At $46 billion. The merchandise and travel incentive industry is booming. Take a look at the latest research from the Incentive Federation, and learn how merchandise incentives are an effective motivation tool.

Whether it’s getting out for a weekend of camping and fishing, or simply lounging on the deck and enjoying the fresh air, everyone loves the outdoors in one way or another. Help them enjoy it more by offering products that inspire peak performance from those who want to get outside.

Far more than a holiday-season business gift, gourmet food is an effective incentive at all times of the year, and for all types of programs. Find out what you need to know to make gourmet food part of your program.

Creating an effective incentive program means planning wisely from the beginning, with the right partners to help you along and the right products that offer a high perceived value and appeal to everyone.

In-suite gifts received on incentive trips are often left behind, but you can avoid the pitfalls and find a new path to really make an impact.

From fashionable colors to powerful in-camera features, the latest developments in digital still cameras are sure to please your incentive and reward program participants. This month, we look at all the new innovations and highlight some options at various price points to help you get started.

In this first in a series of articles looking at the ways incentives, recognition and motivation can make critical connections between a company’s financial performance and its overall ability to recruit, engage and retain its employees, we consider sales incentive development issues.

Whether you’re looking to motivate employees to go greener in their work habits, or you want to improve customer loyalty through your devotion to environmental awareness, it can pay to go green. We cover some of the ways you can make your incentive, reward and recognition program more earth-friendly.

One-size-fits-all recognition programs are far less effective than tailored solutions. Consider your audience carefully as you plan to be sure you’re offering recognition that makes a difference.

Giving an effective reward requires careful planning from start to finish. Whether it’s making sure batteries are included or offering a little help with a tough installation, rounding out your program means paying attention to all the details.

The New York Incentive, Reward & Recognition Show will be the place to be to learn about connecting your business performance with people engagement through brands and promotional products. We’ve got some specifics to help you plan your trip.

The secret behind the incentive power of high-tech electronics is that there’s truly something for everyone. But don’t just take our word for it. On these pages you’ll find products that can motivate the world.

Gift card incentives offer a flexible option for planners, and a wide range of choices for award-winners. Take advantage of these benefits, but first read our feature to learn what you need to know to make the best choice for your program.

Whether you’re just getting your wellness program under way, or you’re looking for new ways to inspire healthy behaviors, incentives have been proven to be an essential piece of the puzzle.

In this second in a series of articles looking at the ways incentives, recognition and motivation can make critical connections between a company’s financial performance and its overall ability to recruit, engage and retain its employees, we consider some critical steps to ensure your recruitment and on-boarding efforts are effective.

Gift cards have become an integral part of many companies’ incentive plans. But to truly get the most bang for your gift card buck, you should consider customization options.

Before you can motivate generation Y, you need a thorough understanding of what makes these newest entrants to the workforce tick. This month, our IMA guest columnist takes a look at how generation Y is getting along with their parents—the baby boomers.

Despite taking a back seat to more contemporary time keepers such as cell phones and PDAs, watches have never held more power as incentive awards than right now.

With the baby boomers set to begin retiring in waves, the workforce is facing a labor shortage, and companies need smart strategies to handle the void. This month we look at some ways to manage talent effectively.

When it comes time to consider your company’s business gifts, careful consideration is called for to ensure you get an appropriate gift that is sure to please. Here’s some advice from the pros to help you make your way through the ins and outs of gifting to ensure many happy returns on your gifting plans.

Bad economic news is seemingly everywhere, but you can rise above, and help your company rise above too, but not giving into the “fear of fear itself.” In this interview with executive coach Dan Couglin, we ask for guidance through the daily onslaught of bad news.

To truly motivate, you need to rely on rewards that have high value for your program participants, and that means brands. This month, our IMA guest columnist explores the importance of including recognized and respected brands in your program.

In the world of business, corporate responsibility programs, including greener approaches and socially responsible practices, have become increasingly important. Learn about the role of promotions and incentives in these critical programs.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration and education along with some networking with your peers to help you motivate your targets, The Motivation Show in Chicago in September is the place to be.

Poor relationships between managers and employees can undermine the effectiveness of any engagement strategy. This month we consider strategies to improve these crucial dynamics.

Technology’s function as a distraction from daily headaches may be its most valuable asset especially when it comes to attracting and motivating program participants.

Selecting the right merchandise to include in your incentive program means being aware of major trends across the industry and in specific niches. This trend report takes a look at what’s effective now.

Improving safety can have a major impact on the company’s bottom line, and making incentives a part of those programs has been proven to deliver strong results.

Everyone loves a trophy, from the Little Leaguers playing in the local ballpark to the top performers playing ball with your competitors.

As merchandise is continually updated and improved, it’s important to make sure you stay ahead of the changes to ensure your reward recipients are not disappointed.

When creating incentive and recognition programs, it’s helpful to envision the process as a continuously flowing circle of components, rather than a linear set of steps. And supporting that circle is management buy-in. All of it feeds into top performance for the workforce, and ultimately, the business.

Consumers of all kinds benefit when travel goods help meet their ever-changing, everyday, multi-tasking lives. Here, we dig deeper to discover what trends should impact your selections as you choose luggage and leather goods for your next incentive program.

Standing behind the incentive industry, with members including manufacturers, representatives, incentive houses and more, the IMA has working hard for nearly a decade to ensure your programs are a success. Learn more about how this association is celebrating its 10th year by expanding its efforts to inform, educate and grow the professionalism of the incentive market.

When you’re deciding what to use to motivate the target of your incentive program, it pays to know what works and what doesn’t. This month, our industry expert walks you through some of the do’s and don’ts of making an effective choice.