The SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Excellence) Global Conference took place last week, bringing together almost 500 incentive travel professionals from 48 countries around the world in Istanbul.

The event welcomed around 140 first time attendees (the biggest number to date) and 100 Chapter Leaders at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, for three days of content, networking and destination experiences.

Following a networking event for first timers, the event officially kicked off with the SITE AGM on Monday afternoon, including an update from CEO Annette Gregg and other senior SITE board members on the association’s membership, financials, three-year plan, the wider industry outlook and the Chapter Excellence Awards.

This was followed by a Welcome Reception, held at the impressive Cistern of Philoxenos.

Day two and three featured content sessions throughout the day, with keynote sessions including Claus Raasted, director at The College of Extraordinary Experiences & chief learning officer at Academics Academy, and panel sessions, learning labs and dialogue dens covering topics including DE&I, sustainability, AI, designing events for changing attendee experiences, cultural nuances and more.

The SITE Crystal Awards took place on the Tuesday evening at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski, and on Wednesday afternoon, attendees headed out to explore Istanbul with an array of destination immersion experiences available, before the Streets of Istanbul Farewell party at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus.

SITE also announced the destination for the 2025 Global Conference, which will take place from 3-6 March in Tulum in partnership with the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board.