October 23, 2019
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October heralds sweater weather - yay - comfort food, crisp air, and ends on a spooky note with Halloween, before leaping toward the holiday season.

All the more reason to remember to take care of yourself. Nutritionist Katie Pangborn helps us do just that. Meanwhile, we investigate a new industry buzz-word, "flight-shaming". What is it, and what does it mean for our industry? Read on to find out.
COME TOGETHER
Our Canadian Thanksgiving was October 13 th , which may be confusing to our American friends, since they celebrate the holiday on November 28 th . There are there are a few differences between the two celebrations though. We definitely do the whole feasting thing, with turkey and all the fixins’, and we love our brilliant Fall colours, but to help clear up some of the confusion, here’s an article we found to help explain it. 

At S.I.S. we know how important it is to honour and respect each other for our differences; it’s what makes us all unique and special. When we operate with an open mind and attitude of curiosity, what we come away from encounters with others is often the realization of how similar we are, even when our stories are different. Global travel has a way of showing us the amazing ways, cultures, people, and places that make up this world we share. It’s these experiences that people who love to travel, treasure. Travelers seek to broaden their personal perspective and step on roads they haven’t previously trod. You can’t do that and stay home. You have to get out there and DO it. Combining corporate and experiential travel has become one of the hottest trends, and for good reason. People want more from life than just to work, sleep, eat, and putter in the backyard. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and an uncountable number of potential experiences and connections to be had.
 
As we approach the frenetic holiday season, the team at S.I.S. is incredibly thankful to be a small part of our client’s journeys to exciting new places and, in some cases, transformational adventures.
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?
The month of October is shaping up to be relatively quiet on the travel front for us, as we work diligently to craft customized incentive travel adventures for several clients in various locations. So while we may not be jet-setting as much right now, we’re excited to be working on upcoming programs that will truly exceed expectations!
TALKING TREE WELLNESS - 8-Week Mood Food SHIFT
Hi, I’m Katie Pangborn , Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Mama to one sweet baby boy, Jacob. I'm also the Founder and CEO of Talking Tree Wellness , so I know how difficult it can be to get to the top of your game and stay there.

As Winter approaches, the days get shorter, and holiday season sets in. Cold and flu season is also just ahead, adding to the 1000 reasons to be stressed, so it's even more imperative people seek resources to help build up their defences. Mood Food puts your body into healing mode. It sends powerful signals through the body and into the brain and acts as security, ensuring optimum physical and mental wellness. That's why I created the 8-Week Mood Food SHIFT , which is designed to bust any objection you have to taking care of yourself.

With so much going on in life, people need and deserve to feel amazing, and the Mood Food SHIFT program helps redefine what you can expect from your body and mind. Staying focused and on track can be hard though. I get it. That's why each week in the program, participants have access to a new Mood Food meal guide, packed with 7 days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks that are specifically chosen to help reduce the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Oh, and if you mention S.I.S. at check-out, you'll get a FREE video coaching session to help strategize the program and make it work for you.

So what are you waiting for? As part of a special pre-holiday promotion I invite you to jump into the 8-Week Mood Food SHIFT ($38.00 CDN, $29.00 US) and get access to your first meal guide instantly.
REWARD CHAMPIONS

Featured JustRewards Package of the Month
The Sonoma Golf, Spa and Wine Tour Experience
Five star accommodations for two for three nights in Sonoma Valley with a private winery tour, $300 hotel credit for golf or spa activities

Sit back and relax in the ultimate comfort and service at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa , located in the heart of California’s cherished wine country. For hundreds of years ancient thermal mineral waters have graced these grounds and refreshed weary travelers. The Fairmont boasts one of the top rated spas in the country, as well as access to one of the area’s most beautiful golf courses. Highlight your visit with a private wine tour of some of the region’s most exclusive vineyards.

Package highlights include:
• 4 day/3 night five star luxury accommodations for two in Sonoma Valley at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa anytime within 36 months of date of issuance (no blackout dates – based on availability)
• Breakfast daily
• $300 hotel spa or golf credit at the exclusive Sonoma Golf Club
• Private five-hour winery tour in a chauffeured luxury sedan
• All hotel taxes
• Package inclusions may be customized to include additional nights, guests, or activities.
To learn more about this package or book one today, please contact us
DESTINATION SHOUT OUT!
The One&Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is surely the ultimate escape. Chock full of authentic Mexican charm, this resort beckons guests to relax in comfortable luxury, explore beaches, track whales, savour the excellent culinary offerings, and discover their special limited edition tequila, created especially for One&Only Palmilla by Clase Azul.
 
One thing we can assure you, it’s an experience not to be forgotten, and one our guests rave about on their return home. Talk about an incentive!

For more information, or to book your group at this or other venues of interest, please contact Stephanie .

INDUSTRY NEWS WE'RE EXCITED TO SHARE
 There’s a new buzz word in the incentive and travel industry, “flight-shame”, which is a reflection of the growing awareness and concern over climate change and the environmental cost of flight travel. With the growing global shift to being more conscious of how and where we use fossil fuels, travelers and those working within the incentive travel industry are looking at ways to become part of the solution, rather than the problem.
 
Swiss bank UBS recently surveyed more than 6,000 people and found that as much as 21% said they reduced the number of flights in the last year over concerns about climate change. Trains, cruise ships, and auto travel to accessible destinations are getting much more attention and appreciation from travelers around the globe, and it’s a trend the industry predicts will continue. The result is an estimated half of travelers may choose other forms of transportation, at least for portions of a trip, over flying, when possible.
 
World wide environmental awareness and impact has gained tremendous support, with some corporations moving to the front of the line in exploring alternative, viable transportation options for incentive travel when and where they can. This is a significant step in a new direction, and one that planners must take into account when working with clients. Yes, this may involve more work on the planner’s part, which is why working with professional event and incentive travel partners like S.I.S. is a true win-win. Of course the overall future impact on our planet, and the company culture ideation of thoughtful consumerism and travel are huge.
WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT MONTH?
November 17 – 24 th Stephanie is excited to be sailing aboard the Crystal Symphony with 100 selected incentive buyers. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and visiting ports in Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, Key West, then returning to Ft. Lauderdale, this ocean exchange is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our host, eGroup Communications Inc., network with other attendees, have a great time soaking up the sun on the Caribbean seas, all while exploring the beautiful ports of call and the incomparable Crystal Symphony cruise ship.
A WORD FROM STEPHANIE
I absolutely love the Fall season! The brilliant colours, the cozy, homey feel of tucking up on a sofa in front of a fire while sipping a delicious hot beverage is my idea of the perfection of the season.

Add in my family, romping dogs, shouts of laughter, family photos, and walks in the woods on our ranch, and life doesn’t get better for me. Thanksgiving at our house is always about gathering those we love close and making special memories, and this past weekend was especially special for me personally. Our sweet black lab, shown in the photo here, spent one final, glorious day with us before passing the following morning. Even as my heart breaks over the loss of this wonderful girl, I know I’m incredibly fortunate to have had her in my life, and to have been able to experience this last family event with her so fully on so many levels.
 
I also know that many people, for one reason or another, are not so fortunate to have family close by, but that’s not a reason to stop gathering together with people who matter to us, and whose friendships we value. Sometimes “family” are those we choose to surround ourselves with.
 
Of course Halloween is also just around the corner, and I can’t wait to decorate for the kiddos who come to our door, and for the children in our own family! I go all out, with the spooky themes inside and out, and anyone who knows me know that I love a great party with inventive, fun costumes. As a kid, I was always the first one dressed up and ready to go out with my friends. What a blast!
 
So, however you choose to celebrate the coming festivities, the team at S.I.S. wishes you much fun, love, laughter, and great food. After all, that’s what all the hoopla is about; celebrating the bounties of life to the fullest!
Stephanie McVeigh, CEO & Founder of Strategic Incentive Solutions Inc.

Strategic Incentive Solutions is committed to Supplier Diversity. S.I.S is a certified diversity supplier as a woman-owned business enterprise (WBE) that can assist with your diversity spend requirements.
“The more you celebrate and praise your life, the more in life there is to celebrate .” – Oprah Winfrey