Multi-Wave Strategic Incentive for ERGO Group | May 2015
THE MISSION
ERGO, a major European insurance group, needed a high-impact incentive program to honor their top-performing agents and partners across multiple divisions (ABO, Royal, Stern, and Exklusiv groups) . The challenge was to design a reward trip that balanced relaxation with recognition, ensuring that distinct groups arriving in two back-to-back waves received an equally prestigious experience .
The Goal: To deliver a « floating sanctuary » that served as a platform for corporate recognition. The objective was to strengthen relationships between German and Swiss teams through shared cultural experiences, while using prestigious Gala dinners and Award Ceremonies to formally celebrate their annual success .
THE GUESTS
ERGO Group Top Performers & Partners
The guest list consisted of professionals arriving from major hubs across Germany and Switzerland, including Munich, Zurich, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf . These were discerning travelers requiring precise logistics and high-touch service from the moment of arrival at Lyon St Exupéry airport .
LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS
Managing a dual-wave incentive on a moving vessel required military-grade precision to ensure a seamless guest experience.
- Complex Arrival Management: We coordinated a multi-city arrival grid, managing simultaneous flights from Munich, Zurich, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf . Our operations team and guides were stationed at Lyon St Exupéry airport from 8:00 AM onwards to supervise every landing and ensure immediate, personal greetings .
- Linguistic Comfort: To put guests at ease immediately, we deployed German-speaking guides for all airport transfers and city tours, bridging the language gap from the moment of arrival .
- Fleet Management: We orchestrated a complex network of bus transfers for off-ship excursions and evening galas, including late-night logistical movements to return guests from remote châteaux to the ship as late as 2:00 AM .
- On-Board Hospitality: We established a dedicated welcome desk on the Arosa Stella to manage check-ins and facilitate activity sign-ups (biking, 2CV tours, etc.) for the days ahead, acting as a central concierge hub for the group .
THE STRATEGY
The « Floating Hotel » Concept
To maximize exploration without the fatigue of packing and unpacking, we utilized the Arosa Stella river cruise ship as a mobile luxury base .
- The Route: A journey along the Saône river, moving from the culinary capital of Lyon to the wine-rich regions of Montmerle, Mâcon, and Chalon-sur-Saône .
- The Dual-Wave Structure: We successfully replicated the high-standard program across two back-to-back dates (May 9-12 and May 13-16), ensuring consistent quality for distinct waves of guests .
THE EXPERIENCE
Lyon: Gastronomy & Heritage
Upon arrival, we immersed guests immediately in Lyon’s reputation as the world capital of gastronomy .
- Insider Access: Guided visits to the famous Halles Paul Bocuse market to taste regional delicacies .
- The « Bouchon » Experience: Lunch at Daniel et Denise, an authentic restaurant owned by Joseph Viola, a « Meilleur Ouvrier de France » (Best Craftsman of France), featuring traditional dishes like floating islands with pink pralines .
- Cultural Immersion: Walking tours of Old Lyon (Vieux-Lyon), exploring the Renaissance architecture and the city’s famous « Traboules » (secret passageways) .
Burgundy: Action & Authenticity
As the ship moved north, the program shifted to active discovery and participant choice. We designed specific tracks to cater to different energy levels:
- The « Tour de France » Track: A sportive biking tour led by cycling legend Rudi Altig . Guests rode alongside the champion on a 45-52km stage through the vineyards, accompanied by support vehicles and pro guides .
- The Vintage Track: A nostalgic rally in authentic Citroën 2CVs. Guests drove these classic cars through the back country roads of Beaujolais and the Côte Chalonnaise, stopping to learn barrel-making from a local cooper .
- The Heritage Track: A digital-meets-history tour of the medieval Cluny Abbey using touch-screen tablets to reconstruct ruins, followed by goat cheese and white wine tastings .
- The Prestige Track: Exclusive visits to the Hospices de Beaune, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, followed by private tastings in the cellars .
Evenings: Celebration & Recognition
We took guests off the boat for exclusive evening events to elevate the experience:
- The Galas: Award ceremonies and dinners held at prestigious venues like the Château de Pierreclos, Château de Chasselas, and Château d’Epeyssoles, set amidst vineyards and forests .
- Gastronomic Excellence: Dinners at L’Ancienne Auberge in Vonnas, celebrating the legacy of legendary chef Georges Blanc .
THE IMPACT
By leveraging the river cruise format, we solved the logistical challenge of moving a large group while keeping the experience personalized.
- Logistical Precision: We managed synchronized transfers for hundreds of guests across multiple flights and cities without a single service gap .
- Exclusive Access: From riding with a cycling world champion to private dinners in Burgundy castles, the program offered moments money can’t buy .
- Cultural Depth: Guests didn’t just see France; they tasted it with MOF chefs and drove it in vintage cars, creating a deep emotional connection to the destination .
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