SITE Global Conference annually brings together incentive travel leaders
from both the supply and demand sides of the industry to connect, exchange
insights, and explore the business impact of reward and recognition
experiences.
The 2026 edition will be delivered under the theme “Wonder, Awe & Curiosity,” positioning the
conference within Abu Dhabi’s blend of cultural heritage and contemporary
development. The programme is designed to encourage connection, learning and
exploration while addressing current and future industry challenges.
SITE confirmed James Taylor, keynote speaker, author and advisor specialising in creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence, as the keynote for the 2026 conference. Taylor is recognised for his work supporting leaders and teams in unlocking creative potential and exploring collaboration between people and intelligent machines.
Annette Gregg, CEO of SITE, said: “SITE Global Conference is where our worldwide community comes together to look ahead, challenge assumptions, and leave with the ideas and relationships that move our industry forward. In Abu Dhabi in 2026, we will explore how wonder, awe and curiosity can translate into smarter strategies, stronger partnerships, and more meaningful experiences for participants. Our programme is designed to be practical and future-focused, with sessions that reflect the realities incentive travel leaders are navigating right now, from the evolving expectations of clients and qualifiers to the responsible use of technology, the importance of wellbeing, and the need to deliver measurable impact. We are delighted to welcome James Taylor as our keynote, and we look forward to sharing a powerful line up of speakers and learning formats that will equip attendees to create incentive programmes that inspire and perform.”
The education programme includes keynote presentations, deep-dive workshops
and sprint sessions addressing themes such as artificial intelligence, business
strategy, sustainability, wellness, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,
and community impact.
Artificial intelligence sessions will examine practical applications and
productivity, including “AI in Action: Shaping the Future of
Incentives” and “The Time Advantage: How AI Can
Give You 30 Extra Hours Every Week.”
Business strategy content will focus on leadership, supplier partnerships,
product development and strategic advisory roles, alongside case-based sessions
exploring incentive design and measurable impact.
Sustainability and wellness sessions will address immersive destination experiences, restorative programme design and the role of wellbeing in performance. DEIB-focused sessions will explore inclusive destination selection and event design that fosters belonging.
Community and impact programming will include sessions featuring
scholarship recipients and SITE community voices, alongside partner-led case
studies highlighting excellence in incentive travel.
Gregg added: “Incentive travel is fundamentally about
people, what motivates them, what makes them feel valued, and what inspires
them to go further. SITE Global Conference 2026 will celebrate that human
dimension while also giving our community the tools to innovate with
confidence, design with intention, and demonstrate ROI in a changing business
environment. Abu Dhabi is an ideal host city for this conversation, pairing
rich culture with bold ambition, and we cannot wait to welcome our members and
partners from around the world to learn, connect, and return home energised
with fresh thinking and actionable takeaways.”
In addition to the education programme, attendees will participate in
destination discovery activities designed to showcase Abu Dhabi as an
incentive-ready destination, incorporating cultural and locally rooted
experiences.
SITE Global Conference 2026 is hosted with the support of Abu Dhabi
Convention and Exhibition Bureau and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Registration for the
conference is now open.
Tags: Annette Gregg, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence James Taylor