The newly released 2023 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) reports that, overall, the incentive travel industry...
Representing a broad cross-section of the industry, members of IRF’s committees represent diverse perspectives, provide straightforward feedback, and demonstrate a willingness to dive in and do the work.
The IRF Executive Committee is composed of the IRF Board Chair, Chair Elect, Treasurer & Secretary, Member-at-Large, and Immediate Past Chair.
Chair: Mark Alt, Chair-Elect: Susan Adams
The Research Committee focuses on the core element that drives the IRF, research. The committee takes a multi-faceted approach to reviewing the main pillars of incentives by taking an in-depth review of various sources such as travel data, consumer trends, incentive metrics, survey results, and market analysis. The Research Committee provides impactful insights into topics and trends vital to all aspects of the non-cash incentive industry. This committee is for all those interested in helping shape the industry trends of tomorrow.
Chair: Richelle Suver, Co-Chair: Rudy Garza
The IRF Content and Communications Committee works to increase the Foundation’s presence and awareness within the non-cash incentives industry as well as broaden the reach of IRF research and education to industry veterans, corporate users, and emerging users. The committee supports education opportunities, digital communications, webinars, and more, working to ensure IRF content is delivered in relevant, easy-to-consume forms. The committee forms sub-committees to work on individual communications initiatives including social media, website updates and improvements, promotion of upcoming events and educational opportunities, interacting with other committees to promote their initiatives.
Chair: Jenn O’Mara, Co-Chair: Lynn Randall
The IRF Events Committee provides strategic direction in the development of IRF education events including The Annual Education Invitational and the Leadership Insights Forum to enhance the attendee experience, showcase the latest industry trends and IRF research, and drive event success. The Events Committee will drive the development of new event types as needed/identified. The committee meets monthly and works closely with the Incentive Research Foundation staff to ensure the successful development and execution of all in-person events..
Chair: Sarah Haines, Co-Chair: Amy Rippelmeyer
The IRF Sponsor Development Committee works to develop and facilitate opportunities for industry partners to provide funding and resources across IRF events, communication channels such as the website and podcasts, and research to support the IRF’s mission. The committee meets monthly to discuss the current and future sponsorship opportunities. Sub-committees may be formed to review and vet newly formed ideas prior to launch.
Chair: Patricia Kerr, Co-Chair: Karen Devine
The IRF Volunteer Management Committee ensures that incentive professionals from across the industry are involved in the influence and oversight of the IRF’s activities. The committee is responsible for directing and monitoring the election of the Executive Committee, the election of Trustees, and for submitting a slate of candidates to the Trustees. The Volunteer Management Committee also works with Committee Chairs to determine the appropriate committee size and composition of members.
Chair: Chris Johnson, Co-Chair: Kelsey Nicol
What is the committee appointment process?
Committee Chairs will meet with the Volunteer Management Committee Chairs to evaluate the needs for the upcoming year as we work to achieve Vision 2025. Chairs will determine the appropriate committee size to ensure everyone has a voice and opportunities to be engaged in sub-committees as appropriate. Based on what is needed for the achievement of Vision 2025, the committee size and make-up will be determined.
Volunteers will be asked to commit to a one-year term for the committee. New committee members may be added from the pool of volunteer forms completed throughout the year.
How does someone express interest in volunteering for a particular committee or committees?
A Committee Interest Form will be available year-round on the IRF website. Anyone interested in volunteering for the upcoming year is encouraged to complete this simple form. Committee chairs will then look to this pool to fill their committees on an annual basis with communication on committee appointments happening in December of each year.
Can volunteers serve on more than one committee?
Volunteers will be appointed to committees in a manner that has them serving on one committee per term. This will allow them to be fully engaged in the committee they are appointed to while also allowing for more individuals to volunteer and be a part of the IRF.
How can I engage in IRF without being on a committee?
We appreciate all support within the industry, and there are many additional ways to stay involved with IRF, whether you are on or off a committee. Some of these examples involve sharing, liking and commenting on IRF content on social media, participating in IRF research studies, distributing IRF reports with clients and partners where appropriate or attending any of the multiple events offered throughout the year.
The IRF’s 2024 committees have been appointed and are full. Anyone interested in volunteering for 2025 committees is encouraged to complete this simple form. Committee selections for 2025 will take place in November of 2024.
