Civismart's Christmas incentive trip to Rome, combining business and culture
Corporate events do not have to feel cold or formulaic. Often, simply bringing people together in the right environment does much of the work on its own, especially when the agenda includes memorable, well-curated experiences.
When Civismart contacted us toward the end of the year to organise a Christmas incentive, the brief was clear and pragmatic: bring together colleagues from offices across Italy, share key business updates, and—above all—create real moments of interaction that would strengthen relationships beyond day-to-day work.
Rome was the obvious choice, not just for its postcard appeal - though that helped - but because everyone could actually get there without fuss.
Strategic venue selection in the eternal city
We sifted through four four-star hotels before settling on an elegant property near Termini Station. Proximity mattered: employees arriving by train stepped into their accommodation within minutes, whilst the venue's spacious meeting room handled the town hall session without anyone feeling cramped. Location often dictates an event's rhythm more than any agenda ever could.
Holding the event on 22 and 23 December 2025 was never going to be simple. At that time of year, most venues are either fully booked or already slowing down for the holidays. Even so, the hotel we chose matched the brief exactly. It offered reliable, well-run facilities and an atmosphere that felt polished and professional, without tipping into anything stiff or overproduced.
Mixing business goals with authentic cultural experiences
Corporate programmes run the risk of being easily forgettable if they rely only on slide decks and standard buffet meals, in the sort of cookie-cutter experience that most people associate with the term. Civismart's incentive trip avoided that trap by weaving in an exclusive evening visit to Trajan's Markets. Experienced guides accompanied the group through ancient corridors, turning what could have been a standard visit into an experience people will still be talking about months later.
This balance also did not come at the expense of the business agenda. At the general assembly, former volleyball champion Maurizia Cacciatori spoke with energy and authority, giving the room a clear sense of focus and momentum. Her presence turned what could have been a routine session into genuine engagement, making participants feel involved in a way that was natural and memorable.
Evening fun in Trastevere
When the formal sessions ended, the group made their way to a historic restaurant in Trastevere. Dinner became part of the experience itself, as any meal during an incentive trip should: a relaxed and lively continuation of the day where conversation and connection flowed freely. A DJ set followed dinner, keeping things lively without tipping into chaos. Our agency managed the logistics—internal transfers, train bookings, flights, car hire—so participants never had to puzzle over travel arrangements.
Why last-minute planning worked
Tight timelines usually spell disaster for corporate events. This one succeeded because our agency prioritised what mattered: accessibility, functionality and atmosphere. The incentive trip fulfilled its dual mandate—delivering institutional content whilst fostering informal interaction amongst employees who rarely share physical space. Rome's historical backdrop elevated the experience beyond what any conference centre could offer, yet the city never overshadowed the event's corporate purpose. Sometimes the best outcomes emerge when organisations resist overcomplicating their brief. Civismart wanted their people together in a place that felt special but remained practical. They got exactly that, even with Christmas looming just days away.