The first-ever Caribbean ConnEX Canada event focusing on the Caribbean for incentives and group travel was held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at The Vue and Clubhouse in Toronto, Ontario.

The gathering, organized by VoX International, brought together a host of Caribbean exhibitors and sponsors to provide a learning experience for qualified incentive travel planners.

Exhibitors included airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, hotels and all-inclusive resorts, DMCs and tourist boards from various Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and more. Sponsors included the Bahamas Tourist Office, Melia Resorts International, Ignite and The Incentivist.

Featuring a combination of industry education and supplier meetings, the day opened with a panel discussion that explored key findings in 2023 Incentive Travel Index and delved into industry trends, emerging opportunities, and the crucial topic of sustainability. It was followed by a Caribbean-themed lunch that helped guests discover the vibrant and diverse flavors of the Caribbean.

In the afternoon, one-on-one appointments with exhibitors gave planners the chance to explore customized solutions and discuss potential partnerships to enhance their incentive and group travel offerings. The event ended with a cocktail reception featuring Caribbean-inspired music and ambiance.

Publisher Alanna McQuaid and editor-in-chief Lori Smith said The Incentivist was pleased to sponsor and attend this new initiative to connect Caribbean suppliers with Canadian planners. “Our sole focus is MICE destinations, and we recognize the need for information and inspiration to be readily available for planners in this new post-pandemic environment. The Caribbean has long been a popular and in-demand region for Canadian MICE programs, and it was great to see so many suppliers out for this event,” says McQuaid.

Plans are already underway for the 2024 event.