The Localization of International Incentive Programs

International | Wednesday, July 13 | 9:45 - 10:45 AM 

The incentive and loyalty industry is active in over 120 countries worldwide. However, there are few global solutions due to legal, cultural and other barriers where companies can manage their employee recognition programs across multiple countries and even regionally. In addition, country catalogs are in local currency and language and few retailers have stores in more than a few countries. During this session, we will explore the challenges to build a Global Rewards solution for employees in several countries that is equitable and consistent in which solution providers offer the best practices.

Peter Friend, Founder & CEO of Global Hotel Card (Moderator)

In 2005, Peter launched the first gift card to the incentive, loyalty, and employee engagement industry powered by an online travel agency for hotels. This was a highly innovative product at the time and the product was quickly offered in 2,000 retail outlets and B2B to over 75 incentive and loyalty agencies worldwide. The company has managed over $80 million in hotel bookings worldwide and currently distributes in 25 currencies and 12 languages. In 2020, the company launched a similar product for tours, activities, and experiences, with Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Global Experiences Card offers 350,000 experiences worldwide in 30 currencies and 12 languages. Peter has been responsible for all aspects of the business model including Technology, Branding, Business Development, Finance and Marketing. He has been actively involved in the IMA for 15 years and serves on the IMA Board and the IMA Europe Board.

Alex Preece, Co-Founder & CEO of Tillo

Alex started his career in the British Army and spent seven years jumping out of military planes and touring Bosnia and Iraq on active duty. He co-founded the UK’s first daily deal business, later sold to Moneysupermarket.com, the world's biggest comparison website. Alex is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of Tillo, a digital gift card platform connecting the world's most popular brands with fintechs and enterprises looking to reward and incentivize in new ways. Tillo is leading the innovation for digital rewards and incentives globally.

Katie Wilkinson, Managing Director at Jigsaw Business Solutions

Katie specialized in gift cards, product launches, consumer loyalty schemes, retail sales strategies, client relations, operations, relationship management, sales team support, lead generation, retail consultancy, prepaid cards, gift card malls, and digital vouchers. Jigsaw's services focus on multi-channel gift card launch and management in-store and online for consumers with a specialist focus on B2B sales and partnerships. Her company provides an outsourced service across Europe, U.S., and APAC to deliver strategic results year on year. Her client portfolio includes but is not limited to: Costa, ASOS, Nike, Hotels.com, Clarks, wagamama, The Entertainer Toy Shop, The White Company, Notonthehighstreet.com, London Theatres Direct, boohoo, and Equiniti. Outside work, Katie regularly volunteers with her local theatre charity, donating her time and organizing fundraisers.