Latest news with #CreativeGroup
Skift
4 days ago
- Business
- Skift
How AI, Gen Z, and Geopolitics Are Reshaping Incentive Travel
More than 500 incentive travel professionals converged at the new AVA Resort Cancun this week for the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) Invitational, raising just under half a million dollars in the process. IRF President Stephanie Harris addressed artificial intelligence, positioning it as an ally rather than a threat. In recent IRF research, 63% of respondents said they either use AI or that they will to support incentive travel planning. The primary uses include private program materials, planning, and forecasting. 'AI is designed to enhance, never to replace,' Harris said. The core strength of incentive travel remains human interaction, or 'HI,' according to Harris. 'The relationship economy means taking a human-first approach. And as we navigate the increasing mistrust of what's in our email, and what is on our social feeds, actual relationships equal trust. Human interaction equals transparency.' She encouraged prioritizing face-to-face connections, despite slower speeds or inefficiencies, over digital alternatives. Harris also highlighted the generational transition underway, noting how rapidly shifting tech skill sets are affecting the industry. 'Over the next five years, 39% of the tech skill sets that we have in this room today are going to be outdated,' she said. 'Gen Z is coming in hot, with new ideas and approaches, and they are adept with technology in ways that frequently astonish and sometimes embarrass me.' Incentive Travel Steady Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty While geopolitical issues and tariffs were key topics, the overall sentiment was cautious optimism, given the long-term nature of incentive planning. 'So far in '25, there have been a lot of OMG moments, but for the rest of the year, we're really not seeing a lot of big change,' said Janet Traphagen, president of Creative Group, during the closing panel. 'In speaking with our customers, they're definitely hunkering down and looking at long-term strategies like their supply chains,' she added. Traphagen shared how one client, early in the Trump administration, relocated an incentive trip from the U.S. to the Caribbean. 'But overall, we have not seen a lot of movement. I think this has made people take a breath and say, 'Let's just see what really happens.' So the impact has not been big, but it has not been zero either.' Another panelist, Chris Johnson, director, global travel and enterprise events at Land O' Lakes, expects continued uncertainty. '2026 is going to have a lot of unpredictability, and probably '27 as well,' he said. 'We need to have some patience and empathy, instead of pushing our top executives to, let's say, get that contract we need signed by next week. Trust me, they're probably not thinking about that event or that contract signature as much as they are about the changing climate within their business.' New Research from the IRF Johnson and the other panelists referred to how they use IRF research in their decision-making and planning. Newly released studies focus on Building a Culture of Recognition and European Attendees Preferences, and are free on the IRF web site.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Creative Group Welcomes Ken Haller as Vice President of Production
Role to Lead Innovation and Support the Growth of Meeting and Event Production SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- Creative Group, Inc., a leading full-service meeting, event, and incentive agency, is thrilled to announce the addition of Ken Haller to its leadership team as Vice President of Production. Haller brings decades of expertise as an executive producer and team leader. With this addition, Creative Group will expand its focus on innovation, and this role will also support the rapid and continued growth of Creative Group's event production portfolio. "Creative Group's meeting and event production team is among the best in the industry, and I'm honored to work alongside such talented individuals," says Haller. "Together, we will build on the company's success and take our capabilities to the next level." With more than three decades of experience in delivering events, Haller brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for solving client challenges. He has produced large meetings and events, incentive programs, and world tours in over 37 countries, worked with three former Presidents of the United States, and assisted in the production of the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. Haller previously owned and served as VP of One Smooth Stone beginning in 2002. He then worked as Executive Producer and Director of PRA, Production Services when One Smooth Stone was acquired by PRA in 2018. "Ken is the perfect addition to lead our exceptional team," says Melissa Van Dyke, SVP of Integrated Marketing and Innovation at Creative Group. "His leadership and expertise will help Creative Group amplify what we do best—delivering memorable results for our clients and creating transformative experiences that inspire and delight." With Haller's leadership, Creative Group is poised to expand its production capabilities, enhance client partnerships, and achieve new levels of success in delivering world-class events. About Creative Group Creative Group is a full-service meeting, event, and incentive agency that delivers business results by inspiring people to thrive. An industry leader, Creative Group has been honored with numerous Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) awards and the CMI 25 Awards, which recognize the top 25 most influential meeting and incentive management companies in the U.S. Creative Group was founded in 1970, and continues to serve clients in financial services, life sciences, insurance, manufacturing, retail, technology, automotive, and hospitality. Employing more than 220 people, the company is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, and maintains offices in San Francisco, Appleton, Wisconsin, and Toronto, Canada. For more information about Creative Group, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Creative Group, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Axios
11-02-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Eagles Super Bowl parade: Route, closures and what to expect
The Eagles' Super Bowl parade on Friday will shut down the heart of Philadelphia for a daylong party. Why it matters: Plan for school closures, traffic delays and heightened safety precautions. State of play: The celebration will stretch from the South Philly sports complex to the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city says. Philly's school district has canceled classes for the day. By the numbers: More than 1 million fans are expected to turn out for the parade on Valentine's Day, said parade producer Fred Stein of the Creative Group during a news conference with city officials today. What they're saying: "This unifies the city. You can feel it," said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. "We're going to be on the world stage." Route The parade will start at 11am at South Broad Street and Pattison Avenue near the sports complex. The route will proceed north up Broad Street, past City Hall and LOVE Park, and turn onto the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before ending at the Rocky Steps around 12:30–1pm. The ceremony and speeches on the steps will run from approximately 2–3:15pm. What else: Fifteen massive screens will be positioned along the route displaying Super Bowl LIX and live parade scenes. Players and coaches will arrive in open-air buses. Safety precautions The city will activate its emergency operation center and other resources for the parade. Expect a large police presence during the day, Bethel said. Tips: City Managing Director Adam Thiel recommends that parade-goers sign up for the city's emergency notification system. He also suggests that fans: Know where they want to go and how they're getting there and back. Designate an emergency meetup location. Don't depend on cell service, as systems will likely become overloaded. Be aware of exits in case of an emergency. Transit Service on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines is free on Friday, but expect delays. Yes, but: Those lines and Regional Rail will serve only select stations. Fun fact: Presidents Day is Feb. 17, so fans who join the citywide party on Friday could be in for a four-day weekend. Editor's note: This story has been updated with the latest parade details.
