Programs were evaluated in the areas of return on investment (ROI)/budget maximization, creativity, logistics, and their ability to overcome program and implementation challenges. Above all, programs were evaluated based on their ability to deliver results that are superior in nature.
"IMEX is delighted to sponsor the SITE Crystal Awards which recognize creativity, professionalism and shining examples of the best practice within our industry. These are the leading awards in the world for incentive travel and we congratulate the winners on their success," said Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX.
2005 SITE Crystal Award Winners:
The Most Creative Use of an Incentive Program to Solve a Marketing Problem -
Internal Marketing Campaign
Shamba Mueller, Carlson Marketing Group, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Visa Preferred Program
The Most Creative Use of an Incentive Program to Solve a Marketing Problem -
Internal Marketing Campaign
William E. Bryson, MotivAction, LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
John Deere Ag Rome MMIV Program
The Most Creative Use of an Incentive Program to Solve a Marketing Problem -
External Marketing Campaign
David Cox, CiEvents, North Sydney, Australia
Know Your IBM
The Most Creative Use of an Incentive Program to Solve a Marketing Problem -
External Marketing Campaign
Alejandro Verzoub, AV Business & Communications, Buenos Aires, Argentina
MOTOFIESTAS
Most Outstanding Single Event - Under $80,000 USD
Rhys Curtis, Extra Mile Company, Auckland, New Zealand
MOTOway
Most Outstanding Single Event - Over $150,000 USD
Richard Lowy, PGI/TBA Global Events, Vancouver, Canada
Conclave - Feile Festival
Most Outstanding Incentive Travel Program - 5 Nights or More, 76 - 200 Participants
Lucy Eisele, Creative Memories, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
Masterpiece 2005 Incentive Trip
Category: Most Outstanding Incentive Travel Program - 5 Nights or More, Over 200 Participants
Penny Wing, Incentive Travel LLC, San Diego, California, USA
Viacom "Above and Beyond All Expectations" Cruise
The SITE Crystal Awards were established in 1980 as a means to recognize the unique blending of objectives and imagination that enable motivational programs to be successful in achieving business objectives. Incentive campaigns, special/motivational events or promotion campaigns held between 1 June 2004 and 31 May 2005 were eligible. Entries were evaluated by an independent panel of judges in the areas of return on investment, creativity, and mechanics. This year´s entry and judging process was completely electronic to help level the playing field and renew the focus on each program´s ability to achieve its business goals.
Generous support for the 2005 SITE Crystal Awards was provided by the 2005 SITE Crystal Awards Committee Chair, Polo Looser, MCI (Schweiz) AG; and 2005 SITE Crystal Awards Vice-Chair Michael Goldsmith, CMP, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. Other committee members included Jim Germain, SITE Board Liaison and Karen Whitaker. The judging panel for the 2005 SITE Crystal Awards was composed of individuals well-versed in the field of incentive/motivational travel. Judges evaluating entries were: Tyler Davidson, Meetings Media Magazine; Peter Dunn, Group Event Travel; Lisa Grimaldi, Meetings and Conventions Magazine; Barbara J. Hollister, Carlson Marketing Group; Bill Laviollete, Incentives & Meetings International; Barbara Scofido, Corporate Meetings & Incentives Magazine; John Touchette, CMP, Raytheon Company; and Christophe Verstraete, EUROMIC.
SITE would like to recognize IMEX for their support as lead sponsor. IMEX, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will hold its exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, 30 May - 1 June. SITE would also like to thank the contributing sponsors: Creative Memories, Kosta Boda and Rethink All Media.
About IMEX
The next IMEX will take place May 30 - June 1 2006 at Messe Frankfurt, Hall 8. In 2005 a total of 3,260 hosted buyers from 57 countries attended IMEX plus a further 3,870 non-hosted buyers from 97 countries (show total: 7,130). IMEX hosted some 3,000 exhibitors, representing 140 countries.
About SITE
Founded in 1973, SITE is the only international, not-for-profit, professional association devoted to the pursuit of excellence in incentives, a multi-billion dollar global industry. SITE provides educational seminars and information services to those who design, develop, promote, sell, administer and operate motivational programs as an incentive to increase productivity in business. Currently SITE has nearly 2,000 members in 82 countries, with 30 local and regional chapters. Members represent airlines, cruise lines, corporate users, destination management companies, ground transportation companies, hotels and resorts, incentive houses, official tourist organizations, trade publications, travel agencies and supporting organizations such as restaurants and visitors attractions.