IRF Announces Accelerate Class of 2026 

(Washington, DC, January 14, 2026) The IRF is pleased to announce the 2026 Accelerate Class. Fourteen up-and-coming incentives professionals have been selected to participate in the IRF’s year-long program. Composed of program owners, third party planners, and suppliers, the Accelerate Class of 2026 represents a broad cross section of the global incentives, recognition, and rewards industry.

The Accelerate Class of 2026 will kick off the year with an in-person orientation event February 1 – 2 at the Omni Boston at the Seaport in Boston, Massachusetts. Throughout 2026, they will benefit from mentorship, committee work, contributing to IRF research, and attending the 2026 IRF Invitational. 

The Accelerate Class of 2026 includes: 

• Sonia Clements, Program Design & Sourcing Manager, BCD Meetings & Events
• Sorin Drobot, Sales Manager, The Westin Grand Cayman
• Jeffrey Fehr, Business Development Director, Wynford
• MacKenzie Fischer, Event Marketing Manager, Benecard PBF
• Brenna Lervick, Sales Enablement Manager, Prestige | Global Meeting Source
• Maria Mezquita, Project Manager, MGME
• Lili Ory Mazer, Account Executive, South Florida, Cohera
• Andrea Park, Manager, Program Execution, Sahliyeh
• Emelie Paulsson, Director – Projects & Accounts, Ovation Netherlands DMC
• Eric Rosenthal, Director, Corporate Sales, Buy The Sea
• Allie Scott, Sr Program Manager, Brightspot Incentives & Events
• Elizabeth Soucy, Meeting, Convention, & Event Coordinator, Incentive Meeting Services
• Melaney Zabrdac, Director, CS Operations, Engage2Excel
• Emily Zetterman, Program Manager, Creative Group

“With so much next gen talent in the incentives industry, we are delighted to welcome fourteen members to the Accelerate Class of 2026. These rising incentives stars will work together with leaders in the industry, gaining mentorship, insights, and exposure to valuable education and experiences,” said Morgan Crain, Immediate Past Chair, IRF. “This program is possible through the generous sponsorship of Scott Young at The Meeting Company & PlanIT Platform and Nicky Baumohl at Evolutionary Events. We are grateful for their support.”

Find out more about the IRF’s Accelerate Program here.