Reimagining Corporate Travel: Pioneering MICE and Bi-leisure Experiences in Sardinia with The DMC Collective
Tired of attending corporate events in the usual Italian hotspots like Milan or Rome? Looking to leave your mark with your upcoming professional gathering somewhere lesser known? Let us introduce you to Sardinia!
Nestled in the western part of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a bi-leisure (business and leisure) destination that often flies under the radar when companies plan their MICE events in Europe. It’s hard to understand why when you see the breathtaking landscapes of Tortolì, the vibrant urban centres like Cagliari and the pristine white sands of Spiaggia della Pelosa. But those who take the leap are in for something truly spectacular.
Sardinia is easily accessible thanks to its three airports; whether you’re coming from Singapore, Miami, or anywhere in between, you’re just one smooth flight away from paradise. After you touch down, you won’t be short on accommodation options as there are a total of 600 hotels available with a combined 75,000 rooms across the island.
What truly sets Sardinia apart is its readiness as a bi-leisure destination. During the day, it could be a schedule of intense strategy meetings with your team followed by afternoons exploring colourful villages like Bosa or unwinding on a private yacht as you cruise along Sardinia’s stunning coastline. Nowhere else blends business with pleasure quite like this.
Are you ready to step away from ordinary Italy and create something special for your thought leadership retreat or congress? Together with our local event experts, our Italian events agency, the DMC Collective, is here to assist you in shaping your ideas into a memorable conference in Sardinia.
Why Sardinia Is the Leading Choice for Exceptional MICE Experiences
A Centralised Location for Meetings and Events With a Year-Round Climate
Set just 200 km west of mainland Italy, Sardinia gives you the ultimate Mediterranean backdrop for your events. With three international airports, Olbia Costa Smeralda, Cagliari Elmas, and Alghero Airport, the island is easily accessible from major global hubs like London and Dubai, making travel straightforward whether your guests are coming from North America, Asia, or Europe.
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Sardinia enjoys sunny skies all year round. Even in the winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero, a welcome difference from the colder regions of Italy. That will make packing for your business trip easier; bring your sunglasses and a light jacket, just in case!
A Key Base for Offsite Meetings, Leadership Retreats, Small Conferences, or Annual Sales Kick-Offs
Sardinia is a fantastic base for offsite meetings, leadership retreats, small conferences, or annual sales kick-offs. The largest venues we work with on the island can host up to 2,000 delegates, so it’s a prime choice for medium-sized business events. From coastal event spaces designed for purpose to a customizable canvas set against a mountainous backdrop, your ideal venue is here within Sardinia.
Bi-leisure Experiences and Travel Incentives That Connect You With Sardinian Culture
Being the exciting bi-leisure destination that it is, Sardinia has a wealth of incentive travel activities and experiences that will allow you to truly immerse yourselves in Sardinian culture.
Throw your helmets on and pedal your way around the island for your own little Tour de Sardinia with stops at natural wonders like Golfo di Orosei and seaside settlements such as Bosa. Cover the northern beauties of Sassari and Olbia on your two-wheeler, or venture further south for some exciting biking routes between Villasimius and Cagliari. If you’ve got more time, you can cover the entire island at a leisurely pace.
Get right out into the Mediterranean for a sea sailing expedition to some nearby dreamy islands: Maddalena Island, Spargi Island, or further afield to the French-controlled Corsica; it will just be you and the open ocean.
For those who are after a more laid-back experience, Sardinia’s idyllic beaches, like Cala Goloritzè and Spiaggia del Principe, provide the perfect escape to relax and recharge.
Unearth Sardinia’s ancient traditions by learning about the art of yarn weaving, a craft passed down through generations, or travel to the mountains of Barbagia to hear the hauntingly beautiful canto a tenore, a traditional form of polyphonic folk singing that originates on the island.
For those with a passion for food and wine, Sardinia won’t disappoint. Explore vineyards that have been cultivating grapes for centuries, producing regional favourites like Vermentino and Cannonau. When you’re ready for a pause, head down to the coast to discover the seaside bar kiosks with a glass of local wine as the waves crash in the distance.
Burn off all that Pecorino Sardo (Sardinian cheese) with a few kilometres on the Rete Escursionistica della Sardegna (Sardinian Hiking Network), where you can trek through scenic routes like the iconic Sella del Diavolo in Cagliari. When you see the views of the azure waters here, you’ll be scratching your head, wondering how you never heard of this place sooner.
Venues That Capture the Essence of Sardinia
Whatever your event’s scale or style, Sardinia offers a venue to match. Our destination management company in Italy works with an extensive list of venues across the island. In the suburbs of Cagliari, you’ll find the historic Convent of San Giuseppe with an incredible 1000-year history and unique meeting spaces like the Horse Room, accommodating up to 450 attendees. If a nature-inspired setting is more your calling, Su Gologone’s expansive 11-hectare conference hall is exactly what you need for your upcoming thought leadership retreat or a sustainable event.
Group Accommodation That Combines Comfort With Convenience
Your group accommodation options in Sardinia are as diverse as the island itself. The DMC Collective partners with a variety of venues to ensure all of your guests stay in comfort while also being conveniently located close to where all their meetings will take place.
Some of the hotels we work with include luxurious properties like the Villaggio Hotel Cala Di Volpe, located just 300 meters from the sea, the award-winning Forte Village Resort with eight hotels on-site or opt for one of our coolest concepts, Faro Capo-Spartivento, a lighthouse turned into an extraordinary place to stay.
Once we know your event numbers, we can provide you with a copy of our collection of properties on the island that suit your attendee’s needs.
Make Your MICE Event in Sardinia One That Stands Out
Sardinia is a hidden gem when it comes to MICE events (or, as the Italians say, ‘eventi’), and with the DMC Collective, you can be sure your event will be anything but ordinary. From bi-leisure activities to world-class venues, we have the connections and expertise to make your gathering truly special.
Let us partner together to discover Sardinia for your next meeting, leadership retreat, incentive trip, and more. Click the link below, and our Italian event planners will help you craft your event in this idyllic destination, with venues tailored to your needs.
