Every year, the SITE Foundation hosts SITE Nite North America bringing together more than 1,200 of the travel and hospitality industry’s most influential leaders and making it the must-attend event to kick-off IMEX America in Las Vegas. This year’s event, held on 12 October at the Omnia Nightclub, Caesars Palace, was the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, selling out in six hours and raising nearly $200,000 for incentive travel research and education.
“This year’s SITE Nite provided an ideal environment for business networking, while also raising significant funds that will enable the Foundation to continue to invest in vital research and education programs for the global incentive travel industry,” said Kurt Paben, SITE Foundation President and President, Channel and Employee Loyalty, Aimia. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the Hakasan Group and Omnia Nightclub, as well as all of the event sponsors and guests who supported this year’s SITE Nite.”
The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of more than 150 cash and in-kind donations from leading companies in the travel and hospitality industry. Funds were also raised through a silent auction where guests were able to bid on 78 extraordinary travel packages donated by industry partners from destinations around the world.
Co-Chairs for this year’s SITE Nite North America were Bonnie Boisner, Vice-President, Event Management, Aimia and Ron Warner, Regional Director of Sales, Meetings & Events, Melia Hotels International.
“Year over year SITE Nite tries to set the bar higher on the customer experience. This year the event sold out in six hours, breaking all previous records,” shared Warner. “Because of our sponsors and all the companies that donated to our silent auction, attendees experienced a fascinating light show, great food and drink and were able to bid on many outstanding travel packages.”
“I want to especially thank our sponsors, committee members and many volunteers who helped make SITE Nite such a success,” added Boisner. “Without their hard work, generosity and enduring support, the SITE Foundation would not be able to continue to carry out its mission to enhance the awareness and effectiveness of motivational experiences and incentive travel worldwide.”
