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President / CEO
Incentive Research Foundation
Stephanie Harris is President of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), an organization that funds and promotes research and education to increase understanding, effective use and benefits of non-cash incentives for businesses globally. Before joining the IRF, Harris was part of the American Express Meetings & Events leadership team, leading global event strategy, thought leadership and marketing. She started her career in incentives with Maritz, where she was VP of Brand Marketing & Strategy. Harris is a fierce proponent of the power of in-person events and non-cash rewards, and currently serves on the board of the Events Industry Council. Harris lives in St. Louis with her husband, has four (mostly grown and on their own) children and a labrador retriever.
Date
Join the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and SITE as they unveil the 2025 Incentive Travel Index—the sector’s go-to source for current conditions and future trends.
Drawing on insights from more than 2,700 qualified voices—corporate buyers, third-party agencies and destination suppliers from around the world, the Index offers a wide-angle view of how incentive travel is evolving, from budgets and pricing models to destination choices and program design.
Fresh insights around AI, pricing transparency, emerging destinations and the next-gen workforce bring sharper clarity to the forces shaping our industry.
Expect a lively, interactive panel where experts unpack the findings and share what they mean for you. Whether you work brand-side, plan for an agency or represent a destination, this is your roadmap to staying relevant, resilient and ready for the future of incentive travel.
Learning outcomes:
Uncover global trends in incentive travel finance, from per-person spend to the rising influence of hotel and F
In today’s digital-first world, the need to build genuine relationships has never been greater. Explore how you can put human interaction front and center—even if it means rethinking what you consider efficient—to reach meaningful outcomes more quickly. Hear ideas on how to spark connections at events, the impact of personalization, and creative ways to harness the power of human interaction.
Learning outcomes:
Understand how the relationship economy is foundational for our industry
Explore how AI can be used to enhance personalization at events
Gain practical tips on how to build human connection at events
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning, 0.50 credits
* CMP/CEU Approved: Domain K: Technology Integration, 0.5 credits
* CSEP Approved
In early 2025, EIC released the Futures Landscapes Report—the result of a year-long, industry-wide initiative to better understand the issues most likely to shape the global events industry.
According to the report, organizations must shift their mindset and embrace strategic foresight to prepare for multiple scenarios—essential for maintaining and growing competitive advantage.
Hear from influential industry leaders who are using the report’s findings to reflect on the 12 key forces shaping the future of our industry. They’ll share how they’re expanding their strategic foresight, covering talent and workforce development, risk and security, accessibility and ESG.
Learning outcomes:
Discuss the 12 key issues shaping the events industry
Illustrate how to shift strategy to include multiple scenarios
Examine how to turn the identified challenges into growth opportunities