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Testimonials
The Annual Incentive Invitational has become the preeminent event in the incentive travel industry. Here is a sampling of testimonials from customers and sponsor organizations who have participated in The Invitational.
“I like the direction where the IRF is going. The research it is producing is practical and useful for users and service providers alike.”
Daniel C. Mohorc
President and CEO
Galactic, Ltd.
“Great ideas to bring back home. These research reports and summaries are great to show the CEO or President of a company so they can better understand how incentives really work and how to measure ROI.”
Andrea Makauskas
Heritage Product Manager, ScotiaMcLeod
Wealth management Marketing
“The IRF has done a fantastic job bringing suppliers and buyers together to discuss their thoughts, concerns and needs. The opportunity for all parties to share is invaluable.”
Linda Wesley
VP Marketing and Employee Development
U.S. Bank
I knew from the very first Invitational I attended that Jamaica had to host the Annual Incentive Invitational! This is perhaps the only industry event today that provides suppliers the opportunity to interact with approximately 150 of the most qualified executives in the incentive industry, all at the same time!
The attention to detail in the planning by The Opus Group provides every opportunity for the destination to show at its best. A fun-filled event while maintaining the integrity of the incentive business environment. And that was certainly the case in 2007 when we hosted the Invitational in Jamaica. And would do so again!
We highly recommend being involved in this very important industry event!
Marcia Bullock
Regional Director - Groups & Conventions
Jamaica Tourist Board
Without a doubt, this is my favorite industry event of the year. Plenty of time to network with higher level executive contacts, see old friends, play golf at some of the greatest courses in the world, and help a worthy cause for our industry. I’ve been attending for 13 years and always leave with the feeling that I not only helped the incentive industry but won some fabulous trips at the auction for a fraction of their true value.
Ron Rich, CMP
Chief Strategist
Rich & Associate
Over the last seven years the Annual Invitational event has become a corner stone of my company's relationship marketing strategy. The event is so exceptional that my top clients fight to join me on this annual pilgrimage, and then they come to spend their own money on a good cause! The event is now a non-negotiable in my very busy travel year!
Eugene De Villiers
Group Managing Director
The Extra Mile Company
I am proud to say that I have personally been involved with the incentive industry's Premier event since the second year of its conception. As a major sponsor, host, golfer, business man and friend, this event has continued to hit on all cylinders and truly provide the best ROI for AWG. I applaud the individuals involved that created this event and for having the foresight in bringing together many of our industries most notable personalities and decision makers from all over the globe. People in our industry don't just travel from other continents for any event. The thought of where we go, who participates and the many countless hours contributed to organize an event of this caliber whilst we raise money and invest in the future leaders of the incentive/motivation industry, is/was nothing short of brilliant. It has been my honor to participate in this event and the many incredible friendships, networking and business opportunities that have been born out of these fun filled days has earned a permanent spot on my calendar.
Alan F. Waxler
President/CEO
AWG, Incorporated
The Annual Incentive Invitational has the highest caliber of Incentive Industry Executives of any event I have ever attended. I have developed relationships with suppliers as well as my peers that are invaluable to me in working with my customers. The event is consistently handled with extreme professionalism and flexibility which I appreciate.
Todd Scott Winston
Vice President, Sales
JORNE
We are very careful how we invest our customer development funds. This includes both existing customers and potential customers. The Incentive Research Foundation golf event has provided one of the most cost effective options for three reasons. First, in addition to the guests I personally invite there is a top rate roster of other customer attendees. Second, the quality of the experience from the accommodations through the golf and exciting live auction provide a first rate environment to cement existing relationships while fostering a generation of new business contacts. The third reason is quite simple. No other non-tradeshow event puts me closer to my target audience and gives me the kind of one on one and group exposure.
Richard Weinstein
VP Corporate and Incentive Sales
Carnival Cruise Line
Having participated as a supplier sponsor in the Annual Incentive Invitational for the last 5 years, I have continuously found this particular event to be one of the best our industry provides! This event attracts the highest level of client participation on a consistent basis of any I have attended in my 24+ years in the industry. The sponsorship opportunities provide us many choices in a variety of budget ranges, all with great exposure to the client attendees. In addition, the Sr. level of supplier sponsors, and the fact that is it limited to the number who can attend, make it an event great for networking with both client and supplier partners. My staff and I look forward to this event annually, and plan to sponsor and attend for many years to come!
Karen H Devine
President
3D Destination
The Doral Golf Resort and Spa, A Marriott Resort is delighted to continue our partnership with the Annual Incentive Invitational. Over the history of the event Doral has had the pleasure to not only host the event in Miami but to participate as a sponsor. We have found that our sponsorships have shown an excellent return on our investment. We look forward to continuing our partnership as a great way to network and showcase our legendary resort to qualified incentive travel buyers.
Christopher Bielski
Director of Sales & Marketing
Doral Golf Resort and Spa, A Marriott Resort
I have always found the Invitational to be an incredible opportunity to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. The locations and venues never fail to inspire and the exchange of ideas in a relaxed, social setting has a value that I can't put a price on. Attending is time well spent. That's why I keep coming back.
Wayne Wallgren
Principal
WorldWide Incentives, Inc.
I attended the 2006 Las Vegas Invitational to experience the destination, various venues, hotels and meet with industry suppliers. This event was an outstanding opportunity to network with a wide range of suppliers from around the globe. It also allowed me to meet with friends and colleagues on the meeting and incentive side. The Invitational showcased Las Vegas in a forum that exceeded my goals and expectations! I highly recommend this event! It is a terrific way to learn more about a destination and meet with leaders in the meeting and incentive industry. Thank you Lisa and Chris for another flawless event!
Rick Mason
President & CEO
Incentive Innovations, Inc.
As an attendee and sponsor of the Invitational let me just say, what an event! Not only did we have a blast, but we were able to showcase our services and network with the industry's top buyers. We got back from the weekend and by the following Tuesday, we had 2 proposals out the door for new business."
Chad Clibborn
Owner
Frontline Photography
Since my initial participation in the Invitational I have connected with many different vendors and formed lasting relationships. I held our annual U.S. Bank Consumer Lending conference at one of the host hotels, the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in March 2006. Not only was it a beautiful location, the hotel was ideal for a large group. Currently, we use Sedona Golf and Special Markets for our monthly employee recognition program. Overall, I am very impressed with the services and networking opportunities I have experienced through participation in the Annual Incentive Invitational.
Linda Wesley Sigmon
VP, Consumer Lending Marketing
US Bank
The Invitational is one of the best networking events in the incentive industry that I have seen in years! The invited guests (clients) are all key decision makers/influencers in the incentive arena thanks to the processes put in place in the invitation process. For me, the environment is an outstanding forum for both strengthening existing and forming new relationships with both potential clients and other suppliers.
Lynn Pavony
Director of Incentive Sales
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Incentive Research Foundation
100 Chesterfield Business Parkway
Suite 200
St. Louis, MO 63005 USA
T 314.473.5601
F 314.237.0008
