LILA PHOTO

I was traveling a decent bit for work in May and it ended on an amazing note with the The Incentive Research Foundation 2024 Invitational. From the education sessions to the networking, every moment was filled with invaluable experiences while surrounded by incredible people and a beautiful backdrop. I’m also extremely grateful to have been on a panel as part of the 2024 Accelerate class to discuss the changes we’ve seen over the last few years and the future of Incentive travel. While my class is not done yet, I want to give a special shoutout to Scott Young for making the Accelerate program possible and highly recommend anyone in the industry to apply for future classes. I hope for any future classes that Scott drags his feet into retirement so you have the pleasure of working with him. I'd also be remiss to not mention my amazing mentor, Lynn Stadler Randall, for her amazing session as well her guidance, knowledge and wonderful sense of humor! One last, big shoutout to the IRF staff for putting together an incredible show this year and finding a way to outdo themselves year over year! Photos courtesy of LILA PHOTO #IRFInvitational2024 #IRFBahaMar

Having just returned from #IRF2024, I’d like to reflect on some of the key takeaways. This event is one of my favorites, consistently delivering top-quality experiences. The location was fantastic, thanks to Baha Mar and all the local Bahamian authorities. 🇧🇸 Kudos to the #IRF’s board, trustees and volunteers for always ensuring the most relevant and current content and excellent organization. 👏 Cabana Day was also a highlight, offering numerous networking opportunities and lots of fun! 🐮 This year's keynote speaker, Ben Nemtin, gave an inspiring talk about Bucket Lists, suggesting we follow these steps:  1. Write - consider the ten life categories  2. Share - to create accountability  3. Be Unstoppable - stay persistent  4. Be Brave - move through the fear  5. Give - without expectations I'm also proud to announce that Switzerland’s live auction prize package, supported by our #Swiss sponsors, was a great success. It secured the second-highest bid at the live auction and raised an incredible $23K. Special thanks to: Ralph Mehrabani from the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa Chakib Tahri from the Kempinski Palace Engelberg Jacky Tresch from the Sandoz Foundation Hotels Urs Huwiler from Bucher Travel Inc. and of course  Marius Karrer from @Swiss Premier Hotels, who also celebrated his 20th IRF attendance! Congrats 👏 Additional silent auction prizes were donated by Katalin von Mérey from Bürgenstock Collection and Fabian Gruetter from The Dolder Grand. 🙏 Photo credit to the amazing LILA PHOTO team! #IRF #IRF2024 #incentivetravel #businessevents #InLOVEwithSWITZERLAND

Legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana brought his winning spirit to the Teams Summit mainstage. He shared stories of perseverance on and off the field, answered advisors' questions, and even signed a couple footballs for some lucky attendees to take home. #BATeams 📸: LILA PHOTO

I had the pleasure of joining some amazing leaders on the mainstage Barron's Advisor at the Barron's Top Teams Summit in Las Vegas. It was an honor to represent the next generation of leadership in the industry along with C. James Taylor and Matthew Van Beek, CPWA®, C(k)P®, CPFA™ #BATEAMS LILA PHOTO

It is truly impossible to capture The Incentive Research Foundation's Invitational 2024 at Baha Mar on the #Bahamas in words or images. With an incredible effort of the IRF staff, led by Stephanie Harris, Andy Schwarz, Sheila Mires, Kayce Haynes, Kate Hernandez, CMP and so many more. As a team, together with all my fellow Trustee Board Members and all volunteers, we have been able to pull off an incredible experience for all 500+ attendees of this incredible #incentivetravel and #incentivenontravel community. A global vibrant community that genuinely understands that #experiences last forever. Education, networking and celebrating the #eventsindustry at large has been a delight and we want to thank each and every #partner and #buyer for joining us, and of course every sponsor and gifting partner that made this event to such a success! Bich-Lien Kaldahl, congratulations and thank you for all you do and have done for the IRF! Joe Fijol, #thankyou for your effortless support and congratulations for being celebrated by all! Sarah van der Steen, it is an honor to have you as my mentee and congrats on your stage performance as one of the chosen accelerates in the class of 2024. Again, #thankyou all for joining and celebrating the #incentiveindustry with the IRF. Let's continue our research and meet again in Cancun next year! #IRFInvitational2024 #IRFBahaMar LILA PHOTO SLS Baha Mar Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Rosewood Baha Mar The Launch Group Cacique International Ltd. @Equilibrium Bahamas Ovation Global DMC Sonja Söderbom CITP, Jessica Collins, Rudolf Rannegger, CMP, Carly McCarthy, Ovation Ireland DMC Ovation Spain DMC Ovation Portugal DMC Ovation Australia | Oceania DMC