This Spotlight is part of an ongoing series highlighting EIC Association and Corporate Members and the important work they are doing to serve our shared industry.
- Website: theirf.org
- President: Stephanie Harris
- Founded: 2006
- EIC Member Since: 2017
- Headquarters: Mclean, Virginia, U.S.A.
The Incentive Research Foundation is a private not-for-profit foundation dedicated to understanding, educating, and advocating for the use of non-cash incentives including incentive travel, merchandise, and recognition programs. The IRF funds research and delivers education to help businesses at all stages of incentives maturity increase the understanding, effective use, and benefits of non-cash incentives.
The IRF engages the incentives community by providing critical industry research, online education opportunities, and engaging live events. Our constituency draws from suppliers of incentives and rewards products to program owners in Fortune 500 companies that run incentive, reward and recognition programs to the many incentive houses that serve our market.
Key Programmes or Initiatives
Each year the IRF executes 10-12 studies on industry trends, benchmarks, best practices, and insights. This research is the cornerstone of IRF education programming delivered to the incentives and meetings industry through reports, webinars and live events.
- The IRF Invitational is the premier industry event dedicated to education and networking. This exclusive event provides over 500 invited attendees with direct exposure to the industry’s preeminent voices and applicable analysis of the IRF’s research. The 2026 Invitational will take place May 26 – 29, 2026 at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
- Leadership Insights Forum is targeted to an elite group of senior level incentive house and end-user executives with responsibilities for engagement and motivation programs. During the two-day experiential event, 100 attendees will have access to pre-released IRF research and participate in insightful facilitated discussions.
- The IRF Accelerate Program fosters mid-level incentives professionals who are ready to get more involved in the incentives industry. Each year, 8 – 10 incentives, recognition, and rewards professionals benefit from mentorship, committee work, research, and attend the IRF Invitational.
Reports and Resources
Recent research and popular releases include:
- The IRF Trends Report is an annual look at the trends that will affect the incentive industry in the coming year. Based on research and input from industry experts, this paper provides a high-level perspective across the changing landscape of recognition and non-cash incentives, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and points.
- The Incentive Travel Indexis an indispensable annual report on the state of incentive travel, providing data on current and future evolution. This research is a collaboration between IRF and SITE, with research partner Oxford Economics.
- Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travelexplores trends in attendee preferences, factors in destination selection, and how incentive travel program design can drive employee performance and strengthen company culture. The IRF has produced reports for both North American and European
The IRF’s research is free, and all reports and webinar recordings can be found on www.theIRF.org.
“The IRF delivers actionable research and education that empowers the professionals who use incentives, rewards, and recognition to boost engagement and motivation in the workplace. Thanks to our talented Board of Trustees and engaged committee members, the IRF is able to identify and conduct the most critical research to meet the needs of the industry.”
— Stephanie Harris, IRF President
“As an EIC member, the IRF benefits from a broad perspective on the macro issues impacting the larger events ecosystem. The IRF is, in turn, able to help ensure the voice of the incentive industry is part of the larger conversation, advocacy efforts, and research from EIC. I value the incredible connections, and thoughtful conversations.
— Stephanie Harris, IRF President
