Industry Outlook Study 2019: Merchandise, Gift Card, and Event Gifting

Survey Overview

The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) sponsors regular trends surveys covering topics of current interest to those in the incentive industry. incentive providers, suppliers to the industry, and corporate incentive merchandise and travel buyers.

This report summarizes findings from data collected  August 2018 through October 2018.

Net optimism is high

In the coming year, what impact will the factors below have on your/your clients’ non-cash reward and recognition program planning and execution: The economy

Average Per-Person Spend is Increasing Due to Big Spenders

What is the average per-person rewards spend for your/your clients’ non-cash reward and recognition programs?

Merchandise Types – Logo’d Items & Electronics Lead

What types of merchandise and gift cards are used within your/your clients’ reward and recognition program(s)? Check all that apply.

Closed-Loop Gift Cards – Coffee Cards Most Prevalent

Which of the options below best describes the types of merchants selected when your company buys BRANDED gift cards for your non-cash rewards programs?

Outlook for Rewards Budgets is Strong

In the coming year, do your/your clients generally anticipate the following program elements will increase, decrease, or remain unchanged?

Program Metrics – Most Common Corporate Metrics

Below are some metrics which might be measured by a program owner. Which of the below is information that you have used to assess your program’s success? Select all that apply.

Event Gifting – Meeting Types

For what types of meetings and events are you/your clients using attendee gifts? Select all that apply. 

Average Per-Attendee Gifting Spend

Attendee gift spend is most commonly around $100, but many respondents are spending $10 to $50 per attendee. A small proportion are making significant investments in attendee gifts – these are most likely for small events for key clients or high-performing salespeople.

What is your approximate per-person spend for event gifts? – For attendees.

Average Per-VIP Gifting Spend

VIP attendees command a higher spend rate than attendees – on average $375.

What is your approximate per-person spend for event gifts? – For VIPs.

Event Gifting Budgets –  Net Increasing for 2019

All segments anticipate event gifting budgets to increase in 2019, although suppliers and third-party providers have a more optimistic outlook than their clients.

Which of the below best describes your expectations for event gifting budgets for 2019?

Net Optimism by Audience

The overall outlook for the coming year is positive for professionals charged with event gifting. Corporate respondents have a net optimism of 39%, and suppliers are even more optimistic as a group. 

The regulatory environment does create a cautious outlook for the marketplace, particularly among event gift suppliers.

In the coming year, what impact will the factors below have on your/your clients’ event gifting?

Thank you to our Research Advocacy Partner:

Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), a strategic industry group within the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA)

The Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP), a strategic industry group within the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA), is a trusted resource for business leaders globally in helping their organizations achieve results through engagement and incentive solutions.