Incentive Encounters: Gaining Experience
August 04, 2008
Terry Epton shares his personal experiences in the incentive industry and recalls some memorable—perhaps humorous—situations he's encountered over the last 25 years.
By Terry Epton
When I sat down to write this column, I realized that I am one of those "veteran" executives. I'm one of those over-40 people whom I had always thought were out of touch. But, in actuality, I'm not. My story in the incentive industry may not be typical, but "it is what is" in this industry.
As it happened in the early 1980's, I was an aggressive young hotel sales executive sporting a degree in hotel management. I accepted a sales position with a Destination Management Company (whatever that was). It would be an understatement to say that back then I had no clue as to what a DMC was or what the incentive industry was, for that matter. But there I found myself, in a parallel universe, selling creative concepts, logistical support and a local layer of management to incentive houses and corporate end-users.
It was thanks to my ambitions that I "fell" into this strange and wonderful industry, and to which I owe quite a few unique—and oftentimes humorous—memories to share with you all:
"Some things, particularly nowadays, are not really fit for publication."
One of my earliest memorable experiences has to be getting pulled over by a motorcycle cop for speeding. When he asked why I was in such a hurry, I pointed to the back of the van I was driving. In it was a caged 800-pound Bengal Tiger, named Bombay, that immediately roared so loud, I think the officer may have lost some control of his bodily functions. When I explained that we had rented it from Circus World for an appliance dealer incentive and if I didn't get him to the airport quick time, he’d be mine for the weekend. I promptly received a motorcycle escort all the way to the plane. Who else would ever find themselves in that kind of a situation?
"Hard work, interrupted by bizarre and wonderful experiences, is the norm in this crazy business."
I'm a golfer and I have found myself standing on the first tee of some of the world's most famous golf courses. Other guys hear the stories in disbelief and I have to chuckle. Once I played the Old Course at St. Andrews twice in one day (once for me because I realized the chance would probably never come again, and the second time for a client, an insurance-planner who was in absolute awe of being on golf’s most hallowed ground). Walking that course the first round wore me out and the second round was an unforgettable, agonizing pleasure I'll never forget.
"Speaking of Scotland, once as the honored guests of the Scottish Government…"
The members of the SITE International Board were invited to a formal dinner in an ancient castle. We were provided fitted formal highland wear. You guessed it! I was compelled to wear a kilt with all of the appropriate regalia. I am not exaggerating when I say that I nearly fainted when the door closed behind me that evening in the Glasgow Hilton and I felt that unfamiliar breeze blow up my kilt. Later that evening we were treated to "The Presentation of the Haggis," which is quite the spectacle. The serving of the haggis and our hosts’ expectations that we devour it immediately followed. If you've ever seen the Indiana Jones movie, you know the drill: you have to eat it or it would be an insult. Eyes darted around the table, and surprisingly my friend and fellow board member, Richard Weinstein, and I both loved the stuff! Everyone else choked.
All of us have unique memories that we owe to the incentive industry. Check back at www.incentivemag.com in September for future editions of "Incentive Encounters" for your interest and enjoyment.
INCENTIVE online columnist Terry Epton, CITE, DMCP is CEO of USA Hosts, Ltd. As CEO, Epton has been a DMC executive for 26 years and a member of the hospitality industry for almost 30 years. In addition to the USA Hosts company-owned offices, Epton directs the USA Hosts Performance Alliance, serves on the University of New Orleans Advisory Board, is a long-standing member of SITE and was president of Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) twice during his career.
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