locations. The question that was brought to the table during the first meeting was therefore telling:
“What are you challenging us with?”
Challenge accepted.
The incentive started on Thursday with a flight to Slovenia. Immediately upon arrival, a special part of the program was scheduled: a helicopter transfer to the hotel. At least, that was the plan.
The weather decided otherwise. A storm over Slovenia made flying impossible, causing the group to head to the accommodation by bus after all. Although the schedule had to be adjusted immediately, that did not detract from the atmosphere. In fact, in hindsight it turned out to be just a small preview of everything that was yet to come.
During the first few days, the group stayed in a small-scale boutique hotel that perfectly matched the organization's vibe. Personal, stylish, and anything but standard. Here, it wasn't just about the destination, but above all about enjoying time together. Long lunches, elaborate dinners, and local products formed the basis for conversations that often don't happen at the office.
The next day was all about adventure and discovery. The morning started on the water, where the group went rafting among the impressive Slovenian mountain landscapes. Not much later, adrenaline made way for one of the country's most famous spots: Lake Bled.
Before lunch, the group settled at Bled Castle, high above the lake. With a glass of champagne in hand and a view over the iconic landscape, one of the first truly wow moments of the trip occurred. Such a place where everyone falls silent for a moment, looks around, and realizes: this is special.
As if that wasn't enough, later that afternoon was followed by a fanatical game of paintball right in the middle of the woods. It was precisely that combination of action, relaxation, gastronomy, and nature that made the program so strong. No day felt the same.
The days that followed revolved around everything that makes Slovenia so special. Nature formed the backdrop for mountain biking trips, hikes, and even a cold plunge for those interested. In between, there was plenty of room to relax, recharge, and, above all, spend time together.
’In the evening, the group gathered around the campfire. With marshmallows over the fire, good conversations, and a starry sky above the mountains, those were precisely the moments that an incentive is ultimately all about. Not the activity itself, but the connection that arises when people are taken out of their daily environment for a while.
Halfway through the trip, the part everyone had been looking forward to still took place. Thanks to our good relationship with the local supplier, we were able to arrange for it to be scheduled at a different time and still become an unforgettable touch point on this trip.
The storm was gone. The sky was bright blue. And the helicopters were ready.
From the first accommodation, the group flew to a second location: an exclusive ski resort in the middle of the mountains. The transfer alone provided an experience that most participants will not soon forget. As the snow-capped peaks appeared below them, it became clear that the program was stepping up another level.
The last few days were all about the mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe hiking, and enjoying the winter landscape alternated with each other. But the absolute highlight followed during a surprise moment at the top of the mountain.
What started as an Aperol Spritz get-together with a view turned out to be much more than that. While the group enjoyed the sun, the snow, and the scenery, a saxophonist unexpectedly appeared. Music, mountains, a bright blue sky, and a team looking back together at everything they had achieved.
According to project manager Michelle, this was the moment when everything came together.
The moment participants literally said:
“This is it.”
“You have truly surpassed us.”
Those are precisely the reactions we do it for.
The evenings also took on their own character. From a typical Austrian schnitzel dinner to an atmospheric torchlit hike through the mountains in the dark. Afterward, the private après-ski bar opened and it was time for the now-legendary talent show, for which all participants had to prepare a performance in advance.
The result was exactly what you hope for during an incentive trip: lots of laughter, unexpected talents, and memories that would remain a topic of conversation for a long time.
Even the farewell had a surprising twist. After an evening where not everyone had gone to bed particularly early, a special hangover breakfast was ready the next morning. Not in the restaurant, but in the gondola. As the ski lift quietly made its rounds, the group enjoyed breakfast with a view over the mountains. Complete with a personally assembled hangover kit for anyone who could use it.
That did not happen after the helicopter flight.
Not after the champagne by Bled.
Not after the rooftop barbecue or the saxophonist on the mountain.
It came from a team that creates experiences for others every day.
People who know how much work goes into a good program. People who see the details. People who have high expectations.
That is precisely why their reaction meant so much.
“You have exceeded our expectations.”
And precisely that was the goal.
Not just organizing a trip.
But creating an experience that even event professionals didn't see coming.
The bar was set high. Fortunately, we like that.
Karen van den Berg
Team Manager
