It has been a busy month at IMA!  I was delighted to attend the IGCC meeting in Omaha, and the IMRA meeting in San Antonio.  I am told that this is something of a first time, at least in recent memory, that the IMA President has been invited to speak at SIG meetings where they are not a member of that SIG.  I mention this because I think that it is indicative of the theme of last year's Summit, "Stronger Together".  There is a powerful conversation emerging from our SIGs, committees and general membership that recognizes the strength that we have as a group actively engaged in promoting common goals. This collaboration is especially important when proselytizing for the efficacy of all aspects of incentives.  

This sense meshes nicely with the theme of our upcoming Summit, held July 24-26 in Orlando, "Dream Big!", a natural next step and consequence of our realizing the benefits of being "Stronger Together".  Registration is proceeding at a fast pace, and we have limited available hotel space at our conference location, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, at the terrific rate of $209.00 per night, which includes WiFi and airport transportation, for registered Summit attendees.

While you're registering for the Summit, remember to sign up for the three-hour Principles of Result-Based Incentive Programs course which will be offered Monday, July 24.  This is a one-stop opportunity to get a great overview regarding how all of the different components of incentive programs tie together- gift cards, merchandise and travel/experiential.  This is a must-do course if you are a member in one part of this community and want to better understand how your solution fits into the big picture.  Immediately following the course, you can optionally take the test (all questions based on information presented in the course) to qualify for certification as an Incentive Professional (IP). Qualifying as an IP is the path to ultimate qualification as a Certified Professional of Incentive Management (CPIM).  Both of these certifications are nationally recognized, and the last year has seen the most certifications awarded in years!

If you're a new attendee to the Summit, I invite you to let us know if you would like to be paired with a long-time attendee by signing up for our Ambassador Program.  This is your chance to have a one-on-one ambassador to help you get the most out of the conference.  Also, as a reminder to those of you who have attended in prior years, due to a high volume of new-attendee enrollments, your participation as an ambassador would be greatly appreciated.  More details below in the Summit section.

In other news, your board authorized the creation of the IMA Hall of Fame, which seeks to recognize those who have made critical contributions to the IMA over the years.  It is our hope that the stories of these contributions will help curate a history of the IMA and its growth, for the general public and members alike.  IMA Past President, Spencer Toomey, has led the effort to establish the Hall of Fame, and has an update in this Fast Take as to how you can nominate a candidate for induction.  In order for our first class of inductees to be announced at the upcoming Summit, the nominating deadline will close soon. Please take the time to consider and nominate someone you know that has done something special for IMA! Read more in the section directly below.

Finally, it's election time!  The IMA Board of Directors has just ratified the 2017 Nominating Committee's recommendation of candidates to fill upcoming terms on the board.  Look for your invitation to vote to arrive soon.  Taking the short time to vote is a statement of support of your association and the candidates who have put their names forward. Therefore, I urge you to take the time to make your voice heard.

Wishing you all prosperity and happiness,

Sean Roark, CPIM
Vice President, Incentive Programs
PromoPros/IncentPros, Inc.
President, IMA

Share a booth with IMA - limited to first 10 reservations!  

IMEX America 2017 planning is underway. The 2017 event will be held October 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

IMA is offering to share its booth with interested IMA members. Each year IMA and the companies who share our booth find great success at this event.

Costs for booth (includes space, display cases, counters, graphics, electricity, and more)
$7,250 -  if we receive the commitment and deposit of $1,000 by May 15th
$7,500 with a commitment and deposit of $1,000 by August 1st
$7,750 with a commitment made after August 1st

Last year nearly 12,000 visitors attended the IMEX America conference. Every one of our booth partners was able to pre-schedule one-on-one appointments with potential buyers. The IMA staff supported booth partners to ensure that they took full advantage of the promotional opportunities associated with exhibiting at IMEX.

 If you are interested in participating in a booth with IMA, please email IMA's Executive Director, Karen Wesloh at kwelsoh@incentivemarketing.org.