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Educational travel looks very different than it did even ten years ago. Many schools, enrichment programs, and educational organizations are placing less emphasis on traditional field trips and more emphasis on immersive, real-world experiences. Experiences where students are inside the subject matter. Expedition cruising fits naturally into that shift. It is not built around entertainment. It is not designed as sightseeing from a distance. It is designed around exploration, context, and firsthand observation. expeditions.com/plan/family Expedition Cruising as a Learning Environment Expedition itineraries are rooted in disciplines students already study: Science Wildlife and biology Geography Earth systems History Conservation Culture The difference is delivery. Students are not watching content. They are encountering it. A coastline becomes a lesson in geology. A whale sighting becomes a lesson in behavior and habitat. A village visit becomes a lesson in culture and history. The environment itself becomes the classroom. Why National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions Works Especially Well for Educational Groups Lindblad’s expedition model is built around education from the ground up. Not as an add-on. Not as a special program layered on top. It is simply how the ships operate. A few reasons this matters for schools and educational organizations: Learning Is Woven Into Daily Life Onboard Education happens during excursions, on deck, in the lounge, and in conversation. Students absorb information organically, often without realizing they are “in a lesson.” Voyages Are Led by Subject-Matter Experts Naturalists, marine biologists, geologists, historians, and photographers form the expedition team. Students gain access to people who actively work in the fields they are studying. Experiences Are Physical and Sensory Students walk through environments. They observe wildlife in real time. They ask questions in the moment. They connect what they have learned in theory to what they are seeing in front of them. This type of learning tends to stick. What Students Experience Day to Day While every itinerary is different, most expedition days include a mix of: Wildlife spotting from deck Zodiac landings for shoreline exploration Easy hikes or nature walks Kayaking or snorkeling depending on destination Short onboard talks and daily recaps Days feel active and varied. There is structure, but not rigidity. Student Profiles That Tend to Thrive Expedition cruising tends to work especially well for: Upper elementary through high school students Homeschool groups STEM-focused programs Environmental or conservation clubs Geography, biology, and earth science tracks Gap-year style educational travel Interest and curiosity matter more than age. Students who enjoy asking questions and being outdoors usually do very well. Why This Model Appeals to MICE & Educational Planners From a planning standpoint, expedition cruising offers a rare combination: Built-in educational programming Controlled operating environments Predictable daily flow Clear supervision structure High staff-to-guest ratios Much of the educational infrastructure already exists onboard, which reduces the need to build custom programming from scratch. Educational Travel Without the “School Trip” Energy One of the most noticeable differences: Students do not feel like they are attending school. They feel like participants in an expedition. That mindset shift changes behavior. Engagement rises. Curiosity increases. Students lean in. Destinations Commonly Used for Educational Expeditions Educational groups frequently look at regions such as: Galápagos Alaska Iceland Baja California Costa Rica & Panama These destinations combine strong biodiversity, manageable activity levels, and clear connections to common curriculum areas. Final Thought Cruising with kids does not have to revolve around entertainment. Expedition cruising offers something more substantive. A ship becomes a moving learning platform. The destination becomes the syllabus. For educational organizations seeking meaningful, high-impact travel experiences, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions provide a model where curiosity drives the experience and learning happens naturally. Make cruising easy. Let AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives help you out. Contact Nataly Horan at nataly@authenticMICE.com

A quick, trusted fleet overview for groups, incentives, and charters If you’re a meeting planner and you’ve started hearing more about National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions , it’s usually for one reason: Their ships go where most ships can’t. This is expedition cruising: small ships, expert-led exploration, and immersive destinations. For the right group, it’s one of the most memorable travel formats in the world. This guide is meant to help planners quickly understand: how big the ships are what the onboard vibe is like what makes the fleet different and what to look for when bringing a group onboard Fleet overview (at-a-glance) National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions presents its fleet as 24 small expedition ships What that means:  They operate a multi-ship, destination-specific fleet  (you match the ship to the region and type of traveler). How big are the ships? (At-a-glance) Most ships are roughly 48–148 guests. Quick ship size examples National Geographic Islander II (Galápagos):  48 guests National Geographic Sea Bird:  62 guests National Geographic Sea Lion:  62 guests National Geographic Endurance:  138 guests National Geographic Resolution:  138 guests National Geographic Explorer:  148 guests Planner takeaway:  These are real small ships. Expect intimacy, connection, and smoother group flow. Is it luxury? Expedition “luxury” looks a little different than resort-style cruising. National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions positions its ships around “the luxury of comfort”  paired with expedition capability. So yes, you can describe the experience as: premium polished comfortable high-quality service destination-first What it won’t feel like: flashy mega-ship luxury with crowds and endless distractions. What are the ships like onboard? (Public spaces + vibe) Public spaces are designed around: viewing and observation briefings and learning casual social connection expedition readiness You’re more likely to see: observation lounges indoor/outdoor viewing decks spaces designed for “expedition briefings” science-style learning spaces on certain vessels Example: National Geographic Islander II  highlights features like an observation deck , indoor-outdoor dining , a climate-controlled marina , and a science hub . Planner takeaway:  The vibe is intimate, smart, and intentional. What makes their ships truly expedition-ready This is the part that matters for group expectations. Expedition tools These ships support daily exploration, including: Zodiac landings kayaking (on select itineraries) guided hikes/walks expedition equipment onboard Expert teams Expedition leaders and naturalists are central to the experience. They provide context and storytelling that feels very National Geographic. What groups are a great fit National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions is especially strong for: executive retreats and leadership travel incentive groups (especially top performers who have “done it all”) purpose-driven brands groups that love nature, learning, immersion multi-generational families traveling together Less ideal for groups seeking: nightlife entertainment-heavy cruising “floating resort” atmosphere Bottom line If your group wants something rare, meaningful, and genuinely memorable, National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions  belongs on your shortlist. The ships are intentionally small, built for access, and designed to support immersion. That combination is what makes the fleet special, and why it’s such a smart option for certain charter and group programs. "If you’re considering National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions  for a group program, I’d love to help you explore the right ship and itinerary." - Nataly Horan , Founder & CEO, AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives

In Good Company  is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® , spotlighting the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Karen Kuttner Dimitry ( email or follow on LinkedIn ) , VP of Affinity/Charter Sales at National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions , for a quickfire Q&A . The rule is simple: one word to one sentence max.  Fast, fun, and unexpectedly insightful. 1 - Window seat or aisle? Aisle. 2 - First trip that changed you? Galápagos. 3 - Early mornings or late nights? Both! 4 - One thing you always unpack first? Packing cubes. 5 - Your travel uniform? National Geographic-Lindblad gear. 6 - A destination that surprised you? Antarctica. I went for the penguins, but was completely wowed by the ice. 7 - Coffee order on the road? Same as in the office: latte. 8 - Ocean or mountains? Ocean. 9 - The best part of being at sea? Time to slow down and be together with your group. 10 - Favorite kind of traveler to work with? Like-minded groups that are passionate about travel. 11 - A moment on a trip you’ll never forget? Being in a Zodiac while orcas glide beneath us. 12 - What makes a group work? My favorite part of rapport developing is watching the moment when individuals shift into a true community. When guests start looking out for one another, sharing genuine excitement, and feeling comfortable enough to be fully present and engaged in the experience together. 13 - Quiet mornings or lively dinners? Both. 14 - Something people misunderstand about expedition travel? There’s something for everyone, and activities are designed for all activity and mobility levels. 15 - Paper notebook or phone notes? Paper. Even an old Day-Timer. 16 - Favorite shipboard ritual? Recap. It’s my favorite National Geographic-Lindblad tradition: a relaxed evening gathering before dinner where the team and guests come together to share highlights from the day, deepen what we learned, and look ahead to tomorrow. 17 - Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. 18 - What “good company” means to you? A good company for me is one that has strong values and puts people first. Guests. It shows care not just through excellent service, but through meaningful experiences, trust, and attention to detail. 19 - One word you associate with trust? Integrity. 20 - A place you’d return to again and again? Antarctica. 21 - Your strength in a room full of people? Making everything feel comfortable. 22 - What energizes you mid-trip? The bonds that are created. 23 - Favorite travel snack? Gummy candies (my favorite at home too!). 24 - The most rewarding part of your job? Guests coming back thrilled and even moved. 25 - The biggest myth about group travel? That you have to do everything together, when there are always opportunities to do different things. 26 - Your ideal day at sea looks like? Time on deck looking out for wildlife, coupled with time on our Open Bridge with the officers. 27 - Order or flexibility? Both. Flexibility is key to all of our expeditions. 28 - What makes travel meaningful? Feeling connections and better understanding a part of the world. 29 - One thing you’ve learned about people? It is best to listen to better understand their needs. 30 - What you notice first when meeting someone new? How much they listen. 31 - Favorite kind of conversation? Honest and candid. 32 - A place that feels grounding to you? The beach. 33 - What keeps you curious? Travel keeps me curious. Experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and ways of thinking constantly makes me want to learn more. 34 - What still excites you about travel? All travel, and the chance to experience something new or different. 35 - Something you’re proud of, quietly? Building long-term partnerships with 30+ years’ experience. 36 - Right now, you’re most grateful for? Our wonderful partnerships.   Looking to charter something unforgettable? Connect with Karen Kuttner-Dimitry  at chartersales@expeditions.com   to explore expedition and charter options with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions . Know someone in the incentive travel industry who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them for In Good Company  by emailing AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives at hello @authenticmice.com .

A planning tip every group planner should know If you’re newer to planning cruise programs, here’s something that isn’t always obvious at first, but becomes incredibly useful once you understand it. Cruise ships don’t live in one destination year-round. Most ocean cruise ships move seasonally , following weather patterns, guest demand, and optimal sailing conditions. This is called seasonal deployment  or repositioning , and it plays a big role in when and where you should be planning a group program. How seasonal deployment works (in plain English) In simple terms: Summer : Ships head to places like the Mediterranean , Northern Europe, Alaska, and the Baltics. Winter : Many of those same ships relocate to warmer regions  like the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or the Middle East. Cruise lines aren’t doing this on a whim. They’re aligning itineraries with: Weather that guests actually want to be in Peak travel demand by region Port accessibility and sea conditions For planners, this explains why a ship you love in Italy in July might suddenly be sailing out of Miami in January. Why this matters when you’re planning a group Understanding seasonal deployment helps you: Time your destination conversations correctly Avoid trying to force an itinerary that simply won’t exist that time of year Plan farther ahead when you want a very specific ship or routing Set realistic expectations with clients early in the process It’s not that the cruise line “isn’t offering” something. The ship just isn’t there. Important note: this applies to ocean cruises, not river cruises River ships are built specifically for their rivers and generally stay put. A ship sailing the Danube isn’t heading to the Caribbean for winter. Instead, river cruise seasons are driven by: Water levels Weather conditions Regional operating calendars So when we talk about ships moving between the Med and the Caribbean, we’re talking strictly about ocean-going vessels . The planner takeaway If cruising is becoming part of your sourcing toolbox, this is one of those “quiet advantages” that makes you sound confident and informed without trying too hard. Before you fall in love with a ship or itinerary, always ask: Where is this ship based during my preferred travel window? Is this a seasonal itinerary or a year-round one? That one question can save weeks of back-and-forth and help you guide your client toward smarter options faster. “You can plan a group cruise yourself. Or you can set the tone from the very beginning by having an expert source the right ship, itinerary, and cruise line so the entire experience feels effortless from start to finish .” Nataly Horan Founder & CEO AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives®

Six shifts shaping gifting for 2026 and beyond I get asked this question a lot lately: “Have you seen any gifting ideas that actually worked?” “Anything people genuinely wanted?” “Something that didn’t feel like junk?” The honest answer, more often than not, has been… not really. That doesn’t mean great gifting doesn’t exist. It means many of the default options we’ve leaned on for years are no longer cutting it. Expectations have shifted. Attendees are more selective, more conscious, and more traveled than ever. As I head to the NY NOW Gift Show , these are the six shifts I’m paying closest attention to when sourcing gifts for 2026 and beyond. 1. Fewer items. Better objects. The era of overflowing gift bags is over. People don’t want options. They want one well-chosen thing that feels considered. Quality now signals care far more than quantity ever did. 2. Objects with a life beyond the event. If the item’s only purpose is to remind someone where they got it, it probably won’t last long. The most effective gifts integrate into real life. They earn their place on a desk, in a kitchen, or in a carry-on long after the program ends. 3. Travel-friendly matters more than ever. If it’s fragile, bulky, or requires extra packing gymnastics, it’s worth rethinking. Great gifts respect the fact that attendees are moving, flying, and consolidating. Carry-on logic is real. 4. Sustainability without the sermon. Materials matter. Sourcing matters. But people don’t need a manifesto attached. The best sustainable gifts are thoughtful by design, not performative in their messaging. 5. Small-batch beats mass-produced. Scale used to be the goal. Now story is. Items from smaller makers or thoughtful brands consistently resonate more than anything churned out by the thousands. People remember where something came from and why it was chosen. 6. Gifting as part of the experience, not just the goodbye. The most impactful gifts often show up during the program itself. They support a moment, a meal, a destination, or a shared experience. When gifting is integrated instead of tacked on at departure, it feels intentional rather than obligatory. Looking ahead These are the lenses I’ll be bringing with me to NY NOW Gift Show in February 2026. Not to collect things, but to curate options that actually make sense for modern meetings and incentive programs. If you’re sourcing gifts for a 2026 or 2027 program and want help narrowing the field, I’m happy to look on your behalf while I’m there. Budget range, destination, group size, or general vibe. Send me what you have, and I’ll keep an eye out. Nataly Horan Founder and CEO, AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives nataly@authenticMICE.com

In hospitality and travel, smooth execution depends on a lot of work that happens quietly in the background. Supplier coordination. Timeline management. Follow-ups, updates, systems, and details that keep programs running on schedule. When everything goes well, that work is invisible. But as businesses grow, the volume of behind-the-scenes work grows quickly. More partners to manage. More deadlines to track. More platforms and processes to maintain. The margin for missed details gets smaller. For many teams, this creates a common challenge. There is more work than the core team can comfortably absorb, but not enough to justify a full-time hire. The result is often stretched staff, delayed follow-through, or important tasks competing with higher-value work. This is where fractional support can be effective. Klio provides high-touch virtual assistance for hospitality-adjacent teams on a flexible, monthly basis. Rather than adding headcount, teams gain experienced support that fits their current needs. The work is hands-on and collaborative. Klio supports systems management, coordination, content and social media assistance, and light design execution. The focus is on integrating into existing workflows and providing reliable follow-through. For traveling hospitality professionals, this kind of support creates consistency, steadier operations, and more space to focus on clients, partners, and delivery. Learn more about Klio and the role behind-the-scenes support plays in strong execution.

You know an incentive program would light a fire under your team. You also have approximately zero extra hours to figure out how. Totally normal. Here’s the simple version: you don’t need a 40-page strategy deck. You need a clear goal, a reward worth earning, and a plan that doesn’t collapse the moment things get busy. Let’s keep it to 8 moves. 1. Decide what you actually want more of Sales. Retention. Cross-selling. Showing up on time. Pick one main outcome. Not five. One. If your team has no idea what “winning” looks like, they won’t play. 2. Turn that into a clean, specific goal “Close 15 new deals by June.” “Lift Q2 revenue by 10%.” “Hit 95% client satisfaction.” If it sounds like a slogan, rewrite it. If it sounds like a scoreboard line, you’re close. 3. Choose rewards people care about Cash is fine. Travel, experiences, or time are better. A long weekend at a resort A cruise incentive for top performers An actually fun team trip instead of another beige banquet Rule of thumb: if you  wouldn’t hustle for it, they won’t either. 4. Build a points system a human can follow No math degree required. Examples: 1 qualified lead = 5 points 1 closed deal = 50 points Perfect client scorecard = 25 points Post the rules. Don’t change them halfway through unless you absolutely have to. 5. Announce it like a launch, not a memo This is not the time for a sleepy email. Host a quick kickoff. Drop it in your team chat. Put visuals where people actually look. Remind them what’s in it for them , not just “the business.” 6. Give regular updates Weekly leaderboard. Quick shoutouts. Mini wins. People stay engaged when they can see movement. Silence is where incentive programs go to die. 7. Deliver the reward like it matters This is the moment they remember. If it’s a trip, make the details smooth: travel, rooms, transfers, little surprises.If it’s an experience, make it feel polished, not slapped together. Sloppy rewards drain all the goodwill you just built. 8. Celebrate the heck out of it Public recognition. Photos. A recap. Let the rest of the company see what winning looks like. You’re shaping culture a little bit at a time. You can absolutely DIY this… You can  set the goals, find the partners, negotiate with hotels or cruise lines, build the rules, manage the logistics, and keep everyone excited. Or. You can let someone who lives and breathes incentive travel do the messy, unglamorous parts while you show up as the hero with the great idea. I design, source, and implement incentive programs that feel like a luxury experience for your top performers and a no-stress experience for you. You handle the “yes, let’s do it.” I handle the “how on earth do we pull this off?” If you’re ready to give your team something worth working for, get in touch and let’s build it .

Featuring Riverside Luxury Cruises Cruising is one of the most overlooked tools in the MICE world. Many planners still imagine crowded decks, rigid schedules, and experiences that feel generic. Yet modern, small-ship cruising delivers something much more compelling: controlled logistics, built-in flow, and a level of comfort and consistency that land-based programs rarely match. Here are the myths that deserve a second look. 1. “There’s no privacy for groups.” Small ships are designed with intimacy in mind. Private dining rooms, quiet lounges, and segmented deck spaces make it easy to create exclusivity without buying out a resort. Groups move through the ship comfortably, with natural separation from other travelers. It feels controlled without feeling constrained. 2. “The experience will feel generic.” Today’s cruise products are built around culture, not templates. Regional cuisine, local guides, and immersive excursions give groups a deeper sense of place than many land-based programs. Instead of swapping between meeting rooms and transfer buses, attendees experience destinations in a way that feels intentional and grounded. 3. “We’ll be locked into rigid schedules.” This is one of the biggest misconceptions. River itineraries are surprisingly flexible, with longer port days, late-night dockings, and easy customization options. Guests can choose curated tours, independent exploration, or downtime without losing hours to logistics or transportation. 4. “There aren’t real spaces for meetings.” There are meeting rooms, but the real value comes from the informal spaces. Libraries, lounges, and open-air decks create environments where leadership sessions, breakout conversations, and recognition moments feel natural rather than staged. The ship becomes a collection of small, thoughtful gathering spots instead of a single conference zone. 5. “It won’t impress top performers.” Small-ship luxury often impresses them more. High-touch service, refined design, and a quieter atmosphere create a sense of exclusivity that resonates with high performers. Instead of navigating sprawling resorts or crowded venues, attendees enjoy a seamless experience where comfort and attention feel personal. Why It Matters Cruising creates an environment where groups can connect, explore, and unwind without complexity getting in the way. The experience feels smooth, focused, and naturally immersive. Riverside Luxury Cruises brings that spirit to life with refined ships, curated experiences, and service that feels genuinely personal. Looking for a Small-Ship Experience That Feels Personal and Thoughtful? Riverside Luxury Cruises blends intimacy, elegance, and thoughtful service in a way that feels easy and genuine. Their programs are built through real collaboration and designed around moments that last; the kind attendees carry with them long after the journey is over. Watch MICE Bites® ON DEMAND: Michelle Rodriguez Suarez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MIAMI, FL, December 1, 2025 — National Geographic-Lindblad and AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® announce a new partnership shaped by one guiding idea. Tell the Lindblad story with clarity, intention, and style. Throughout 2026, AUTHENTIC will introduce North American Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events professionals to the world of Lindblad through a year of thoughtful storytelling. As part of the collaboration, Lindblad becomes the official Expedition Cruise Partner of 2026 for AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives®. Expedition cruising is not new to the MICE community. What is  new is the opportunity to understand Lindblad Expeditions through the people who live it every day. The partnership focuses on steady, elevated storytelling that reveals the heritage, philosophy, and purpose behind the brand. It invites planners to step into the Lindblad world through a lens of curiosity and intention. Throughout the year, AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® will bring the Lindblad narrative to life through In Good Company conversations with the Lindblad team, editorial features that explore the brand’s history and destinations, and quarterly updates that offer planners a closer look at what defines a Lindblad voyage. MICE Bites® sessions will provide space for Q&As and timely insights as the year unfolds. “Lindblad’s approach to exploration carries a depth that resonates with people who appreciate intentional travel,” said Nataly Horan , Founder and CEO of AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives®. “I’m very excited to learn more about the Lindblad Expeditions brand throughout the year. Their collaboration with National Geographic positions them as the expedition cruise line to watch in 2026.” For decades, Lindblad Expeditions has brought travelers into rare and remarkable places on Earth. Naturalists, scientists, and cultural experts guide each journey with knowledge and purpose. It is a style of travel that appeals to planners who seek experiences that spark creativity and create lasting connection. The partnership lives across AUTHENTIC’s editorial ecosystem. It is not a marketing campaign. It is a year of storytelling, designed to help the MICE community understand Lindblad in a way that feels clear, human, and elevated. Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneer in responsible travel. Voyages combine exploration, education, and discovery, bringing guests closer to nature, culture, and conservation efforts around the world. AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® is a U.S. based strategic sourcing and storytelling agency that connects cruise lines, hotels, destinations, and travel experiences with the North American MICE market. The company is known for its elevated editorial voice, intentional storytelling, and community of planners who value meaningful, human-centered travel. Media Contact AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® Nataly Horan, Founder & CEO nataly@authenticmice.com www.AuthenticMICE.com

Every event leaves something behind. Sometimes it’s impact. Too often, it’s landfill. For planners, the challenge is to choose décor and giveaways that carry value, serve a purpose, and continue to be used after the event ends. When designed thoughtfully, these details don’t become waste, they become part of the legacy. Living Plants, Living Legacy Cut flowers are beautiful but fleeting. Living plants create the same sense of elegance at a lower cost and continue to thrive long after the program ends. They can be donated to attendees, staff, or local organizations, improving air quality and brightening homes, offices, and community spaces. Months later, they still stand as a quiet reminder of an event designed to make a lasting impact. Swag That Travels Beyond the Event Most branded gifts never make it past the hotel room. The difference comes from choosing items that are practical, well-made, or purposeful: refillable bottles linked to charity donations, upcycled travel gear, or digital perks like leadership book clubs. The best swag doesn’t advertise waste, it delivers real value. Designing for Donation Excess doesn’t have to be discarded. Food can be redirected through rescue organizations. Office supplies and foam-core signage can find new life in schools. Even décor can be placed with shelters or hospitals. By planning donation pathways before the event begins, planners ensure that what’s left behind goes where it’s needed. The Swap Table: A New Idea in Sharing Not every guest wants the same thing. A simple swap station gives attendees the option to trade items they won’t use for ones they will. It reduces leftover piles, creates a sense of choice, and keeps more gifts in circulation instead of in the trash. We all love to get something for free, but the truth is most swag ends up in the trash. A swap table is such a simple fix: let people trade for what they actually want. It keeps items in use and out of the landfill. Why It Matters for Planners Swag and décor are more than design details, they shape how an event is remembered. When every element is chosen for its usefulness, longevity, or potential to be donated, recognition travel carries impact that extends beyond the program itself. It’s not just about reducing waste. It’s about creating moments and materials that continue to matter. From purpose-driven planning to programs that perform, MGME  builds events that make a measurable impact. Reach out  to explore creative, sustainable solutions for your next meeting or incentive. Watch MICE Bites® ON DEMAND: MaryBeth Reeves shares how smarter planning leads to more sustainable, cost-effective events.

If you’ve ever heard someone in hospitality talk about MICE travel  and pictured little furry creatures on vacation, you’re not alone. In our industry, MICE  stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions  (sometimes “Events”). It’s the business-events side of travel. The part that fills hotels midweek, drives destination revenue, and keeps group sales teams busy all year long. Here’s what each letter means: Meetings Corporate gatherings, training sessions, board retreats, and sales kickoffs. These are usually planned by internal teams or third-party agencies to bring colleagues together with a purpose. Incentives Think rewards, not work. These are programs designed to motivate and recognize top performance. They often include luxury experiences, special destinations, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. Conferences Larger gatherings with education, networking, and speakers. They might fill a convention center or take over an entire resort. Exhibitions Also known as trade shows. This is where brands showcase their products or services to potential buyers, distributors, or partners. Why It Matters MICE is one of the most valuable segments in travel because it connects business goals with people. A single incentive program or conference can impact hundreds of jobs across hotels, DMCs, airlines, caterers, and local communities. So next time you hear someone say they work in MICE, you’ll know they’re talking about the engine that powers global business travel, not rodents. Looking to Plan Your Next MICE Program? At AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® , we help companies and agencies source the right cruise lines, hotels, and destinations for meetings and incentive travel that actually feel personal.If you’re planning a corporate group, incentive trip, or conference at sea, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. 💌 Get in touch with our team   or follow AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® on LinkedIn  to stay inspired by new ideas in the MICE world.

In Good Company  is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives®  spotlighting the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Amy Zmolik , Manager of Charter & Incentive Sales at Holland America Line , to talk about the art of selling full-ship charters, the psychology of incentive travel, and how life in Montana inspires her approach to creating meaningful onboard experiences. You’ve gone from selling campgrounds and natural gas to selling entire ships. What’s the common thread between closing a campground deal in Montana and negotiating a multimillion-dollar charter on the high seas? It’s strategy and storytelling. Whether I was helping a campground franchisee optimize their rates or leading B2B marketing in the energy sector, the goal was always to connect the dots between business goals and human experiences. It’s all about understanding what people and companies value. Selling full-ship charters is just the next evolution—where I get to combine analytics, creativity, and relationship-building to deliver transformational travel that feels personal. The scale is different now, but the heart of it—building trust and solving problems—is exactly the same.   Montana is home base for you now. Do you think living in wide-open spaces influences the way you approach the intimacy of onboard experiences? Definitely. Montana teaches you to appreciate space, quiet moments, and intentionality – opportunities to create meaningful connections with what and who surround you. That translates beautifully onboard, where we create spaces for people to unplug, reflect, and bond. I think living in a place with so much natural beauty and a population that maintains deep pride in being rooted there helps me see the value in working with clients to ensure their vision for their brand and for their onboard experiences comes to life and feels expansive—even in intimate settings. Incentive travel isn’t just logistics—it’s psychology. What’s the most underrated human emotion planners should be designing for when they put people on a ship? It’s a tie  - wonder and anticipation! Wonder. We talk a lot about relaxation and reward, but wonder is what sticks. It’s that moment when someone sees the Panama Canal open before them, becomes engulfed by a Norwegian fjord’s walls of rock and waterfalls, hears the crash of a glacier calving, or tastes something surprising and impactful that they’ve never tried before. If planners can design for that sense of awe, they’ll create memories that last far beyond the trip. Anticipation. It’s the emotional runway that sets the tone for everything that follows. When planners build excitement before the trip—through personalized touches, sneak previews, impactful imagery, and thoughtful communication—they’re already shaping the guest experience. That emotional buildup is powerful. You’ve been recognized as a top producer and sales leader again and again. Beyond the numbers, what’s the personal win that still makes you smile years later? Building my travel agency from the ground up is still one of my proudest achievements. Starting with zero leads and growing to over 1,500 clients in less than 4 years required grit, creativity, and a lot of resilience. That experience taught me how to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and stay focused on the long game. Today, that experience in resilience helps me relate to Holland America Line  (and Seabourn) clients as they plan multiple travel groups simultaneously across a diverse range of suppliers—I understand the complex environments planners and event leaders operate within, and I know how to support them to provide solutions that feel thoughtful, strategic, and personal. Success isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about helping people feel confident in the business guidance I provide while ensuring they feel cared for and prioritized throughout the process. And one just for fun: if you could host a full-ship charter with any three people at your dinner table—past or present—who’s coming aboard and why? I’d invite Walt Disney—for his visionary creativity and ability to turn imagination into reality. Dolly Parton—for her storytelling, business savvy, and pure charisma. And Mike Rowe—for his humor, down-to-earth perspective, and incredible stories from behind the scenes of everyday America. They’d bring laughter, wisdom, and incredible stories—and I’d be soaking up every minute.   Know someone who should be featured next? Nominate a colleague whose story deserves the spotlight. We’re always looking for leaders, legends, and the voices shaping the future of incentives. Submit a nomination here.