Article Archives

Swag-Bag Standouts

Get the lowdown on what’s going to be in swag bags next year.

Banff, Alberta

Case Study: AGM and Celebration

Incentive Travel Insights

Marriott recently opened its first luxury all-inclusive resort—the Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic—with plans to open more.

Gifting Guidance

Industry Outlook for 2023: Merchandise, Gift Cards and Event Gifting

The Renaissance of Incentive Travel

Trends and Insights

Promotional products your attendees will love. Really.

Done right, swag also offers planners a lot of promotional mileage.

Incentive Research in Action

Highlighting the “FUN” in tangible awards is key to rewarding employees

History in the Making

Diverse Cultures and Heritages in Canada

Mindful Indulgences

Canada’s Exclusive Hidden Gems

Dynamic Duos

Exploring Canada's Perfect Pairings

Status Report

Industry expert Guy Malk shares his take on the state of employee recognition.

Editor's Choice: 6 Springtime Gifts

We made it through winter!

Warm up to Winter Ski Incentives

There’s no need to look beyond Canada’s borders when some of the world’s most sought-after winter incentive destinations are right here in our own backyard.

Set to Impress

Surprise clients and colleagues with a themed gift set that’s sure to bring warmth to the holidays.

Expert Tips for Virtual Incentive Events

Tips for overcoming the challenges of virtual engagement

Party Pivots

Large and loud parties may be off the table this year, but that doesn’t mean companies have to let the season pass without some festive fun.

Presents of Mind: The Art of Virtual Gifting

How virtual gifting can make your stakeholders feel valued

A Rewarding Experience

The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) held a virtual conversation entitled “New Approaches to Incentives, Rewards and Recognition During the Pandemic.”

Noteworthy: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Bermuda

Recent renovations add modern luxuries to this iconic Fairmont-managed resort

Cards vs. Cash

Which has the greater motivational power?

Good Times

Wellness In the Mix

Value Validation

New thoughts on the ROI of incentive travel programs

Trip Trends

From hot destinations to traveller preferences.

Sailing Away

The dream of owning a luxury yacht is only a reality for the affluent few, but experience of cruising on one for a couple of weeks can be a reality!

The More, The Merrier

Welcoming a spouse or partner to participate in a conference can be a deciding factor on whether to attend.

Holiday Angst

Vacations are your chance to relax and unwind, but can you really detach from emails, cellphones and notifications?

Making the Connection

How to help incentive trip attendees return with good memories—and new contacts

Make an Impact

Savvy tips to create a dazzling incentive travel program

Mutual Appreciation

The power of peer-to-peer recognition

Healthy Options for Incentive Trips

Here are three ways to give incentive trips a healthy makeover.

A Rewarding Experience

Should you outsource your incentive program?

Cruising the Rhone River

Scenic river cruise ships showcase the best the all-inclusive luxury river-cruise market has to offer.

Celebrating Employee Milestones

Improve your recognition programs with advice from industry pros.

How Do they Do It

A look inside successful incentive and engagement programs

Eyes on the Prize

Tips for keeping sales incentive earners motivated

Healthy employees = Healthy company

A report from the Global Wellness Summit

Measuring ROI

Tools and ideas to make the link between incentives and ROI.

Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, Florida

Incentive Travel Moment

Good Sensations

How wellness retreats can help nurture healthy and productive employees

How to Design an Effective Gift Card Incentive Program

One of Canada’s best places to work reflects on their unique gift card incentive program—a key strategy for celebrating and rewarding its 130 employees

Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island, Newfoundland

Incentive Travel Moment

The Case for including Spouses on Incentive Trips

When is it appropriate to invite spouses to join in the fun.

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Incentive Travel Moment

On-site Gifting

Bring an air of excitement to any incentive trip, sales meeting or corporate event.

Rim to River Hiking in the Grand Canyon

A unique incentive for the adventurous traveller.

Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, BC

Incentive Travel Moment

Creating incentive trips that appeal to everyone

Successful incentive trips start with flexibility, imagination and knowing your audience.

The Brave New World of Gift Cards

Innovative strategies are increasing the value of the popular plastic present

Award Show Winners

Make your award show rock with these fresh ideas

Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina

Luxury dominates at this revamped retreat in St. Lucia

Take me to the river

Cruising the world’s waterways holds great potential for memorable group trips

Click + Praise

Employee recognition is going social on corporate intranets

The Science of Incentives

What new research tells us about incentives and human behaviour

Incentive trips go family-style

If a destination holiday is the reward for hitting a target, shouldn’t family members be rewarded, too?

Knock-their-socks-off gifts for hard-to-buy-for executives

Expert tips from an industry veteran who takes the stress out of selecting executive gifts

Building a Better Program

The Maritz Institute says a deeper understanding of human behaviours should be the basis of motivational program design.

Perfect Pampering

How to make the most of clients’ spa experiences

Indulge Me!

Renowned spas that offer something for everyone

Customized Recognition Programs

The most effective employee recognition strategies take a customized approach.

Virtual gift cards, the new reality

Reward employees with a gift card that is flexible, customizable and easy to administer

Gift Cards that Give

Reward employees with a gift card that packs a one-two punch

Go with a Pro, in the Spa and on the Greens

Choosing qualified personnel in the spa and on the greens

Chartering private jets

A great perk and more cost-effective than you might think!

Offsite Employee Engagement

Keep your work-from-home staff regularly updated, engaged and feeling like they have a valuable role in the company

Behaviour-based Recognition

Reinforcing the little things pays off big for employees and employers alike

Canadian tax implications for employee gifts

The lowdown on the Canada Revenue Agency's rules for gifts and rewards

A Christmas Bonus with all the Fixin's!

Workplaces that pile on the recognition and rewards during the most wonderful time of the year

Peer-to-peer recognition

Read about the profound effect is has on company culture

Everyday Green Heroes

Coming to a workplace near you: a growing army of everyday green heroes!

Recognizing Environmental Actions in the Workplace

Incorporate a green component into your corporate rewards program

Reward and Recognize Every Day!

Read how one company's program recognizes and rewards employees every single day

New Year, New You!

How to set realistic goals and stick to your game plan

Co-Branded Cards

Companies extend their brands while extending their thanks

Last-minute gifts and rewards

Promo experts and reward wizards offer solid strategies and gift concepts that are fun, useful and yes, meaningful.

Double Pampering Hits the Spot!

An oxygen infused massage service is a cool addition to your next event or a soothing employee reward

Hidden Gems: Cobble Beach Resort

A luxury resort for intimate groups tucked away in northwestern Ontario's cottage country.

Gamification

Using game mechanics in the workplace is an innovative way to recognize and reward employees

Free and Fab Employee Rewards

A bevy of no-cost ways to reward your troops

Incentive Programs Used by the Pros

Here's how the country's most influential loyalty and rewards suppliers motivate their own

Think Local for Corporate Gifts

Sourcing attendee gifts from your meeting destination is charming, and supports the local economy.

21st Century Gift Cards

The latest changes on the Canadian gift card scene, from expiration dates to usage rules.

Time for an Incentive Travel Update

Revamp and update your incentive travel program

Reward Best-Practices for the Holiday Season

Make sure your clients and employees remember how you marked the holiday season

Small Product, Big Impact

You don't have to spend a lot on corporate gifts to keep your brand top of mind

Spa Rewards, Done Right

Much more than feel-good fluff, spa rewards can be a strong part of your strategic rewards plan

Staying Motivated

When you're in the business of rewards and recognition, staying positive has to be part of the job

Gift Giving Guidelines

Etiquette tips for giving corporate gifts

The Pros and Cons of Gift Cards

Rewarding employees or customers with gift cards offers them great personal choice, but be sure to match the goods with your goals.

Eco-Friendly Corporate Gift Ideas

Green, healthy and ethical corporate gift ideas

Green Guides

Look closely under the "green" label

Travel Rewards Strategy

As a team reward or individual incentive, tie travel programs to results

Speaker Gifts that Shine with Gratitude

Meeting pros take time out to share memorable ways to thank event speakers, clients and VIPs

Tax Treatment of Incentive Travel

Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for employee fringe benefits