The Role of Incentives in Today’s Decentralized Workforce: A Panel Discussion on the 2022 Incentive Research Foundation Study 

General | Tuesday, July 12 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM  

Sponsored By: Recognition Professionals International (RPI)

Attract, retain, and build culture! Given one of the most challenging labor markets in history, this study explores the use of incentives as a business strategy to help organizations attract, retain, and build culture across in-office and remote workers. Join us to discuss employee expectations, the manager mindset, and how to maximize your incentive and recognition programs in the era of the Great Resignation, remote work, and labor shortages with both direct and indirect employees. 

Adrienne Forrest, IP, Vice President at Citizen Watch America Corporate Sales

Adrienne has been in the Corporate Sales/Special Markets industry for over 40 years, having spent 20 years with Wittnauer before joining Bulova in 2001. In 2009 she was appointed Vice President, Corporate Sales. Adrienne has continued to build the Corporate Sales business for Citizen Watch America and now as Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales, has seamlessly transitioned the Corporate Sales division to be multi-branded as head of Corporate Sales across all brands under the Citizen Watch America portfolio. She and her team continue to develop the long-standing success that the company has enjoyed as a leader and innovator in the Premium, Incentive Corporate Gifting and Military Sales markets. She is active in trade associations including IMA and IMRA.  

 

Lauren Gagne, CRP, Director of Merchandising at C.A. Short Company

Lauren is currently Director of Merchandising at C.A. Short Company joining the company in 2017. Lauren has 25+ years’ experience in the recognition industry and has proven track record developing and implementing targeted successful client merchandising-marketing strategies & plans utilizing data stack insights. As a demonstrated strategic thinker Lauren has held positions at Maritz, and Tharpe/Robbins (currently E2E) and has vast experience in all aspects of merchandising, buying, sourcing, product line management, visual merchandising, product marketing and event planning for employee recognition, reward, sales incentive, and loyalty programs. Lauren is a Certified Recognition Professional as designated by RPI and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Recognition Professionals International.

Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF)

Stephanie directs the strategy and efforts of the IRF, an organization that funds and promotes research and education to increase understanding, effective use, and benefits of non-cash incentives to businesses globally. Before joining the IRF, Stephanie 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. Stephanie resides in St. Louis with her husband, has four (mostly grown & on their own) children, a Labrador Retriever, and two miniature donkeys.

Steve Kane, Senior VP, Client Development at SVS

Steve is a long time member of the closed loop gift card community. Steve is currently Senior VP, Client Development at SVS and helped build and manage the Solutions B2B unit for the company. Previously he worked at Blackhawk Network for 3 years as an RVP, Sales. Steve came to Blackhawk after their acquisition of Spafinder where he served over 10 years as VP Gift Card Sales, Chief Revenue Officer, and finally Group President Global Sales. Prior to his gift card experience, Steve worked in a variety of sales and sales management roles at such companies as LeSportsac, Liz Claiborne, Levi’s, Roots of Canada, and others. Steve is a current member of the IGCC Board. He has had many industry roles over the past years including RGCA Board member, DEI Committee member, member or lead for multiple committees of both the RGCA and IGCC. Additionally Steve has had prior volunteer roles on the Board of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester and as a founding member of the Chappaqua Youth Lacrosse League.

Lincoln Smith, IP, Chief Strategy Officer of HMI Performance Incentives

For over 25 years Lincoln has been a recognized leader in the incentive marketing industry. He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer for HMI Performance Incentives where he works with companies in over thirty industries to design strategies to accelerate growth and increase customer engagement. His leadership and approach have led HMI to win 6  IMA “Circle of Excellence Awards” in unique categories in the last four years for manufacturer, distributor, and service provider clients. Before joining HMI, Lincoln worked as a strategist for Agency.com, helping organizations transition to digital business models. Lincoln is a current board member of the IMA's Incentive & Engagement Solutions Providers (IESP) where he is a regular contributor and thought leader.