Spice was in attendance as SITE Incentivise Live 2025 was held at 1 Hotel Melbourne on 12 August with a theme of “connect, collaborate, celebrate” and a program featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking.
The event was helmed by MC Brihony Dawson and commenced with a welcome from SITE ANZ president Tanya Wick, who reaffirmed the board’s mission to build stronger networks, expand education offerings – including a new online program on fringe benefits tax in incentive travel – and foster collaboration.
Wick also announced early discussions for a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) to boost industry knowledge sharing and advocacy.
SITE Incentivise Live’s opening keynote was from business storyteller Yamini Naidu, who emphasised the importance of authentic leadership, personal responsibility and storytelling as a tool to create impact.
SITE global president Nitin Sachdeva attended the conference and he was part of an onstage conversation that reflected on his leadership journey and offered a forward-looking view of the incentive industry amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Other onstage presentations included ME Bank CEO Martine Jager, who outlined the long-term role of incentive events as a strategic lever for engagement, recognition and growth, and shared how successful brands integrate incentives into their DNA; Kelly Maynard from Tourism Australia and Penny Ryan from Tourism New Zealand shared insights on incentive and business events trends from both sides of the Tasman; and Thomas Gray from EventsAir and Rick Hemphill from SW Accountants & Advisory discussed harnessing smarter systems and streamlining processes.
There were also breakout session groups for discussions on challenges, opportunities and new ideas in the incentive travel industry, as well as a young leaders’ session that analysed the future of incentives and highlighted the importance of fresh ideas, diverse voices and mentorship in the industry.
The day was rounded out with sunset drinks and networking at 1 Hotel Melbourne.
