The IRF's first-ever study focused solely on the European market explores trends in European attendee...
Media Center / IRF Announces 2026 Research Release Schedule
(Washington, DC, October 30, 2025) The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased to announce its full schedule of research releases for 2026. The research and analysis presented by the IRF in 2026 will focus on the strategy, design, and metrics that power effective incentive, recognition, and rewards programs.
“The IRF Research Committee and Board of Trustees have put together a robust 2026 research agenda that will deliver useful data and practical insights to incentive, business, and human resources professionals throughout the year,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF President. “We look forward to sharing this research in white papers, webinars, and at industry events. Our research will also continue to be the cornerstone of our own IRF events, including the IRF Invitational, IRF Leadership Insights Forum, and IRF European Thought Leader Summit.”
The IRF will release the following research studies in 2026:
Visit the IRF’s website to view recent research studies and recorded webinars.
Research Advocacy Partnerships are available for 2026 Research. Contact Sheila Mires, VP Partnerships at sheila.mires@theirf.org for more information.
About the IRF: The Incentive Research Foundation (TheIRF.org) funds and promotes research to advance the science and enhance the awareness and appropriate application of motivation and incentives in business and industry globally. The goal is to increase the understanding, effective use and resultant benefits of incentives to businesses that currently use incentives and others interested in improved performance.
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.
Rachel McInnis, Maritz, and Jordan Sanford, Prestige, have been elected to the 2026 IRF Board of Trustees.
