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1 week ago | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
At IMEX Frankfurt, show founder Ray Bloom and retiring industry icon Diane DiMaggio recount the origins of hosted-buyer programs and shared memories of this important event's history. In our studio on the show floor of this year's IMEX Frankfurt, two longtime collaborators and friends sat down to reflect on the industry's evolution and share fond memories.
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3 weeks ago | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Growing uncertainty around incentive programs was a primary take-away fromthe April Northstar/Cvent Incentive PULSE survey. Our study revealed that programsare being impacted by government policies, tariffs, budgeting issues and morein 2025. We asked six industry leaders to share their takes on the current businesslandscape, on these challenges as well as the positive trends that they andtheir members or clients are experiencing.
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2 months ago | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Selecting an incentive travel destination that will entice participants and deliver truly extraordinary and rewarding experiences is no simple task. While incentive planners generally have hundreds of potential locations to choose from, a select few have a certain X factor that makes them stand out from the rest.
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Mar 28, 2025 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Travel journalist Peter Greenberg and Brand USA AI expert Janette Roush headlined the hosted-buyer event in New York City. The 21st edition of SMU International, Northstar Meetings Group’s hosted-buyer event for planners who organize events outside the United States, drew a record 475 attendees. The global event took place March 10-12 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.
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Mar 5, 2025 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
The outstanding incentive-travel programs were announced duringthe Society of Incentive Travel Excellence’s annual conference in Tulum, Mexico, this week. The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence recognized topincentive-travel programs and the professionals who designed them during the organization’sCrystal Awards gala, held during SITE's annual conference taking place this week in Tulum, Mexico.
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Feb 21, 2025 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Safety and security, rising costs top issues for incentive planners. The survey of programorganizers also reveals destination selectioncriteria, concerns over costs and more. Safety, health, and security are as crucial to siteselection as destination appeal and infrastructure, according to a new studyconducted by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence.
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Feb 12, 2025 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Peter Greenberg, the Emmy Award–winning investigative reporter, producer and travel editor for CBS News, will deliver the keynote session at SMU International, Northstar Meetings Group’s hosted-buyer event for those who plan meetings and incentive programs outside the United States. The gathering, celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, will take place March 10-12 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.
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Feb 5, 2025 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
The IRF 2025 Trends Report, the IncentiveResearch Foundation’s annual look at the incentive industry, reveals that incentive professionals are adjusting their motivational programs to meet the market’s influx of Gen Z and Millennial participants, to account for tighter budgets, to satisfy the desire for unique destinations, and more.
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Nov 19, 2024 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Northstar's Global Incentive Summit brought together 200-plus suppliers and hosted buyers to The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney. Northstar’s 2024 Global Incentive Summit brought together210 buyers — North American planners of internationalincentive travel programs — and global suppliers to the magical destination ofKillarney, Ireland. The event, which took place Nov. 4-7, was hosted inpartnership with Meet in Ireland, The Europe Hotel & Resort and WallaceTravel Group.
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Oct 29, 2024 | 
northstarmeetingsgroup.com | Lisa A. Grimaldi
Jeffrey Brenner, CPIM, director, special markets and military sales for Seiko Watch of America, began his term as 2024-2025 president of the Incentive Marketing Association's board of directors in August. Prior to his appointment, the 12-year IMA member held a number of leadership positions with Incentive Merchandise to Reward & Appreciate, a strategic industry group within the IMA. He spoke with Incentive about his plans for the organization in the next 12 months.
