SITE Global Conference 2026 opens in Abu Dhabi, celebrating the power of connection and honouring chapter excellence

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has officially opened SITE Global Conference 2026, welcoming incentive travel professionals from around the world to The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal for four days of learning, community, and industry celebration, from February 12 to 15, 2026. 

Set against the destination’s rich heritage and bold modern innovation, this year’s conference embraces the theme “Wonder, Awe & Curiosity”, inviting attendees to explore what drives human motivation, strengthens performance, and builds measurable value through incentive travel. 

The opening session, which included the Chapter Excellence Awards,  set the tone with a clear message: incentive travel is not an optional “nice to have”, it is a strategic lever that helps organisations attract and retain talent, build culture, strengthen partner relationships, and accelerate results when programmes are designed with intention and measured for impact. Sessions throughout the event will focus on the realities incentive travel leaders are navigating right now, including evolving business models, risk and security, responsible technology adoption, sustainability, wellness, and creating demonstrable ROI. 

SITE will welcome James Taylor, during the conference.  James is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and advisor on creativity, innovation, and artificial intelligence, who will challenge delegates to rethink how people and intelligent machines can collaborate creatively, and how curiosity can translate into smarter strategies and stronger outcomes. 

Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, said: “SITE Global Conference is where our community comes together to reconnect with purpose and return to our organisations with ideas we can apply immediately. This week in Abu Dhabi, we are focusing on wonder, awe and curiosity because those mindsets unlock better design, stronger partnerships, and more meaningful experiences for participants. At the same time, we will stay grounded in what leaders need most right now: practical tools, responsible innovation, and a clear business case for incentive travel that stands up in any boardroom.” 

Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of host organisation Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said: “SITE’s first global conference in the region will showcase the very best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer to leading travel professionals. From beaches to museums, from fine dining to world-class hotels, Abu Dhabi is an ‘incentive ready’ destination and incentive travel is a key element of our Tourism Strategy 2030. We value ongoing collaboration with SITE members, and we are ready to work together to grow the incentive travel segment for the emirate.”

SITE Chapter Excellence Awards 2026 winners

Presented during the opening programme, the SITE Chapter Excellence Awards recognise chapters that bring SITE’s mission to life through education, leadership, inclusion, sustainability, and community. 

Excellence in Young Leaders: SITE NortheastRecognised for building a structured Young Leaders programme grounded in mentorship, belonging, and intentional partnerships, including a flagship speed-mentoring experience that created measurable engagement and a visible leadership pipeline. 

Excellence in Membership: SITE Northern CaliforniaHonoured for standout membership growth and retention, supported by personal welcome and buddy systems, connection-led events that brought planners and suppliers together, and a feedback approach that ensured members felt heard and valued. 

Excellence in Education: SITE MinnesotaAwarded for delivering the largest education programme in the chapter’s history, an immersive, cohesive learning journey spanning topics such as AI, leadership, resilience, and productivity, with creativity and impact anchored through an Olympic-themed framework. 

Excellence in Special Event: SITE ScotlandCelebrated for producing an incentive-style signature event that blended destination storytelling, supplier engagement, sustainability in action, and meaningful connection, delivering strong attendance, new member conversions, and tangible value for partners. 

Excellence in Sustainable Event: SITE Florida & CaribbeanRecognised for its Earth Day 2025 programme, designed to model sustainable event planning through a plant-based menu, zero waste operations, reusable materials and full composting, aligned with SITE Sustainable Event Guidelines and eight UN Sustainable Development Goals, and delivering measurable reductions in single use items and estimated CO2 emissions.

Rising Star Chapter of the Year: SITE Spain & PortugalRecognised for an ambitious reinvention through a strategic market merge that drove rapid growth, financial stability, and renewed regional energy, alongside a future-focused Young Leaders initiative with measurable outcomes. 

Chapter of the Year: SITE MidwestNamed Chapter of the Year for demonstrating consistent leadership and future focus across engagement, governance, and collaboration, with a strong regional ecosystem of programming, chapter-to-chapter best practice sharing, and transparent, sustainable leadership. 

Gregg concludes: “It is a privilege to celebrate our chapters. They are the heartbeat of SITE, and the work they do grows careers, strengthens communities, and advances excellence across our industry. The Chapter Excellence Awards remind us that connection is not accidental, it is built through leadership, inclusion, education, and the commitment to create belonging.” 

Beyond the education programme, SITE Global Conference 2026 includes destination discovery experiences designed to showcase Abu Dhabi as an incentive-ready city, while creating space for the conversations and relationships that move business forward. 

SITE Global Conference 2026 is hosted with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.