Northstar’s 2024 Global Incentive Summit brought together
210 buyers — North American planners of international
incentive travel programs — and global suppliers to the magical destination of
Killarney, Ireland. The event, which took place Nov. 4-7, was hosted in
partnership with Meet in Ireland, The Europe Hotel & Resort and Wallace
Travel Group.
The event kicked off with flames and drums as guests entered the Killarney Brewing
& Distillery. At this manufacturing venue, guests sampled the company’s bespoke libations
and drafts, and enjoyed the first of many performances of Irish music
during the summit.
The first full day began with an inspiring session, "Life is
Not a Rehearsal," by Killarney-based explorer,
entrepreneur and mentor Pat Falvey. Dubbed the “most interesting man in the world,”
by one attendee, Falvey shared his amazing personal story of having it all,
losing everything, and turning his life around by setting and achieving goals such as climbing the world’s highest peaks
and immersing himself in different cultures.
Guests had the opportunity to
network and sample the best of the region’s
offerings: rides in traditional Irish jaunting carts, culinary fare, Irish
dancing, hikes and more.
A delightful performance by a girl’s
school choir school and a stunning lunch were highlights of a visit to the Great Southern Killarney, a
landmark hotel that is undergoing a renovation to be completed in 2026.
The group was immersed in Irish artistry and farming culture
during an evening at Muckross Traditional Farms. At this living museum, guests
learned the fine arts of forging iron, making butter, basket-weaving, Irish
dancing and more from locals. Other
highlights of this charming evening was to-die-for fresh-made ice cream, a pair
of friendly Irish wolfhounds, goats,
donkeys, Clydesdales and a sweet cow.
Business was on the agenda on two afternoons of the summit: Buyers
and suppliers met for one-on-one
meetings, where they discussed future opportunities.
The program’s focus
on local culture, fare, music, genuine Irish hospitality and craic (Irish humor) were designed to
make a lasting impression. Day 3 speaker Claus Raasted, director of the College
of Extraordinary Experiences, engaged the audience with his insights on how positive experiences and impressions, such as
those made during our time in Killarney, are what incentive planners should
strive to create for their top performers.
The closing night was designed to be an experience guests
would not soon forget: The elegant gala dinner featured entertainment by Trad
the Prom, one of Ireland’s top music and
dance shows. And the event closed with a blast — a spectacular fireworks show,
followed by an intimate after-dinner show by Liam O’Connor., an accomplished accordion
player.
The Global Incentive Summit was made possible by our
wonderful sponsors: The Europe Hotel & Resort, Meet in Ireland, Wallace
Travel Group, Maui Jim,Visit Hungary, Discover Puerto Rico, Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, Madison Avenue, Stova and PC/Nametag.
Our 2025 Global Incentive
Summit will be held Oct.19-22 in Budapest, Hungary. Northstar's full calendar of upcoming events
is available here.
Following are photo highlights from the event. All images
were made by Matt Klinger / Mad
Pix Pro.