For Immediate Release
Contact: Sara O’Neil or Veronica Ferguson
Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]
[email protected]
Caledonia, WI (January 20, 2026) — Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc. (M&IW), a global leader in event management, has been named a finalist for Cater+Event’s 2026 Gala Awards. The awards encapsulate the spirit of the events industry and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of industry leaders.
Nominated for the AF Group Sicily Incentive Trip, M&IW is a finalist in the Best Multiple-Day Event Program for a Corporation or Association category. M&IW was previously nominated for a 2026 SITE Crystal Award and a 2025 BizBash Event Experience Award for the same program.
“We are honored to receive another accolade for this incredible program,” said Tracy Norum, CMP, CITP, CIS, Sr. Director of Incentives & Engagement, M&IW. “It is a testament to our team’s creativity and talent and to our strong partnership with AF Group. The Sicily Incentive Trip raised the bar for all other programs!”
Winners of the 2026 Gala Awards will be announced on March 3 at Catersource + The Special Event 2026 in Los Angeles. The full list of finalists is available here.
About M&IW’s Nominated Incentive Program
Select subsidiary brands of AF Group partnered with M&IW to reward their top agents with the Sicily Incentive Trip. The unique program was highly personalized thanks to an emphasis on “unreasonable hospitality,” which is the concept of going above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for others.
The M&IW team integrated this concept in several ways, such as curating onsite gifts based on attendees’ interests and personal experiences. In another example, “Taste of Taormina” was a choose-your-own-adventure tour using prepaid vouchers for hidden gems in local dining, shopping, and sightseeing. This allowed attendees to create their own authentic experience onsite.
The M&IW team worked to create and deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Based on the average attendee rating of 9.9 out of 10, they succeeded. “The attention to detail was unbelievable,” said one attendee. “Every little touch just made the experience fantastic.”
“We are incredibly proud of this program,” said Nicole Raudabaugh, CMP, CIS, Sr. Customer Success Manager, M&IW. “Trips like this are why we’re in the business of incentives: To create lasting memories, build strong relationships, and deliver unforgettable experiences.”
About Meetings & Incentives Worldwide
M&IW is a women-owned event agency specializing in planning meetings, conferences, and incentives of all scales worldwide. We have 350+ employees and operate events in over 90 countries.
We design event experiences rooted in human connection, elevated by human touch, and powered by smart technology. Our customizable event solutions range from end-to-end to a la carte, with a focus on integrating neuroscience and sustainability principles in events. We also develop strategies across events to provide visibility, efficiency, and savings.
M&IW is a third generation, privately held, certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) in business for more than 55 years. We serve industries such as life sciences, technology, financial services, manufacturing, insurance, and more.
To learn more, visit www.meetings-incentives.com.
