Oahu
Frank Robinson
Come Fly with Me . . .

Themed Events

Come Fly with Me . . .

Photos courtesy of Jeannemarie Photography.

Photos courtesy of Jeannemarie Photography.

For a recent group visiting Oahu from Mexico, we held lunch at the iconic Pacific Aviation Museum.

Guests enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the WWII vehicles that surrounded the space from docents on site while relaxing over a bountiful lunch. The lunch took place between tours of the USS Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial. We decided to brighten the airplane hanger space with colorful linens and centerpieces that were not the stereotypical patriotic look. Period music from 1940's played in the background to further enliven the energy of the space.

Guests LOVED this wonderful setting! 

“Whatever you do, do it well.
Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”
— Walt Disney

Often we are asked to create environments that are experiential, and it is then that we look to add elements that are unexpected. The mixing of the obviously patriotic with the whimsical linen and flowers added a touch of color, texture and unexpected luxury to this very beige and unique venue! 

“Thank you so much for all you and your team did to make this day a success. We could not have done it without your attention to detial at every turn ...”
— NYL Client

Returning to Hawaii with an Annual Incentive Program?

There’s no need for “Been there, done that!”

For so many reasons, Hawaii is consistently rated as one of the top destinations for incentive programs in the world. It could be the weather, the tropical locations, or the people and the spirit of aloha. Most likely, it is all of the above , but what do you do, as a planner, when you must bringing your top performers back to Hawaii year after year? 

How do you continue to provide new and exciting elements while staying in budget and not duplicating previous programs?

As one of the most sought after destination management companies (DMC) in the state, Island Events operates a high number of repeat programs every year with great success. Here are some of the keys to our success:

Embrace Mother Nature

We have learned to capitalize on the many ways that Mother Nature continues to bless our islands. Each island has so many fantastic outdoor activities that can be safely done by diverse groups. There’s no reason to repeat anything!
As a certified DMCP, we tirelessly vet all activities and have learned the details that will make a difference - so we can pass them onto you. A few examples include:

  • Knowing where the best deep sea fishing spots are
  • When the peak of whale season is and where best to see them
  • When not to go waterfall rappelling
  • How to dress for sunrise at Haleakala Volcano
  • When a full moon will add the best lighting and how to design it into your evening events

Offer Interpretations of “Iconic Hawaii”

Every group wants to have some iconic elements of Hawaii included as part of their program. But as a planner, you don’t want to duplicate the experience for what could potentially be the same guests each year. As it relates to evening event design, we refer to this practice as offering “Luau #7 with a side order of fire dance” – or offering the same performance to everyone all the time. As great as that luau may be, this duplication will fast become a less memorable experience for your guests.

Instead we offer a customized “Polynesian Experience” that can change story line - perhaps incorporate aerialists or acrobatics or female fire dancers – all with a Polynesian flair. We guarantee you a new, fresh, and exciting interpretation on the iconic Hawaiian experience.

Keep Good Records

It sounds simple, but as a DMC, we keep great records for our clients. We track what our group guests do, what they liked, disliked or loved doing on their incentive program in Hawaii.
From direct guest feedback, to behaviors such as sending emails during the grand finale set, we notice these details which is very important to the returning client. Our record-keeping allows us to create a personalized program for your group, incorporating the best parts of last year’s trip combined with new and exciting, and relevant elements. This practice also allows us to be knowledgeable when working with new clients, to be able to speak with experience about the pros and cons of every element of a program.

 
 

When you least expect it … expect it!

As a luxury focused DMC we recognize that life is a collection of experiences. We are in the business of creating experiences. Taking the day-to-day trappings of life and adding a bit of a spin to them is what keeps things fresh. Part of building any experience is playing on the element of surprise. 

One of our favorite recurring expressions from guests is “Wow, I did not see that coming!”

How do we do this you ask? By incorporating some unexpected elements that evoke a sense of awe and what we call “goose-bump moments” into our clients programs. Some of our more memorable surprises have been:

  • A snow storm at an evening event to announce next year’s venue!
  • Champagne after a private horseback ride (a favorite)
  • Elvis singing Blue Hawaii while arriving by outrigger canoe to your gourmet dinner on one of Hawaii’s only “private” beaches!

If we can help make your first or your returning Incentive program in Hawaii a huge success, please let us know! A free consultation is just a phone call away. 

Contact us to schedule a time to talk about your upcoming!

Let's Have a Groovy Evening

We recently created a Sixties-inspired event for an established client - MicroSemi - to be held at the Four Seasons Maui.

We have built a level of trust and understanding working together throughout the years and have fun working together to be creative and fresh. However, repeat clients require that “What’s next? What’s new? What’s different?” conversation and the discussion soon ended with themed events for their corporate incentive trip.

You can tell by the photos this group was really into it! The inner hippies came out in full splendor! We created custom graphics, decor, menu, and of course, supplied plenty of extra props. The bigger-than-life-sized Jimi Hendrix really set the mood for the party. And for the inquiring minds, Hawaii has not legalized marijuana, so Maui Wowie was not on the menu.  Below are a few helpful hints when planning themed events on the islands.

 
 

Helpful Hints for Themed Events:

Inspired events in Hawaii take advance planning. Specialty items that provide that “pop” in the event design can be somewhat hard to find or are in limited supply. Be sure to reserve well in advance or allow time to create them specifically for your event.

Give your guests time. Giving your guests advance notice means they have time to pull together and pack their own pieces and parts to be part of the dramatic experience!

Lighting. As always, well-designed event lighting can be your best friend. Versatile, moving, logo-customized, and targeted lighting can take any space from drab to groovy in no time flat.

Make it relevant: Many of the guests at this event were “in their prime” in the 1960’s and thought it was amazing to relive the memories for one night! They were engaged and it brought flashbacks of a time they loved! Know your guests and what they relate to. For example, a sci-fi inspired event would not have done so well for this group.

Not Just Another Hawaiian Luau!

We recently received a glowing letter from a valued client for whom we produced a five-day full incentive program on the island of Maui. We managed their arrivals, departures, hospitality desk and activities – but it was the evening events that stole the show!

The incentive program was actually a repeat Hawaii experience for many of the guests – but their first “Island Events Experience”.

Because many guests were returning visitors, we wanted to create island-inspired programs that spoke to the sense of place, yet were unique and created “a first” for these well-traveled guests.

Our tiki-inspired Welcome Party was a huge hit – just the right amount of Hawaiiana and kitsch to say “ALOHA.” But we wanted to make sure their final night was not "just another luau in Hawaii.”

Our final night, a Vegas-inspired setting, was held at “Tsunami’s” night club (now defunct) and featured an Elvis Presley impersonator (circa 1966 in Blue Hawaii) with live show girls! This cultural crossover provided hours of light-hearted, entertaining fun and most definitely not your average luau!