Cacique Pulse | SITE CLASSIC 2019 AT BAHA MAR
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller was known for many things throughout her celebrated life, such as her authorship and trail-blazing activism for women’s rights, but this quote sums up her overarching aim: to bring people together.
Despite Hurricane Dorian putting the livelihoods of many Bahamians at a standstill, the newfound motto of #bahamasstrong inspires us to come together and rebuild. As the host sponsor for the 2019 SITE Classic at Baha Mar, we were proud to lend our 20+ years expertise and deep local knowhow to curating the red-letter event of the year for the world’s most influential incentive travel professionals. This was a platform like no other to bring together the biggest minds in the industry, inspire deep conversation, have fun, and to engage our attendees in a meaningful CSR activity where they could “get their hands dirty” and actually make a difference.
THE WHAT
“Hurricane Dorian was a prime example of how a threat can be turned into an opportunity. We leave The Bahamas personally and deeply enriched as a result of being able to play a small part in the Hurricane Relief program. Our DMC partner in The Bahamas, Cacique International, used their unparalleled local connections to create an extensive, meaningful CSR activity where our attendees could get involved and make a difference. We feel privileged to have had this opportunity.”
This year marked the 13th iteration of the SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) Classic, hosted within the glamorous confines of Baha Mar, which includes three luxurious hotel experiences—Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Rosewood Baha Mar, and SLS Baha Mar. Cacique curated the Classic’s festivities, which took place from October 13 to October 16 bringing together over 300 of the world’s top travel incentive professionals.
SITE Classic began with a scrumptious dinner at award-winning Mediterranean eatery, SLS Baha Mar’s Cleo, for the Board of Trustees. This set the tone for an exciting week in paradise for the movers and shakers of the travel world. Travel pros were also treated to a cocktail reception, live auction and dinner at Rosewood Baha Mar. Aside from a bevy of networking opportunities, attendees were also invited to participate in a wide variety of activities that included “Flexing with the Flock,” an outdoor yoga class guided by the artful presence of pink flamingoes.
#BAHAMAS STRONG
Importantly, we wanted to change the focus of this event this year because of Hurricane Dorian’s impact across our islands. We recognized this opportunity to serve Bahamians and give back to our communities. As a result, we created an initiative called SCR-SITE Classic Responds, in which SITE Classic attendees united to get involved at various charities across New Providence, including the Bahamas Humane Society, Hands for Hunger, the Bahamas Red Cross and the Ranfurly Homes for Children.
THE WHO
“From the moment Cacique committed to hosting SITE, you and your entire team went above
and beyond (pun intended). When Dorian shifted our plans, Kim had a TON of work to do to get people out into the community - even when help is required, it takes an incredible amount of energy to make that happen, and again the focus to do this was phenomenal.
Shawn, your vision, support and inside information were so valuable. Tinika your oversight to all the components and weekly updates ensured that all the pieces fit. Lio, you are just a delight. Departures are the final touchpoint, and when these were seamless, it ended on the right note.”
Bringing the brightest minds in incentive travel together doesn’t happen every day, and that’s what made the 2019 SITE Classic so special. Attendees were given the invaluable opportunity to connect with persons at the forefront of the incentive travel world, to network, have fun, raise funds and engage in impactful conversations about corporate and social responsibility.
We wrapped up the week with a bit of fun in the setting sun: a backyard BBQ pool party at SLS Baha Mar’s Privilege Pool. The networking and fundraising events were extremely successful, generating a significant sum of money for new SITE Foundation projects.
THE HOW
“All I can say is WOW! It was truly an honor to have us here and provide amazing service that you and your team did! We’re so sad it’s the last day, but you know what they say “time flies when you’re having fun” and we sure did have fun! ”
These festivities brought the best and brightest in the world of travel together, while showcasing the richness and elegance of Baha Mar. We enjoyed mixing in the extra dashes of Cacique magic we are famous for to take this event to the next level.
For over two decades, we have perfected the Cacique magic by understanding the nuances of the inter-connected relationship between the décor, venue, guests and entertainment at every event. At Cacique, we live by a simple mantra: “Just Imagine.” Our commitment to mastering this artistry allows us to craft experiences that stretch the limits of your imagination.
THE WOW
Cacique International is the Bahamas’s premier destination management and event design company. For over 20 years, we have earned a reputation for re-inventing the Meetings, Conferences and Incentives industry.
We approach every event with passion, precision and a hefty sprinkle of our Cacique magic. We are inspired by a deep desire to bring every one of our clients’ dreams to life. In order to do that, we pride ourselves on actively listening to the needs of our clients. We encourage them to sit back, relax and most importantly of all, to “Just Imagine,” while we wave our wands.
As trend-setters in the DMC world, it was a pleasure to bring together the most respected leaders in incentive travel on the shores of our beautiful Bahamas. Our wands were hard at work and the 2019 SITE Classic was splendid theatre.
Looking forward to seeing you at the next event! SMS;
Read more about SITE Classic at: https://www.siteglobal.com/blog/raising-the-bar-in-baha-mar-site-classic-reaches-new-heights
