Summary: The SITE Global Conference 2026 wrapped up in Abu Dhabi after four days of sessions, workshops and networking. The event celebrated the 2026 SITE Crystal Awards and confirmed Vancouver as host for the 2027 conference.

The SITE Global Conference 2026 concluded in Abu Dhabi following a four-day programme that brought together buyers, suppliers, destinations and incentive travel decision-makers to discuss performance, innovation and changing expectations across the events sector. The conference combined main-stage presentations, workshops and peer discussions focused on proving value, managing risk and adapting business models.

Programme focus: proving impact and managing risk

Attendees heard from keynote speaker James Taylor and a roster of industry experts who explored how incentive travel can demonstrate measurable return on investment while addressing security, resilience and wellbeing. Sessions aimed to equip practitioners with practical tools to measure programme outcomes and navigate evolving operational risks.

This week in Abu Dhabi showed what is possible when our community comes together with a clear focus on outcomes. From practical ideas for proving programme impact, to candid conversations about risk, wellbeing, and resilience, the content and connections reinforced the business case for incentive travel and the responsibility we share in how we deliver it.

Destination immersion and local engagement

Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the conference integrated destination experiences into its programme. Delegates had opportunities to visit venues, sample cultural offerings and assess hospitality products first-hand, using the setting to inform conversations about innovation, sustainability and long-term programme value.

Crystal Awards Gala recognises excellence

A highlight of the week was the Crystal Awards Gala held at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Friday 13 February. The awards honoured programmes and teams demonstrating creativity, operational strength and measurable impact across regions and categories.

  • Best Destination-Based Experiential Incentive Travel Program: One10, LLC, Layers of Argentina: A Tailored Journey of Reward and Discovery
  • Excellence in Incentive Travel, Africa and Middle East: Wynford, TELUS Presidents Club
  • Excellence in Incentive Travel, Asia Pacific: Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd., Viaje Diamantes 2025: India–Maldives
  • Excellence in Incentive Travel, Europe: Moniker
  • Excellence in Incentive Travel, North America: Creative Group
  • Excellence in Incentive Travel, Latin America and Caribbean: VAOVA Travel, A Tale Woven Between Cultures
  • Most Creative Solution Deployed to Overcome Adversity: Maritz, HON Team Up 2025
  • Most Impactful Effort Toward CSR as Part of an Incentive Program: Achieve Incentives & Meetings, El Mercadito
  • Special Commendation for Excellence in Motivational Marketing: MFactor Meetings, Partnership Retreat 2024
  • Grand Prix, Par Excellence Award: Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and recognized organizations. Each programme reflects the skill, care, and leadership that keeps incentive travel evolving, from creative design and operational excellence to measurable impact for people, businesses, and destinations. These honors set a clear standard for what best in class looks like in our industry.

Delegates and award winners at the SITE Global Conference Crystal Awards Gala in Abu Dhabi
The SITE Crystal Awards Gala at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi celebrated excellence across global incentive travel programmes

Vancouver confirmed as 2027 host

SITE announced that the 2027 Global Conference will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, from 1 to 4 March 2027. The decision positions Vancouver to welcome incentive travel professionals from around the world for next year’s programme.

Destination Vancouver is pleased that our city has been selected to host the SITE Global Conference in 2027 and to welcome the world’s leading incentive travel decision-makers,”

Partners, sponsors and event support

The IMEX Group sponsors SITE’s Crystal Awards, while the conference was hosted with support from the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Organisers used local partnerships to showcase venue capabilities and hospitality services to delegates.

Why this matters: The SITE Global Conference serves as a barometer for incentive travel priorities — from proving programme impact to embedding resilience and responsible practices. For suppliers, destinations and corporate buyers, the event’s outcomes influence programme design, supplier selection and destination investment decisions for the year ahead.

So what? For industry professionals and destinations, the conference’s focus on measurable impact and risk management signals a shift toward more accountable, resilient incentive travel programmes. For planners, expect stronger emphasis on ROI, wellbeing and destination immersion in RFPs and supplier discussions.