COVID-19 Resources

The Incentive Research Foundation prioritizes the health and safety of our attendees and the industry at large above all else. We are focused on supporting your businesses and the industry as we experience a time of unprecedented uncertainty. 

For COVID-19 information related to the IRF Invitational, please click here. 

General Resources & Information

We continue to closely monitor updates from local and national public health authorities regarding the ongoing public health concern posed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Incentive Research Foundation is looking to three major organizations to provide guidance on events and activities during this period:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• World Health Organization (WHO)
  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china

IRF Resources | Research and Education Offerings

• IRF Pulse Survey: COVID-19's Impact on the Incentive Travel Industry
  

  Over the last few months, the incentive travel industry has endured significant impact from COVID-19. While it is true that every industry, every country, and every individual has been affected by the pandemic, travel and tourism have been especially hard hit. From April 2, 2020 – April 16, 2020 the Incentive Research Foundation fielded a survey. More than 250 incentive providers, both third parties and corporate end users, responded with insights into the disposition of their incentive travel award programs as a result of COVID-19. Overall, the results are encouraging. The data show that organizations value incentive travel award programs, and that budgets for these hard-earned awards are largely being protected. Read the full survey results here. 

• IRF Webinar: IRF's 2020 Top Performer Study
  Find out what top performing companies do differently in incentives and rewards during the IRF 2020 Top Performer Webinar. Stephanie Harris, IRF President, and Rick Garlick, IRF Chief Research Advisor, discuss benchmarks, best practices, and non-cash rewards strategies used by top performing companies. You can access this webinar here. 
• IRF Webinar: Rewards & Recognition: Using Your Program to Engage Remote Teams
  As COVID-19 forces many workers to work remotely, many organizations are wondering how to help facilitate the shift and keep workers productive and engaged. In this webinar you’ll hear from experts in program design and management on how to maximize the effectiveness of your current reward and recognition programs during this transition. Our Chief Academic Officer will also share study findings on ways to motivate virtual workers. You can access this webinar here.
• The IRF Industry Outlook for 2020: Merchandise, Gift Card and Event Gifting
  This research study provides insight into how participants and leadership view reward and recognition programs, including the program measures that are most meaningful. You can access this study here. 

Industry Insights | Tips and Information

• Events Industry Council COVID-19 Resource Page
  You can access EIC statements, webinars, articles, and resources contributed and curated by events industry experts by clicking here.
  
• 9 Ways to Motivate Your Remote Team (Infographic)
  Find strategies on how to keep remote teams happy and engaged – and how to shift to a very different way of working – by clicking here.
  
• U.S. Travel Association
  Click here to access the U.S. Travel Association's latest news and commentary.
• Incentive Federation
  Information about business relief and unemployment provisions provided by George Delta, Esq. - Washington Update: Small Business and Other Relief in the CARES Act of 2020

Invitational Updates

Below you can find information on program updates for the IRF's 27th Annual Education Invitational as it relates to the developing COVID-19 facts.

Due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and with the ultimate care and concern for the Hyatt employees and guests, the Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana have made the difficult decision to temporarily cease normal hotel operations until May 31, 2020. As a result, the Invitational program has been postponed from the original May 2020 dates. The Invitational will now be held on Tuesday, December 1 - Friday, December 4, 2020. 

Registered and invited Invitational attendees will receive information regarding their participation and any required action in the coming weeks. New event details will be emailed to registered and invited attendees as well as posted at invitational.theirf.org. We encourage you to review your local or federal government guidelines for travel restrictions, requirements, and more. 

For questions, please contact registration@theirf.org. 

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2020 event, please contact Sheila Mires at smires@theirf.org.