Our Story
Landmark Incentive Marketing was founded by Pearl and H.J. Mark Markarian in 1972. Since then, it has grown to include a comprehensive team of travel, air and marketing professionals who are dedicated to helping clients advance their businesses. We’ve traveled all over the globe, executing premium incentive travel programs that provide unbelievable experiences for our clients and their valued customers. An impressive list of companies have turned to our services as a means of connecting with customers, increasing employee productivity and achieving incremental revenue growth. Our objective is to manage every facet of your program, so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. We’ve been a leader in the incentive travel industry since 1972. We have a clear vision of the future, and we’re working hard to achieve it.
1972
In 1972, the average cost of a new home was around $27,000, the digital watch made its debut and Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” topped the music charts.
It was also the year that Pearl Markarian and H.J. Mark Markarian founded Landmark.
1973
Landmark took its first group to the lush Caribbean island of Jamaica with James Ferrera & Sons.
1974
The copyrighted Landmark merchandising incentive program was developed and became a widely successful marketing tool used to drive customer sales and profits. This launched Landmark’s prominence in the distribution industry.
1978
Landmark organized its first sales meeting in New Orleans for Durkee Spices. Heavyweight champion boxer Muhammad Ali kicked-off the meeting in his exhilarating address to 700 sales representatives.
1982
Always leading the pack, Landmark brought the first American incentive group to Beijing, China for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The off-limits Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square made for a truly captivating location for the group’s Farewell Gala Evening.
1985
Landmark’s launch of the new “Sweepstakes Program” was met with an incredible wave of success, answering the need for all customers to have an equal opportunity to win a trip.
1990
Landmark planned an exclusive safari trip to Narobi, Kenya for a group of 150 attendees. This experience offered a rare look at the culture and life of the Maasai Mara tribe and the great Mount Kilimanjaro.
1991
As Communism crumbled, Landmark planned an exciting program for a group of 160 participants to St. Petersburg, Russia — the “Window to the West” — for a first-hand look at the stunning Nevsky Prospect and the treasures housed within the Hermitage Museum.
1992
Such Hollywood legends as Doug McClure, Burt Reynolds and Bob Hope headlined the launch of exciting promotions for Landmark clients. These promotional kick-offs gathered thousands of customers for the unveiling of Landmark’s points promotion, yielding huge growth for our clients.
2000
Through our innovative technology, Landmark offered online participant registration to all clients. This meant we handled all registration data electronically, freeing the client from being the intermediary.
2002
Landmark introduces the “Pay for Performance” program to eager customers. It is now referred to as the trademarked “Landmark Program” that grows businesses in multiple sectors.
2005
With the Andes Mountains in the background and the Patagonian Glaciers in the distance, Santiago and Viña del Mar, Chile was an overwhelming success for a high-touch invitational trip for a corporate incentive to the capital and seaside of Chile.
2011
Landmark moved its corporate offices to Chicago’s Loop and the architechtural icon 333 West Wacker Drive along the Chicago River.
2012
Landmark unveiled its first web portal. This allowed for a central unique login for each client to find information about the travel program, as well as the progress reports and goals of each customer participating in the promotion.
2015
Landmark President Pearl Markarian receives the Lifetime Achievement Award from SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2016
A mobile app was launched for our clients, making all details of the trip itinerary, program inclusions, instant messaging, push notifications, points reporting, gamification, etc. available on mobile devices.
2018
Landmark Incentive Marketing is rebranded for the ever-changing times and new generation with a new logo and website!