Upcoming IMA Summit Addresses Effective Practices, Analytics, and the Business of Good
Here’s an overview of the upcoming Incentive Marketing Association annual summit in Austin, July 14-16.Click here to subscribe to RRN weekly, and here for an RRN media kit.
A breadth of incentive, reward, and recognition industry issues will be addressed at the upcoming annual summit at the downtown Austin Marriott, July 14-16.
Click here for complete details and to register.
Sessions at the annual program of the Incentive Marketing Association and Recognition Professionals International include plenary and breakout sessions on leadership, the GenZ generation, global gift cards, the position of recognition in today’s organizations, innovative technology and customer loyalty, what B2B loyalty can learn from B2C loyalty, doing things for good, wellness and more.
According to the still growing attendee roster, over 400 professionals from around the world will convene in Austin, including representatives from about 170 companies, including about two dozen incentive and recognition firms from the US and other countries, about 20 retail gift card brands, a dozen or so corporate end-users, and four brands. The rest of consist of gift card distribution and support firms, technology companies, and a few incentive fulfillment and rep companies.
Here are more details on key sessions from the IMA and RPI programs.
Keynote: Motivating (Not Manipulating) for Sustainable Results
S. Max Brown, a leadership coach, says it’s easy to think leadership is simply achieving results at any cost, but achieving quick results at the expense of the team can become...well, expensive. In this keynote, "Motivating (Not Manipulating) for Sustainable Results," he explores the fundamental differences and will address why genuine motivation is essential for long-term achievement.
Solving the Gen Z Puzzle
· Marina Hodges, Senior Director, Incentives Marketing, BHN | Tango
· Don M. Doster, GoPivot Solutions
· Pam Pelino, CRP, Senior Director, Rewards, One10
· Billie Reise, Vice President, Administration, Incentive Concepts
So much has been written about Gen Z and yet we continue to learn more about them and the impact of their presence in the workplace. Their unique preferences and aspirations bring a new perspective on how to structure the work environment.
Gift Cards Go Global: Strategies for Cross-Border Success
· Peter Friend, Global Hotel Card By Expedia
· Aron Alexander, Founder & CEO, Runa
· Elish Meyers, Executive Vice-President of Retail, Card Compliant
· Stoytcho Vlaykov, Managing Director, Cashwave
The demand for B2B gift cards for loyalty, rewards, and recognition continues to grow significantly Internationally. This session explores the challenges and opportunities for merchants and distributors to create and manage a global gift card program.
Unlocking the Power of Data: How Analytics Drive Incentive Program Success
· Lincoln Smith, IP, Principal, Lincoln Smith Advisors, LLC
· Apurva Ghelani, Velocity B2B/Blackhawk Network
· Matt Griffiths, General Manager Sales & Marketing, 212F
· Charles Scherbaum, Ph.D., Chief Analytics Officer, Engage2Excel
· Dr. Fatma Tarlaci, Chief AI Officer, Soar AI
Incentive programs are no longer powered by instinct... they’re driven by insights. As data ecosystems mature, organizations are increasingly using predictive analytics, behavioral segmentation, and AI-driven optimization to enhance every stage of the incentive journey.
Where Does Recognition Sit Within Your Organization?
· Kimberly Huffman, CRP, Banfield Pet Health
· Beril McManus, CRP, Team Member Engagement, American Airlines
· Angela McNichol, CRP, Director, Talent and Engagement, Virtua Health
How AI, Open Banking, and Gamification Are Redefining Customer Loyalty
Julie Barbier-Leblan, CEO & Co-founder, Merit Incentives
In this future-focused session, Julie Barbier, CEO and Co-Founder of Merit, will explore how artificial intelligence, open banking frameworks, and gamified engagement are converging to reshape the customer loyalty landscape.
What B2B Loyalty Can Learn from B2C Loyalty
· David Gould, CPIM, Managing Director, Europe, 360insights
· John Cullen, Senior Vice President, Stored Value Solutions SVS
· Rick Rubin, Chief Rewards Officer, iRewardify
· James Stewart, Director of Global Marketplace, Awardco
A discussion about the key elements that drive successful B2C Loyalty Program participation and what we, at the IMA, can learn and implement in our B2B loyalty and rewards programs.
Data-Driven Recognition: Transforming Workplace Culture through Analytics
· Theresa Harkins-Schulz, CRP, CCP, SPHR, Senior Vice President of Product and Customer Experience, Inspirus, LLC
This session explores how HR leaders and organizations can harness the power of analytics—enhanced by artificial intelligence—to elevate employee recognition programs and foster a more connected, appreciative workplace culture.
Doing Things for Good
· Cindy Mielke, CPIM, Tango
· Marchelle Sellers, Co-Founder, Charity On Top Foundation
· Anne Jetter, New Business Sales Executive, SB Collectiv (Stoner Bunting)
· Jen Becker, Senior Director, Partnership Program, RaiseRight
Smart businesses understand that making a positive impact on the world isn't just the right thing to do—it's also a wise business move.
Wellness Will Improve your Bottom Line.
· Don M. Doster, GoPivot Solutions
· Brent Lee, CRP, National Account Manager, C.A. Short Company
· Julie Palmer, Vice President of Customer Success, GoPivot Solutions
· Jimmy Spencer, CRP, Sales Consulting Manager, C.A. Short Company
Enterprise Engagement Alliance Services
Celebrating our 15th year, the Enterprise Engagement Alliance helps organizations enhance performance through:
1. Information and marketing opportunities on stakeholder management and total rewards:
ESM Weekly on stakeholder management since 2009; click here for a media kit.
RRN Weekly on total rewards since 1996; click here for a EEA YouTube channel on enterprise engagement, human capital, and total rewards insights and how-to information since 2020.
2. Learning: Purpose Leadership and Stakeholder
Management Academy to enhance future equity value and performance for your organization.3. Books on implementation: Enterprise Engagement for CEOs and Enterprise Engagement: The Roadmap.
4. Advisory services and research: Strategic guidance, learning and certification on stakeholder management, measurement, metrics, and corporate sustainability reporting.
5. Permission-based targeted business development to identify and build relationships with the people most likely to buy.
6. Public speaking and meeting facilitation on stakeholder management. The world’s leading speakers on all aspects of stakeholder management across the enterprise.
