SITE Classic 2026 wrapped in Puerto Rico with more than $276,000 raised for the SITE Foundation.
Held at El Conquistador Resort, the four-day event brought together more than 270 senior incentive travel leaders, including buyers, suppliers and C-suite executives. The program combined education and peer-to-peer discussions with destination experiences showcasing Puerto Rico’s culture, gastronomy, natural beauty and hospitality.
Where the Money Goes
During SITE Classic, the SITE Foundation unveiled its second annual Impact Report, connecting the funds raised through events such as SITE Classic with the people and programs that benefit from the investment.
Since 1987, the foundation has invested more than $10 million in incentive travel professionals and the industry. More than $2.5 million has been invested between 2016 and 2026, supporting more than 130 projects and initiatives and directly or indirectly impacting more than 20,000 people since 2016.
The foundation also awarded nine SITE Global Conference Scholarships, each valued at up to $6,000, while more than 40 SITE chapters received support through grants and fundraising activities.
“Puerto Rico gave us a powerful setting for SITE Classic: culturally rich, welcoming and full of energy. More than 270 leaders came together to build relationships, exchange ideas and experience what makes the island such a compelling incentive destination. Just as importantly, the funds raised here will continue working long after the event ends, supporting the people, knowledge and opportunities that move our industry forward,” said Hasan Dinc, President, SITE, in a press statement.
Supporting Incentive Professionals
The Impact Report also highlights individual recipients whose careers and professional development have been supported by the foundation.
Among them are Rachel Richards, who received an academic scholarship; Harsh Sodhani, whose Global Conference Scholarship helped him take his first international work trip and pursue new leadership opportunities; and Liz Akey, who received assistance through the Foundation’s Relief Fund.
“This report makes the connection between fundraising and impact visible. A donation becomes a scholarship, a research project, help for a chapter or a lifeline for a member; behind each of those is a person whose confidence, career or contribution to our industry grows as a result. The $276,000 raised at this year’s SITE Classic is therefore not an end result. It is an investment in people, and those people strengthen our industry and shape its future,” said Jonathan Richards, President, SITE Foundation, in a media statement.
Research and Education
Foundation funding also supports professional development and research used across the incentive travel industry. Current initiatives include the Certified Incentive Specialist and Certified Incentive Travel Professional credentials, the Incentive Travel Index produced with the Incentive Research Foundation and Oxford Economics, research examining the impact of incentive travel across generations, and academic and conference scholarships.
The foundation also supports industry and chapter grants, the SITE Foundation Relief Fund and the NextGen Fund.
Riviera Maya to Host in 2027
SITE also announced the destination for next year’s SITE Classic during the Puerto Rico event. Riviera Maya, Mexico, will host SITE Classic 2027 from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.
SITE Classic has brought together senior incentive travel professionals while raising funds for the SITE Foundation since the event launched in 2007. This year’s Puerto Rico program continued that model by combining industry education and networking with destination experiences designed to showcase the island as an incentive destination.
The 2026 SITE Foundation Impact Report is available through SITE Global. Donations to the Foundation can also be made online.
