Looking for theme ideas? You might take a cue from Honey Creek Resort in Moravia, IA, where attendees have enjoyed everything from Hawaiian luaus, Mexican dinners, Texas Hold ’Em tournaments, and even Wii competitions. If your event features a themed activity, do it all the way! For example, if you’re going the Hawaiian route, include leis at the welcome reception, fresh fruits during breaks, a Survivor-type teambuilding activity, and island-inspired background music.

Or try tying your event theme to the unique attributes of the resort destination itself. Frank often creates Humana’s themes in conjunction with geography. She explains, “Typically, our incentive program is themed to the location we are visiting.”

If you’re stuck, ask your resort sales staff; they can often take your initial thoughts and transform them into a complete experience. Missy Dortman, director of meetings and events at The American Club Resort in Kohler, WI, works directly with planners to create memories for individual attendees.

“We can be involved as little or as much as our customer wants,” Dortman says. “Our goal is to help them create that outrageous experience that their attendee hasn’t had before. One way we do this is through customizing every facet of the meeting to the guests. This starts before the guests arrive. The process allows us to make a lasting impression, from a teaser we might send them and all the way through their actual stay and departure.”

With smaller groups, such as those attending board meetings, planners can customize every experience. First, identify what you’re trying to accomplish, then delve into the extras. For instance, if you’re focusing on “out-of-the-box” thinking, send out personalized packages including brainteasers, puzzles, or other unique activities to get attendees’ minds working.