Many of the employees fly with their families to the destination, say Hawaii, where they gather for small business meetings when they aren t having fun. Activities offered on such trips include snorkeling, diving, and spa visits, as well as team-building activities. The objective is to get everyone together. Fun competitions get networking going, Gillam says. At night, the groups often meet for themed events, such as a luau or a 50s beach party.
Employees sometimes get one romantic night out with their spouse-on the company s tab.
On the final night, there s usually an awards ceremony. Dozens of groups specialize in company travel of all kinds. Whisking employees away to a fantasy destination isn t only useful to reward outstanding workers. Many firms hold their conventions, annual meetings, and team-building events at vacation locales. And destinations don t always have to be expensive or exotic.