From employee perks to Titanic II, our insatiable hunger for curated adventures reveals a deeper yearning for escapism
Experiences are taking center stage as the most coveted form of employee incentive. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend where fantasy, escapism, and immersive experiences are increasingly valued, as seen in the booming popularity of fantasy movies, elaborate theme parks, and even the concept of a new Titanic cruise ship.
The Incentive Research Foundation’s 2025 Trends Report underscores this evolution. The findings reveal that employees crave experiences, not just material possessions, as rewards for their contributions. Companies are leveraging data and AI to understand employee preferences and tailor incentive programs to maximize their impact. This focus on experiences aligns with a larger societal embrace of fantasy and immersive entertainment.
We live in the age of the experience economy. Think Disney’s “Treasure,” a “playground for grown-ups,” or themed gatherings that promise a brush with the paranormal. These aren’t just entertainment; they’re meticulously crafted immersions, designed to transport us, however briefly, to another reality. This hunger for escapism also explains the enduring fascination with the Titanic.
Further Reading: Top 5 Incentive Trends for 2025
Psychiatrists offer a nuanced view of our cultural obsession with fantasy. While acknowledging the potential pitfalls – unrealistic expectations, detachment from reality – they also point to the benefits. Fantasy can be a powerful tool for emotional processing, a safe space to explore complex emotions. It fuels creativity, encourages imaginative thinking, and fosters a sense of community through shared experiences. In a world increasingly defined by stress and uncertainty, fantasy offers a necessary respite, a mental vacation from the daily grind.
And then there’s Titanic II. Clive Palmer’s quixotic quest to recreate the “unsinkable” ship embodies this yearning for a tangible connection to history, a desire to rewrite the past, perhaps. The very idea of it sparks a mix of fascination and unease. Is it a testament to human ambition, a chance to learn from tragedy? Or is it a hubristic attempt to control history, a manifestation of our insatiable appetite for escapism? Perhaps, the entire Titanic II project, with its delays, challenges, and sheer audacity, is itself a kind of fantasy, a grand illusion reflecting our collective desire for experiences that transcend the mundane.
The rise of the experience economy, from corporate perks to Titanic replicas, reveals something profound about our times. We crave not just things, but feelings. We seek connection, adventure, and a temporary escape from the complexities of modern life. Whether it’s a meticulously planned corporate retreat or a voyage on a recreated ocean liner, we are all, in a way, seeking a carefully curated fantasy. The question remains: are we enriching our lives, or simply running from them?
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Blue Star Line
