Advancing the Science of Incentives and Motivation

Through Research

Browse through our extensive library of research on non-cash rewards, incentive travel, motivational meetings and recognition.

Advancing the Science of Incentives and Motivation

Through Research

Browse through our extensive library of research on non-cash rewards, incentive travel, motivational meetings and recognition.

Access the IRF’s recent, relevant and impactful research

RESEARCH

IRF 2026 Trends Report

The 2026 IRF Trends Report highlights how incentive professionals are navigating rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing participant expectations by focusing on strategic cost-cutting, high-value rewards, and strong partnerships.

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PRESS RELEASE

Incentive Research Foundation Elects 2026 Officers

The Incentive Research Foundation is pleased is pleased to announce the 2026 IRF Executive Committee.

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Research

Industry Outlook for 2026: Merchandise, Gift Cards, and Event Gifting

The 2026 Industry Outlook reveals a rewards landscape balancing optimism with fiscal caution

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Research

Incentive Travel in Flux: AI, Risk, and a Search for What’s Next

The 2025 edition of the ITI forecasts modest growth through 2027, tempered by mounting concerns around rising costs, global instability, and shrinking optimism.

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RESEARCH

Top 10 Things Top Performing Companies Do Differently

Top-performing companies embed reward and recognition into their core strategy by aligning with goals, securing executive support, encouraging collaboration, and offering high-value incentives.

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RESEARCH

Building A Culture of Recognition

New research exploring the critical roles of consistent training and communication in fostering a culture where recognition is habitual and aligned with core values.

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Welcome IRF Accelerate Class of 2026!

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webinar

IRF Webinar: North American Incentives Industry Outlook for 2026

During this IRF webinar, we’ll present useful insights and benchmarks on non-cash reward types reported in the Industry Outlook for 2026: Merchandise, Gift Cards and Event Gifting. Focusing on North American data, our panel will discuss where spending is up, which rewards are increasing in use, and how incentive professionals are addressing current challenges, including flat budgets and rising costs.  

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Featured Partners

For information on available research partnerships, please contact sponsorship@theirf.org.

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