In 1980, SITE established what was then called the "Incentive Travel Awards Competition" to honor outstanding motivational campaigns. The name was changed in 1987 to the Crystal Awards, and winners received a crystal obelisk, considered the highest recognition for excellence in the incentive industry.
The Crystal Awards are a direct reflection of the changes in the incentive industry, with recent new awards for individual incentives and programs using multiple motivational awards (cash, merchandise, and travel). Also, to represent SITE's globalization (the organization now has 25 chapters worldwide and members in 80 countries), the organization last year added two regional awards: one for programs in Asia/Pacific and the other for programs in Africa/Middle East.
Crystal Award winners are announced each December at SITE's International Conference.
