Advertise on podcast: Motivation Insiders

IMA Summit 2026 has come and gone, but not without a whirlwind of trends, insights, and impactful conversations. The Motivation Insiders podcast was right in the centre of the action to capture some of that value, delving into the dynamic world of incentives, recognition, and engagement with the leaders who are helping drive it. In this special IMA Summit edition, we explore the latest trends and insights shaping the incentive industry, directly from the voices of the industry's insiders. Featured contributors: Pam Pelino, CRP, One10 (our host!)Nicole Glass, Gift Card MarketPablo Arredondo, MeritPam Kressley & Lori Cassidy, Gift A TripDon Doster, GoPivotLincoln Smith, IP, MotivforceCindy Mielke, CPIM, BHN | Tango

In this episode, travel experts Todd Tomlin and Pali Chhabra discuss the business value of creating memorable travel experiences, the evolving traveller expectations, and practical tips for incentive travel planning. Discover how personalised, culturally immersive trips can boost engagement and loyalty. Key topics: The value of travel in incentive programsDesign principles for memorable tripsChanging traveller expectations post-pandemicROI vs. ROO in incentive travelCultural immersion and exclusivity in travel experiencesThe social impact of group travelPersonalisation and flexibility in travel planningBudgeting and planning tips for incentive trips

The podcast episode explores the complex nature of motivation in sales organisations, emphasising the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. The conversation delves into the behavioural science behind motivation, the impact of rewards and recognition, and the importance of understanding and influencing specific behaviours aligned with corporate objectives. Takeaways Intrinsic vs. extrinsic driversBehavioral science and motivationDesigning effective incentive programs This episode is sponsored by One10.

This episode explores the evolving landscape of incentive marketing, focusing on digital transformation, program experience, security, and future trends. Featuring insights from Paul Flemr of Group O, it highlights how brands can adapt to new consumer expectations and technological advancements to stay competitive. Key topics: - Evolving incentive strategies for 2026 - Impact of digital transformation and AI on incentives - Importance of security and fraud prevention - Customer experience and friction points in programs

This episode of Motivation Insiders explores the data-driven revolution in incentives and recognition programs, emphasising the impact of data, analytics, and AI on program design. We sit down with Richelle Suver, Managing Director at One10, and Kimberly Huffman, CRP, Vice President of Talent, Learning and Culture, VCA Animal Hospitals, to discuss the value of data insights, metrics for evaluating recognition programs, misunderstood and misused metrics, data and analytics trends for program design, personalisation, and relevance of program information. You'll learn how to leverage AI and analytics for program effectiveness, program changes based on behavioural insights, and common data challenges and solutions. Key topics: - Data centralisation - Effective KPIs - How to communicate program changes - The evolution of benchmarking - Best practices in communication - Data and AI for HR decision-making

In this episode of Motivation Insiders, we explore insights from Inside the Incentive Buyer’s Mind: Trends, Risks & Realities, a new IESP resource built from the perspectives of more than fifty industry leaders who gathered at the 2025 IMA Summit. Three IESP board members, Lincoln Smith, Vince Chiofolo, and Andrew Solomon join the conversation to discuss how today’s incentive buyers are reshaping expectations for loyalty, recognition, and channel programs.

Recognition has always been a key driver of engagement and performance, but as our workplaces evolve, so too must our recognition strategies.

In advance of the annual IMA Summit, we speak with three IESP executive-level members about the future of employee recognition programs and how data and AI are impacting incentive campaigns.

In incentive campaigns, personalization can increase engagement and boost ROI for sponsoring companies. But what does personalization of incentive programs actually mean? And how is it accomplished? Take a closer look (or listen).

How do you design a travel incentive program that excites and motivates employees of all ages? Learn how tailored experiences designed with the younger generation in mind can guide your program to success.

The complexity of B2B sales processes today means that many sales cycles can last six months, and some can take more than a year. Too often, reps try to shorten the sales cycle by skipping vital steps that help earn trust and showcase value. By structuring an incentive campaign that rewards reps for completing steps along the way to a sale as well as closing a deal, companies help ensure their proven sales processes are followed. Hear from two experts about the value of this type of incentive program for building employee engagement in every sales level of performers.

Sales kickoffs can be an effective way to generate enthusiasm at the beginning of the year. These events, often held at an offsite location in January, provide an opportunity to reinforce effective sales tactics, introduce new product lines, new tech tools, or new sales processes. Salespeople can depart from a multiday kickoff event with high energy and even higher confidence, only to have that evaporate soon after. In this episode, we talk with two leaders of incentive program providers about the science behind keeping the energy and enthusiasm generated by sales kickoffs going throughout the year.

Workforce demographic shifts and emerging trends for program participants and sponsors have resulted in significant changes for incentive travel initiatives. As costs increase, so does the importance of ROI. Thus, today’s incentive travel campaigns are highly sophisticated with opportunities for all team members. Success begins in the planning stages, relies on a well-conceived launch and creative communication and includes a thorough post-event analysis. In this episode, we talk with two incentive travel veterans about important insights from recent research, best practices for program sponsors and why incentive travel is unparalleled for engendering loyalty and workplace engagement.

The business world continually turns to technology to simplify complex or even previously impossible tasks. However, technology isn't as quickly adopted for some aspects of business as quickly as it could be. Incentive and recognition campaigns are one example where much of the technology that is available is not getting used. Incentive and engagement solution providers offer software platforms that are proven to increase engagement of program participants, improve ROI and enhance the overall experience of incentive, recognition and consumer loyalty programs. Learn more about what the technology in this area can accomplish and why you should be tapping into it.

Managers often become managers because they were successful in a non-management role. They routinely met – or exceeded – their goals, which can make it difficult for them to cope with members of their team now who fall short of their goals. In this episode, we explore the fact that missed goals are not always solely the fault of the person who misses them. Managers can be partly – or even mostly – to blame.