Media Center


 

IRF Releases 2026 Trends Report Highlighting Budget Pressure, AI and Geopolitics

Incentives professionals are navigating significant complexity while simultaneously uncovering new opportunities for innovation, strengthened partnerships, and more meaningful ways to motivate people in 2026.

 

IRF Announces Accelerate Class of 2026 

Fourteen up-and-coming incentives professionals have been selected to participate in the IRF’s year-long Accelerate program.

 

Incentive Research Foundation Elects 2026 Officers

The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 IRF Executive Committee. Chris Johnson will serve as 2026 IRF Chair.

 

IRF’s 2026 Incentives Industry Outlook Reports Optimism Despite Budget Pressure

Over 90% of respondents expressed a positive financial and economic outlook for 2026. However, this optimism is tempered by flat budgets, increasing costs, competing priorities, and shifts in spending patterns.

 

IRF Announces 2026 Research Release Schedule

IRF’s 2026 research will focus on the strategy, design, and metrics that power effective incentive, recognition, and rewards programs.

 

IRF Welcomes Two New Trustees

Rachel McInnis, Maritz, and Jordan Sanford, Prestige, have been elected to the 2026 IRF Board of Trustees.

 

2025 Incentive Travel Index Released

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

 

IRF Releases 2025 Top Performer Study: Technology Industry

Benchmarks and best practices employed by top performing technology companies to influence performance using non-cash rewards.

 

IRF Releases 2025 Top Performer Study: Financial & Insurance Industries

Benchmarks and best practices employed by top performing financial services and insurance companies to influence performance using non-cash rewards.

 

IRF Releases 2025 Top Performer Study: Automotive & Manufacturing Industries

Benchmarks and best practices employed by top performing automotive and manufacturing companies to influence performance using non-cash rewards.

 

IRF Releases Top Performer Study: How Leading Companies Leverage Rewards to Boost Performance

IRF conducted research on how successful companies are using incentives and recognition to boost the performance of employees and partners.

 

2025 IRF Service Award Winners Announced

Volunteers are critical to the impact the IRF is making on the incentives industry. The IRF Service Awards help us recognize and celebrate the innovative work of our volunteers.