AGF had previously sent their top performers to Mexico, the Canadian Rockies, Argentina
and Russia.
For this year’s incentive, Connect Factory and Exotissimo worked hard to develop an event worthy of its storied history.
The planning took more than a year, beginning from February 23, 2007 and culminating in a week-long incentive in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for 43 people from across France.
Challenges
Cambodia is a small country on the edge of the developing world. Most of its tourism is dependent on one signature destination – the legendary Angkor Wat.
The challenge was to create a three-dimensional programme, based around the temple
complex and also using a variety of activities involving the local community.
Execution
The group arrived in Phnom Penh and were rushed through VIP immigration where a greeting entourage of Apsara dancers waited in the airport. They spent the rest of the day on a cyclo tour of the city.
The day in Phnom Penh ended on the Pontoon Lounge, which was privatised specifically for the incentive.
The next morning the group went to Siem Reap, where they checked into the La Residence
d’Angkor. Exotissimo arranged for a convoy of moto-trailers to chauffeur participants to the
temples of Angkor in style.
Whereas their first day at Angkor Wat followed a fairly traditional programme of temple visits, the second day took a turn to the unusual.
The participants started their day with a bird’s eye view of Siem Reap from a helium balloon
(like a hot-air balloon but more eco-friendly).
The day continued with an excursion out into the countryside via ox-drawn cart. Exotissimo contracted local Khmer farmers directly for this trip, taking participants past groups of temples, stopping at a leather workshop for orphans, and culminating with a gourmet picnic lunch in a temple.
Later in the day, participants mounted elephants to climb up to the Hindu mountain temple
Phnom Bakheng in true style.
The highlight of the event was the gala dinner held at the Terrace of the Leper King.
The Sofitel Royal Angkor catered for the event, taking advantage of the venue’s unique architecture and creating an Indiana Jones type entrance. While participants enjoyed their meals,
entertainment was provided by five troupes of dancers showcasing the various styles of traditional Khmer dancing.
Verdict
One AGF participant says that the event was a wonderful trip in a stunning setting.
Connect Factory were pleased with the innovative programme and how it was executed.
AGF rewards its top staff in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
When French insurance company AGF looked to reward its top sales people, they turned to veteran incentive house Connect Factory for guidance.
