Incentive Travel Blog - Corporate Incentive Travel

Has Volkswagen Stereotyped Jamaicans with its “Be Happy” Super Bowl Ads?

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:04:41 +0000

Has Volkswagen Stereotyped Jamaicans with its "Be Happy" Super Bowl Ads? The short answer to that question is no "definitely not". I am Jamaican and in no way shape or form am I offended by the ads. The ads are light, funny, somewhat silly, and positive. How someone can object to a message encouraging people to put some happiness into their day is beyond me?

Jamaica Join me for a Mental Vacation

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:29:14 +0000

Now I have no reason to complain. There hasn't been much snow this year and I haven't had to shovel the driveway even once.... but Toronto is in a deep freeze again and it's expected to last for a week.Yet, before cabin fever has a chance to set, I think it's time to take a mental vacation in Jamaica. You're welcome to join me.

Corporate Events: Ensuring Diversity at Christmas

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:13:49 +0000

During the Christmas season, many companies and associations grapple with ensuring diversity at corporate events. Some organizations have taken the route of banning Christmas trees and cancelling the annual Christmas party. Others have opted for the name "festive event" in order to project a politically correct image. Changing the label doesn't make events diverse. I have a different take on this issue. My perspective comes from growing up in downtown Montreal in a truly diverse environment before the word multi-cultural existed. Diversity does not mean eliminating differences or being blind to them. Diversity is a celebration of differences, the unique and special cultures and traditions that make every part of the world special.

Incentive Travel: Lessons from Hurricane Sandy

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:00:27 +0000

Generally, weather in the Caribbean is beautiful, but you never know. Even during hurricane season in the Western Hemisphere, major storms, particularly those that come late in the season, are rare. Bad weather happens. But before it does, here are 12 take-aways to prepare for when Mother Nature strikes or natural disasters occur during foreign corporate events.

Paris – Getting Your Team on the Art Track

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:03:01 +0000

Theatre and music are my passion. When I went back to Paris, I almost filled my itinerary with concerts and plays but I decided to try something different. Time in another country is the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover new interests. The next time you're in Paris, discover a new way to unlock your team's creativity. You never know what pleasures you and your team will discover when you put yourselves on the art track in Paris.

Returning to Mainz, Germany

Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A. @executiveoasis — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:39:59 +0000

I spent 4 glorious days in Mainz when I was at university. I was a summer flight attendant and we had a 4 day layover. I went for walks along the river, strolled along the historic cobblestone streets, and took a cruise to Bacharach, a town that is over 1,000 years old. I landed in Frankfurt early this morning. After an attempt at a nap and a tour of Frankfurt, I boarded a train and headed for Mainz.