40 years and going strong | The Planner

Few celebrations give such pleasure as a birthday celebration that captures the essence of togetherness. 40 years ago SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) was born with a few individuals that realized the incentive travel industry needed a collective body – in which incentive individuals could network, share information and prosper.
40 years later SITE is a worldwide organization with few countries not boasting of a SITE chapter.

South Africa is no exception. Thursday 17th April witnessed the 2013 international SITE President – South Africa’s very own David Sand CEO of Uwin Iwin Incentives – who welcomed guests in Hyde Park Johannesburg to join in their birthday celebrations. Simultaneously in Cape Town – SITE members, colleagues and friends were raising a glass or three for the same reason. ‘SITE is growing on the African continent and soon to commence is SITE East Africa – indicating a further chapter in the history of SITE in Africa’ commented Sand.

The MICE Academy were encouraged that one of the many proactive issues for SITE in 2013 is to: Elevate and affirm one’s knowledge by taking SITE’s Certified Incentive Specialist course, pass the exam and proudly add the ‘CIS’ credential behind one’s name. Industry individuals do not have to be SITE members yet those knowledgeable within the industry will discover the CIS status of great value in their careers.

For the moment it was a family birthday celebration with colleagues and friends. Here’s to the next ten years and SITE’s half-century birthday bash.