The 2026 IRF Trends Report highlights how incentive professionals are navigating rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty,...
Research / IRF 2025 Education Invitational Breakout Session: What Keeps You Up at Night?: Incentives Pros Share Their Biggest Challenges
by Incentive Research Foundation
Today’s incentives professionals are expected to do more with fewer resources and increased uncertainty. And yet… they are still delivering programs that exceed expectations. Our panel has a candid discussion about their biggest concerns and how they are finding solutions, accommodations, and alternatives. They discuss how flat budgets, rising prices, geopolitical issues, and staffing challenges are just a few of the complicating factors in delivering an incentive program.
Panelists:
Jeremy Bielski, Vice President of Sales, ITA Group
Rachel McInnis, Vice President, Solution Strategy, Maritz
Janielle Peacock, Director Experiences & Learning, RDV Corporation
Melissa Van Dyke, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Innovation, Creative Group, Inc.
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