My Role
Program Manager (Co-Lead), Creative Group, Inc.
Partnered with lead account executive on end-to-end program delivery including destination logistics, DMC partnership coordination, activity execution, vendor management, budget administration, and on-site operations for this luxury Caribbean incentive program.
Program Overview
This exclusive incentive program rewarded Style Crest’s top performers and their guests with a five-day luxury experience to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Designed to celebrate achievement and strengthen relationships, the program combined the ease of an all-inclusive resort experience with elevated, curated programming including private beach events, helicopter excursions, and immersive local experiences.
The program balanced structured group activities with leisure time, allowing participants to enjoy both shared memorable moments and personal relaxation. From welcome reception to farewell celebration, every element was crafted to deliver a premium, effortless experience that reflected the company’s appreciation for top performers.
As co-lead program manager, I partnered on venue sourcing, DMC partnership with Amstar, activity curation, logistics coordination, budget management, and on-site oversight to ensure flawless execution throughout the five-day program.
Program Details
Program Type: Corporate Incentive Trip
Venue: Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Audience: Top-performing Style Crest customers and sales partners
Attendance: 80 participants + guests
Program Length: 4 nights / 5 days
Program Inclusions:
- Roundtrip airfare from gateway cities
- Airport meet-and-greet and chartered transfers
- Four nights at a luxury all-inclusive resort
- Private welcome reception
- Private appreciation evening and beach celebration
- Optional golf, shopping, and curated island excursions
Business Objectives
The objectives of this incentive program were to:
- Recognize and reward top-performing customers and partners
- Strengthen business relationships in a relaxed, elevated setting
- Create memorable shared experiences that reinforce brand loyalty
- Provide a premium travel experience with seamless logistics and curated activities
- Balance structured programming with leisure time for personal enjoyment
Operational Scope
- DMC coordination and contract execution (Amstar DMC)
- Air manifest tracking and airport transfer logistics
- Hospitality desk staffing and daily guest support
- Off-property event production and entertainment logistics
- Multi-currency tracking and reconciliation
- AV, staging, and entertainment production for appreciation evening
- Budget forecasting, tracking and expense reconciliation support
- Registration platform coordination and communications
- Shipping and branded arrival gifting (fedora hats and custom materials)
- On-site troubleshooting and guest experience management
Strategic Approach
Experience Design Philosophy
Rather than creating a rigid itinerary, the program was designed around three strategic pillars:
- Effortless Luxury – All-inclusive resort environment removed friction and allowed guests to relax
- Curated Moments – Signature events created shared memorable experiences and photo opportunities
- Choice & Flexibility – Optional activities (golf, shopping) allowed guests to personalize their experience while group events brought everyone together
Destination & Venue Selection
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa was selected for its:
- Premium all-inclusive amenities eliminating additional costs for guests
- Beachfront location ideal for tropical programming
- Proximity to unique experience venues (Saona Island, Scape Park)
- Capacity to accommodate group while maintaining intimate feel
- Strong partnership with Amstar DMC for seamless ground operations
DMC Partnership & Ground Operations
Partnered with Amstar DMC to manage all ground logistics including:
- Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
- Daily hospitality desk for guest support
- Transportation coordination for all off-property activities
- Vendor sourcing and management for specialty experiences
- On-site staffing and technical support
Signature Event Strategy
Curated three distinct signature events to create emotional arc throughout program:
- Welcome Reception (Barracuda Beach Bar) – Relaxed beach setting to ease guests into vacation mode
- Ladies’ Shopping Experience – Optional half-day excursion with lunch at Jellyfish restaurant
- Farewell Celebration (Scape Park) – Peak experience combining sunset cruise, beach dinner, live entertainment, and cultural stations
Program Components & Execution
Arrival Experience
- Airport meet-and-greet and private transfers
- Welcome hospitality desk
- Evening beach reception at Barracuda Bar with décor and entertainment
Daily Hospitality Support
- On-site hospitality desk
- Concierge services for activity bookings and local information
- Travel support and coordination
Optional Activities
- Golf outing at Iberostate Golf Club
- Ladies’ shopping tour with lunch at Jellyfish restaurant
- Helicopter excursion to Saona Island with beach lunch
Farewell Celebration at Scape Park
Multi-hour beach celebration featuring:
- Sunset cruise
- Professional couple and group photography
- Live 4-piece international band with full stage production
- Cultural experience stations (rum tasting, cigar station, Larimar jewelry gifting experience)
- Surf & turf buffet dinner
- Open bar throughout evening
Expertise Demonstrated
- Incentive program design blending structured programming with flexible leisure to maximize engagement and satisfaction
- Destination and venue strategy leveraging an all-inclusive resort model to deliver premium experience while maintaining cost efficiency
- DMC partnership management across excursions, transportation, and special events while upholding service standards and communication protocols
- Experience curation designing signature events with cultural immersion and intentional guest journey pacing
- Budget optimization through vendor negotiation and multi-phase payment management while maintaining premium program quality
- Complex logistics coordination including optional activities, layered transportation schedules, guarantee timelines, and specialty vendors (helicopter, entertainment, cultural activations)
Results & Impact
- Flawless execution. All program elements delivered on time with no operational disruptions across air, transfers, hospitality operations, and off-property events
- High participant satisfaction. Guests praised the balance of relaxed resort experience and thoughtfully curated special events
- Seamless ground operations. Strong DMC partnership ensured smooth transportation, excursions, and on-site coordination with zero transfer or manifest discrepancies
- Elevated brand perception. Premium programming reinforced the client’s commitment to dealer partnerships and relationship-driven recognition
- On-budget performance. Program executed within allocated financial parameters through disciplined vendor negotiation and strategic cost management
- Operational compliance. Maintained all DMC guarantee timelines, deposit structures, and contractual obligations throughout execution