Automotive Incentive, Athens

Our client’s principal aim was to demonstrate the company ethos of ‘customer care’ throughout the duration of the incentive and to inspire each participant to take the “Customer Delight” dealer programme to a new level.

Our Solution

The 136 dealers with spouses were treated to full pampering in the Westin Astir Palace deluxe beach resort in Vouliagmeni, set in 75 private acres outside Athens.
A private luxury yacht charter from hotel’s marina to Hydra Island for a private lunch and a historical sightseeing tour of Athens.

Challenges

All participants were due to return to the UK via four flights on July the 7th:

An early afternoon Olympic flight (Athens – Heathrow); on arrival to the UK all passengers were due to pick up their cars and drive back to their homes that evening or catch a connecting flight. A later flight in the evening, BA flight (Athens – Heathrow);

The first flight took off slightly later than scheduled. In the meanwhile, an electrical storm threatened the Hearthrow Airport area and it eventually led to the airport closure for 2-3 hours with significant impact on numerous flights and passengers.

Feedback

All guests felt they were cared for and securing accommodation for all in the same hotel in luxurious conditions as previously experienced by the participants during their programme, ensured a spirit of camaraderie within the group.

Key Learnings

Always have a contingency plan and constantly review it.
Events may be seen as the easiest industry to be in when things go right but it is in challenging times when agencies really prove our worth.  
Never ever accept that an event is over until flight(s) lands at destination.