IMA Honors Industry Leaders

Award. The award was established in 2014 to honor Karen Renk who served as the IMA executive director for its first 14 years.With over 35 years in the incentive and recognition industry, Mike is widely recognized as an industry champion, mentor, and exceptional volunteer. His nomination cited: He is teaching the next generation.

Karen Renk guided the IMA, championed the business case for incentives, and mentored a wide group of individuals for the betterment of the industry and the association. She was known for her mentorship, character, collaboration, and professionalism. The Karen Renk Award is given to the IMA member who best exemplifies these qualities in service to the association, either through their work within the organization or through outreach to the community at large.

Bill Warshauer, Tillo, Lifetime Achievement Award 

Bill Warshauer, Chief Revenue Officer at Tillo, was awarded the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2016 to honor individuals who have played a major role in the industry's success through a lifetime of achievements in the incentive marketplace. 

The IMA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who best represents career and industry achievement and longevity and has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout their career, inspiring others to achieve similar success.

"From his early days delivering newspapers to his current role as Chief Revenue Officer at Tillo, Bill is known for the transformational impact he’s had at every stage of his career. With over two decades in the incentives space, Bill has become a recognized thought leader, regularly sought out for his insights on sales strategy and motivation in employee engagement, incentive innovation, and digital transformation within rewards."

Fintan Connolly, Engage Loyalty, President's Award

The Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) honored Fintan Connolly, Engage Loyalty, with the IMA President’s Award. 

“Fintan possess the true meaning of collaboration and partnership in everything he touches,” says Jeffrey Brenner, CPIM, IMA Executive Committee President and Director, Special Markets, SEIKO Watch of America. “His genuine manner and expertise continue to be an invaluable asset to the Incentive industry.”

Cristiano Miano, Digi, Incentive Industry Influencer Award

Cristiano Miano, CPIM, CEO of Digi, was awarded the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) Incentive Industry Influencer Award. 

According to the IMA, the Incentive Industry Influencer Award honors an individual who displays an exceptional level of influence on the professional development and advancement of the incentive industry. They have ignited change and made a positive impact on their peers and clients through their vision, personality, and determination. They are viewed as role models who maintain high standards for themselves and for the incentive industry.

"With over 25 years of experience in the advertising, communication, and technology space, Cristiano leads with strategic vision and innovation, driving engagement of brands and teams through intelligent solutions. At the helm of Digi, a B2B marketing and technology holding company based in Brazil, Cristiano developed campaigns and reward programs that impact larger companies by combining technology and creativity to enhance performance and loyalty."

360 Insights, Inspirational Place to Work 2024

The Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) awarded 360insghts as the Inspirational Place to Work in 2024. This award spotlights organizations that put people first, offer an engaging and inspiring place to work, value the role of employees, and embrace an open and inclusive culture supported by a future-thinking leadership team. Efforts related to corporate responsibility, sustainability, and the impact their businesses have on the environment are also considered.

Spirit Award Winners 

One way the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) is able to advocate for and promote the use of incentives and recognition to improve business performance around the world is through dedicated member volunteers who significantly help further and exemplify the mission. The IMA’s Strategic Industry Groups and Chapters recognize outstanding volunteers with Spirit Awards. Spirit Award recipients are selected by the SIG and Chapter presidents based on individuals having made an important contribution to the IMA and the SIG or Chapter through their volunteerism. Below are the winners along with the reasons for their selections. 

Incentive & Engagement Solution Providers (IESP): Carl MacDonald, VP, Customer Success, VIBE SMG, Inc.

"Carl has been a driving force within IMA and IESP for years. He’s not just a participant — he’s a true leader, contributing fresh ideas, dynamic presentations, and real thought leadership around incentives and engagement. Over the past year, Carl has taken that even further, serving as a key member of the board and helping to shape the future of IESP. His deep expertise and genuine passion for this industry are impossible to miss. It’s a real pleasure — and an easy decision — to recognize Carl with this award.:

Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC): Steve Kane, SVP, Client Development, Stored Value Solutions (SVS)
"Steve Kane consistently exhibits the fundamental behavior and qualities that drive our industry forward. Steve leverages his 20+ years of experience in gift cards and merchant services to provide guidance, perspective, and committed action in support of incentive marketing, specifically within the gift card arena. Steve is always quick to volunteer his time and mentorship to ensure the IGCC is continually focused on supporting our members while cultivating the next generation of industry leaders."

Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA): Ivory Alexander, Director of Sales & Business Development, MAS, Inc.  
"Ivory Alexander, Vice President of Incentive Merchandise To Reward & Appreciate (IMRA), has been instrumental in leading the corporate outreach program for IMRA and representing the interests of our members as part of the IMA Corporate Outreach Committee. As a key figure at MAS, Inc., Ivory has played a pivotal role in strengthening industry relationships and expanding IMRA’s engagement efforts. His leadership continues to drive meaningful connections within the incentive marketplace."

Incentive Travel Council (ITC): Peter Cannon, President, Ticket Jones
"Peter Cannon has brought a great attitude of positivity to the Incentive Travel Council, along with a Can-Do attitude to help push the educational offerings of the ITC forward. He draws on extensive experience from previous board and committee involvement to assist in elevating the ITC board to broader heights, and so, it is with great honor to name Peter Cannon for the ITC's Spirit Award." 

Recognition Professionals International (RPI): David Klein, Senior Vice President, Global Talent & Organizational Development, Universal Destinations & Experiences 
"David’s continued dedication to RPI through his help with re-imagining the Certified Recognition Professional® (CRP) content, facilitating multiple workshops, and continuing to provide active support in calls has left an imprint on RPI. From his years of involvement, we wouldn’t be who we are today without him." 

IMA Europe: Gunther Everaert, IP, CEO & Founder, Motisha
"With 12 years of dedicated service on the IMA Europe Board, Gunther is one of the founding members of IMA in Europe. Known for his warm and welcoming nature, he has earned a reputation for being generous with his time, personable, and consistently supportive, forming lasting friendships with many members along the way.  During his tenure, he played a key role in organizing events, such as those in Rotterdam and Brussels. Thanks to his guidance and commitment, IMA Europe has grown into the dynamic and professional association it is today."

IMA MEAPAC
Mark McCowan, Managing Director, Synchro Marketing Australia
"Mark has been instrumental in the successful organization and execution of the very first IMA MEAPAC Summit held in Sydney this year. His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts were key in making this event a reality. Not only did he help bring together a diverse group of professionals from across the region, but he also ensured that the Summit provided immense value to all attendees. Mark’s ability to unite and inspire the IMA community through his strategic planning and coordination was truly remarkable. Mark’s dedication to the mission of IMA, his deep understanding of the incentive industry, and his commitment to volunteerism have made a lasting impact on the organization and its members." 

 

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