Celebrating the power of in-person connection through meetings and events

Looking for a reason to invest more in in-person engagement, whether through meetings, events, or conferences? Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) is the perfect opportunity to showcase its value to your business.

This annual event brings together industry leaders, professionals, and organisations worldwide to showcase the undeniable impact of face-to-face connections on business growth, collaboration and innovation. From fostering stronger relationships to driving meaningful outcomes, GMID serves as a powerful reminder of why in-person interactions remain a cornerstone of success in today’s dynamic business landscape.

To celebrate the power of connection, our CTM Meetings & Events team shares their insights on the impact of in-person engagement, how it drives business success, enriches individual experiences, and why they’re passionate about it.

Creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate success

Mike Leeson – General Manager UK and Europe

“Awards and special events have magic, like the joy of giving the perfect gift and watching someone’s excitement as they unwrap it. That’s the same thrill I get from seeing people genuinely enjoying themselves, laughing with colleagues and connecting in a relaxed, celebratory setting. It breaks down barriers that often exist in the workplace, creating moments of camaraderie and shared experience. Whether it’s when an award winner hears their name announced, or when we make a big reveal of the event space or entertainment, seeing guests’ reactions and knowing they’ll be talking about it for months or even years to come is the best and most satisfying thing for me.

“We still witness companies operating with a remote or hybrid working model and the chances are this may not likely change for many. This means there is an increasing need to drive employee engagement through events that inspire, excite and engage. Celebrating success and rewarding top performers through awards and special events is a fantastic way to bring teams together, motivate staff, drive loyalty and inspire them to reach and maintain high levels of performance. Particularly with the increasing proportion of the Millennial and Gen Z age groups in the workforce, it’s worth investing in things like unique venues, features and show-stopping entertainment to create ‘instagrammable’ experiences that attendees will remember long after the event.”

Incentivise, reward and inspire your teams

Teri Awwad – Vice President, North America

“The psychology behind incentive travel programmes is rooted in engagement and motivation, making individuals feel recognised and valued. At CTM, our ‘All Stars’ incentive travel programme rewards top-performing employees worldwide with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, nominated by their peers based on excellence in key categories. As part of the team delivering these events, we are committed to creating a memorable and unifying experience that reinforces the CTM culture. I love seeing our team rally around the finalists, celebrating their achievements and cheering them on. It’s a powerful way to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and, just as importantly, their role as outstanding teammates. This year winners are heading to Madrid, Spain, and I can’t wait to hear all about it and the new friendships forged across borders.

“Incentive travel is powerful. Creating memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, are moments that individuals do not forget and associate that opportunity with the business that gifted it. It is a reward which compensation packages can’t replicate or cash bonuses, which are often spent and forgotten. A well-designed incentive programme provides an emotional impact and a deeper connection among team members.  These are the experiences that drive motivation, even competitiveness and encourage employees to go above and beyond in their roles.  Team members begin to experience what success feels like in their role and how much it is appreciated.”

Conferences are the ultimate platform for knowledge exchange

Doreen Low, Mice Manager, Asia

“What excites me most about conferences is their ability to serve as powerful catalysts for innovation and collaboration. They are more than just meetings, they are dynamic spaces where industries evolve, ideas are exchanged, and meaningful partnerships take shape. In fast-moving and diverse markets like Asia, conferences play a crucial role in helping businesses stay ahead, offering a vital bridge to new opportunities and fresh perspectives.

“What I find particularly exciting is how conferences open doors to transformative business opportunities. The chance to connect with global and regional leaders, explore cutting-edge solutions, and engage in B2B matchmaking sessions creates endless possibilities for growth. These events not only showcase the latest technologies and industry advancements but also foster invaluable networking and collaboration. At their core, conferences are engines of progress, driving innovation and forging the future of business.”

Meetings that make an impact on teams and businesses

Nicole Kolotas – General Manager Australia & New Zealand

“My passion for well-designed meetings comes from knowing that they spark new ideas, strengthen relationships and ultimately drive results. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about designing meetings that bring people together in a meaningful way; whether it’s through collaborative problem-solving or creating space for fresh perspectives. It’s all about making sure every minute counts, so people leave feeling engaged, connected and ready to take action.

“Getting the meeting design right can make a huge difference by creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, ideas flow and outcomes are clear. When a meeting is structured with purpose, it keeps people engaged, fosters collaboration and ensures time is used efficiently. Teams walk away with a stronger sense of alignment and clarity on next steps, making the entire process more impactful and productive.”

Strengthening bonds through team-building

Kristy Moorhouse – Head of Client and Business Development

“Training and team-building programmes are powerful tools for creating a shared sense of purpose, fuelling motivation and engagement. What motivates me most is seeing teams transform from a group of individuals into a unified, high-performing unit. And no, team-building isn’t just about high-ropes courses and trust-falls with your colleagues; it is far more strategic and results driven than that.  I love working with customers to help their teams connect on a deeper level, both personally and professionally; it is incredibly rewarding.

“Team-building programmes strengthen teams by fostering trust, enhancing communication and improving problem-solving skills. Through collaborative activities, team members learn to leverage each other’s strengths, navigate conflicts and build a more cohesive work environment. When done thoughtfully, these programmes create lasting bonds that lead to better collaboration long after the event ends. Witnessing teams walk away feeling more connected, motivated and ready to take on challenges together is gratifying, and I know my job is done.”