Advancing the Science of Incentives and Motivation

Through Research

Browse through our extensive library of research on non-cash rewards, incentive travel, motivational meetings and recognition.

Advancing the Science of Incentives and Motivation

Through Research

Browse through our extensive library of research on non-cash rewards, incentive travel, motivational meetings and recognition.

Access the IRF’s recent, relevant and impactful research

RESEARCH

Measuring Incentive Travel Program Effectiveness

While most program owners strongly believe incentive travel drives outcomes such as sales growth, engagement, and retention, far fewer are confident in their ability to demonstrate that success with metrics and KPIs. This study explores business-focused measurement approaches.

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RESEARCH

Using Incentives to Drive Pipeline

Using Incentives to Drive Pipeline explores what makes channel incentive programs effective, showing why they must compete for partner mindshare, reward behaviors across the full sales pipeline, and function as long‑term partnership investments—not just transaction‑based incentives.

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RESEARCH

What Top Performing European Companies Do Differently

The 2026 European Top Performers Study provides a comprehensive view of how leading companies across Europe design, implement, and manage incentive travel programs that drive measurable business outcomes. 

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RESEARCH

IRF 2026 Trends Report

The 2026 IRF Trends Report highlights how incentive professionals are navigating rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing participant expectations by focusing on strategic cost-cutting, high-value rewards, and strong partnerships.

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Research

Industry Outlook for 2026: Merchandise, Gift Cards, and Event Gifting

The 2026 Industry Outlook reveals a rewards landscape balancing optimism with fiscal caution

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Research

Incentive Travel in Flux: AI, Risk, and a Search for What’s Next

The 2025 edition of the ITI forecasts modest growth through 2027, tempered by mounting concerns around rising costs, global instability, and shrinking optimism.

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Welcome IRF Accelerate Class of 2026!

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webinar

IRF Webinar: Using Channel Incentives to Drive Pipeline

Whether your role focuses directly on channel partnerships or you’re looking to better understand the channel and dealer programs, this webinar will offer practical insights grounded in new IRF research and real-world experience. Our panel will discuss how channel incentive programs differ from employee incentives, how they influence partner engagement and pipeline movement, and what metrics help justify investment decisions. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how to design, refine, and evaluate channel programs for stronger long-term performance.

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Recent Research

Featured Partners

For information on available research partnerships, please contact sponsorship@theirf.org.

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