WHEN Chuan Lian, a Taiwan retail giant, explored ideas for a unique overseas incentive programme for 1,500 of its star performers, it was offered the unprecedented opportunity of buying out the entire Disney Explorers Lodge at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort for two days as part of its five-day incentive programme to Hong Kong.
WINNING PITCH
Chuan Lian wanted something special to mark the company’s 20th anniversary with a venue that was outside the standard MICE offerings. The company also sought a highly personalised experience that would reward the efforts of its high-performing team and bring them closer together. The obvious challenge was the size of the group – how to create a unique, bonding experience for 1,500 people
The answer came in the form of tailored solution from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. First, it offered the capacity to house the entire group under the same roof in a five-star luxury hotel. Chuan Lian became the first client to buy out the 750-room Disney Explorers Lodge, made possible by the resort’s total room count of 1,750 across its three themed hotels.
Second, it offered exclusive access to Theater in the Wild in the theme park’s Adventureland to stage the company’s anniversary celebrations. The dramatic circular stage in a natural outdoor setting was exactly the sort of unexpected and impactful venue that Chuan Lian was searching for. Disney characters marched in with company executives, and the Hong Kong Police Band was invited to entertain – courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
After conducting a site inspection, Chuan Lian’s event organiser Mirage Travel was particularly impressed by the professionalism of the Disney team and cooperation of the Tourism Board.
HIGHLIGHTS
To achieve a feeling of togetherness, there’s nothing like having the whole team stay in one hotel. With two queen-size beds in every room, Chuan Lian was comfortable with twin-share arrangements. “Hotel buyouts make a group feel extra special as they have the hotel to themselves for the duration of the activity, and all the guests they come across during their stay are colleagues and associates from the same company. It really helps to give the group a great sense of belonging and pride,” said Karen Kwan, director business solutions and events of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Chuan Lian guests spent minimal waiting time for transportation, check-ins and check-outs while the hotel was operating at full capacity. Tour guides on each of the 40 buses shuttling guests the short distance from the airport to the resort did group check-ins on board the bus and luggage was delivered to pre-assigned rooms prior to guests’ arrivals, so that Chuan Lian guests could make the most of the time and enjoy more than 100 entertainment offerings at the theme park.
There were also the personal touches, with the entire group enjoying an exclusive buffet breakfast in the restaurant at Tomorrowland, and meet-and-greet photos with Disney friends before taking a spectacular group photo on Main Street, USA – all before the park opened for the day.
UPSHOT
“Having everyone in the same resort, the same hotel and the same theatre was ideal for creating a sense of unity and common purpose across our group. Spirits soared, and everyone felt special. It was the perfect way to kick off our five-day programme,” said TC Cheng, vice general manager of Chuan Lian.
“The hotel buyout option sealed the deal for Hong Kong as the selected destination,” said Patty Lo, general manager of Mirage Travel Service. “It was important to have Hong Kong Tourism Board coordinating with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and other venue and service suppliers to ensure the event went smoothly.”
CHECKLIST
EVENT: Chuan Lian Enterprise’s 20th Anniversary Incentive Tour to Hong Kong
AGENCY: Mirage Travel Service
LOCATIONS: Disney Explorers Lodge, Theater in the Wild, Tomorrowland, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
ATTENDEES: 1,500
BIG MOMENTS: First-ever hotel buyout of Disney Explorers Lodge; 20th Anniversary Gala Evening at Theater in the Wild with Hong Kong Tourism Board-sponsored Police Band performance; breakfast at Tomorrowland and 1,500-people group photo at Main Street, USA, before theme park opened
DATE: October 24-25, 2018
