The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) has announced its inaugural Accelerate class.

The year-long program is open to mid-level incentive buyers and suppliers who would like to grow into director level roles in the incentives, recognition, and rewards industry in the next two to three years. Selected participants benefit from mentorship, committee work, contributing to IRF research, and attending the IRF Education Invitational.

Composed of program owners, third party planners, and suppliers, the Accelerate Class of 2024 represents a broad cross section of the industry. The ten up-and-coming incentives professionals selected to participate in the 2024 program are:

• Norma Cristina Bock, Incentive Travel and Event Manager, ChooseLatam DMC
• Taylor Fain, Sales & Marketing Advisor, Sutton Planning
• Amy Hickcox, Marketing Manager, Next Level Performance
• Crawford Jones, Consultant, Meetings & Groups Southwest Airlines
• Samantha Lange, National Sales Manager, The Resort at Paws Up
• Seamus McErlean, Business Development Manager, Landry & Kling Global Ship Solutions
• Sarah Morel, Group Sales Manager, Secrets Cap Cana Resort by Hyatt Inclusive Collection
• Heather Schneider, Event Operations Manager, Tyler Technologies, Inc.
• Sarah van der Steen, Event Manager, Hotel Okura Amsterdam
• Rhonda Voskamp, Manager, Rewards & Recognition, Sun Life

“Congratulations to the Accelerate Class of 2024. Each member of this incredibly talented group brings their own unique experience and skills, but one thing they all have in common is a passion for the incentives industry. The IRF looks forward to engaging and fostering these rising stars throughout 2024,” said Stephanie Harris, president, IRF. “This program is possible through the generous sponsorship of Scott Young and his associates at The Meeting Company. We are grateful for their support.”

The IRF will begin accepting applications for the Accelerate Class of 2025 in May 2024.

Find out more about the IRF’s Accelerate Program here