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

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

The 2026 Industry Outlook reveals a rewards landscape balancing optimism with fiscal caution, as organizations in North America and Europe invest in gift cards, merchandise, and event gifting

Learn More
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.

Learn More
PRESS RELEASE

IRF Welcomes Two Trustees

The Incentive Research Foundation welcomes Rachel McInnis and Jordan Sanford to the 2026 Board of Trustees.

Learn More
RESEARCH

Top 10 Things Top Performing Companies Do Differently

Top-performing companies embed reward and recognition into their core strategy by aligning with goals, securing executive support, encouraging collaboration, and offering high-value incentives.

Learn More
RESEARCH

Building A Culture of Recognition

New research exploring the critical roles of consistent training and communication in fostering a culture where recognition is habitual and aligned with core values.

Learn More
RESEARCH

2025 European Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel

The IRF’s first-ever study focused solely on the European market explores trends in European attendee preferences, factors in destination selection, and program design.

Learn More

Help Shape the Future of Our Industry

IRF and SITE launch initiative to promote awareness of the incentives industry as a career path for the next generation

Learn More
webinar

2025 Incentive Travel Index Top Trends Webinar

Join us for an exciting discussion about the future of incentive travel, as our panel examines key findings from the 2025 Incentive Travel Index. They’ll talk about top destinations, evolving considerations in program design, and how incentive professionals are delivering outstanding incentive travel programs despite budgetary constraints.  

Watch the Webinar

Recent Research

Featured Partners

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

View all featured partners