President & Creative Director
Cacique International Limited
Shawn M. Sawyer is a visionary leader and disruptor in the global meetings industry, known for pushing industry standards with a unique blend of creativity, strategy and results-driven execution. As Founder and Creative Director of Cacique International, the first and leading DMC in The Bahamas, he has spent more than three decades curating transformative incentive travel programs, high-impact corporate meetings and innovative conference experiences.
Shawn’s recent achievements include leading Cacique International as Host DMC for the 2024 IRF Invitational, curating Destination Caribbean with NorthStar Meetings Group, and designing an award-winning Mediterranean “incentive at sea” with sister company Events Design @ Sea. As an advocate for the power of live experiences, he brings a data-driven approach to understanding the evolving needs of the meetings industry.
His industry contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including SITE Foundation Partner of the Year, Gold Stella Award and BI Worldwide Inspirational Partner Award. Beyond work, Shawn finds inspiration through global travel, great food and the theater.
Date

The incentive industry is changing at a breakneck pace. Learn the factors, conditions and trends shaping incentive travel programs in 2025 and beyond. Lisa and Shawn discuss the hot-off-the-press findings of the May 2025 Northstar/Cvent Incentive PULSE Survey and together, dive into where the market is going and how decision-makers and clients can stay ahead of the curve.
Learning outcomes:
Discover which destinations are popular now, and where groups will head in the future
Understand where and how budgets are being spent
Explore which program inclusions are popular, and how these support challenges incentive planners are facing
* CSEP Approved