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

2026 Incentive Travel Index

The 2026 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) reports relative stability amid mounting pressures, with over 60% of respondents stating that geopolitical instability is already disrupting the destinations they use. While average spend per person is up by almost 8% year-on-year, 62% forecast their incentive travel activity for 2027 will be about the same as in 2026.

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RESEARCH

Participant Preferences: Reward & Recognition Programs

As organizations increasingly use rewards and recognition to motivate employees, this study explores what employees value, how they engage with these programs, and how organizations can refine program design to strengthen motivation and influence behavior.

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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

Maximizing CVB / DMO Value for Incentive Travel Programs 

The research explores when and how incentive travel professionals engage CVBs and DMOS, the value they provide, the barriers that can limit collaboration, and opportunities to build stronger partnerships.

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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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The IRF Accelerate Class of 2026

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webinar

IRF Webinar: Maximizing CVB/DMO Value for Incentive Travel Programs

Our panel discussed the financial incentives, destination expertise, local partnerships, and planning support that CVBs and DMOs provide throughout the program lifecycle. They also offered tips on when to engage, what to expect, and how to make the most of this partnership.

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Featured Partners

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

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