Cultivate Blog

Event and incentive planning in uncertain times

Posted by Jenny McGee on 9/29/20 2:00 AM

Navigating the unfamiliar isn’t always fun. While some people and philosophies encourage you to “embrace the unknown,”—that can be easier said than done, especially when it comes to planning your gift program.

In times of uncertainty, planning ahead can seem counterproductive, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. Not if you choose a gift partner who proactively thinks and plans ahead. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we should all ask the what-if questions and consider the obstacles that could potentially stand in our way now so that we don’t have to worry about second-guessing ourselves later.

The what-if scenarios
What if: The incentive program you’ve been planning, and your guests have been looking forward to, is on the brink of being canceled. You still want to make your recipients feel appreciated and inspired, especially now. How do you deliver your intent with a future that’s so uncertain?

Our solution: A virtual gift experience. An intuitive, online platform that invites recipients to pick a gift they want and will enjoy. They select from our Curated Collections of aspirational brands and products, designed to fit all budget sizes, and we deliver it to their doorstep. Virtual gift programs help deliver your intent so your guests still feel appreciated, despite the circumstances.

What if: You want to send your guests on an incentive trip that rewards and recognizes their contributions and achievements, but you aren’t sure when or where they might feel comfortable traveling. How can you decide?

Our solution: Let them choose. They can discover and taste Italy in a private cooking class, or they can roam the countryside of Scotland and explore historic castles and estates. Our travel packages offer adventures here in the States and throughout different continents and countries worldwide. If the incentive trip has to be canceled, it’s easy to pivot to a virtual gift program, so, you won’t have to worry about disappointing them later.

What if: You want to gift your annual holiday program to recipients within your organization, but they work remotely in an international office while your headquarters are in the States. How can you deliver an annual holiday gift to someone living and working overseas?

Our solution: International shipping via a virtual gift experience. This holiday season, give your recipients their choice of best-in-class gifts, delivered anywhere in the world from one interface. It’s true: we go everywhere.

What if: Your organization recently switched from an in-office environment to working 100% remotely, and you want to help boost morale and motivate your team to stay on top of their game while working-from-home?

Our solution: Near, far, where ever they are—deliver your intent to their doorstep with a virtual gift program. After all, you need more than WiFi to connect with your team. They browse items online, select a gift they want, and we deliver it to their doorstep. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

We plan ahead, so you don’t have to
We understand our clients’ biggest pain points and have solutions in place already, so we’re always prepared for the unexpected. Our goal is that you don’t have to make the tough decisions to cancel, give gift cards, or hand out cash. Those gifts don’t make a lasting impact—a virtual gift experience does. Don’t just take our word for it, though; read some of the feedback we’ve received from recipients all over the world who have been treated to a virtual gift experience themselves:

“What a lovely surprise and a great way to connect on a personal level. Love the options!”

“Great quality products, easy to navigate, and beautiful descriptions of each item.”

“Very easy and rewarding way to send a gift.”

“Great fun selecting an item.”

“Easy, fun, and surprisingly simple.”

“You guys are awesome!”

No one has a crystal ball that can tell you the exact moves to make, even when times are certain and uneventful. Thoughtful, proactive planning will help your gift program have a better chance of success than if you were to take a desperate shot in the dark. Don’t turn to cash, gift cards, tchotchke, or branded merchandise to deliver your intent. Turn to the gifting experts you know and trust—we have solutions for every unexpected and out-of-the-box scenario.

Topics: Experts

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