Jan 2026 Gift Card Industry Update by Eric Thiegs

As we kick off a new year, I want to say thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 a meaningful year for the gift card and digital rewards industry. Gift cards, prepaid cards, and digital rewards continue to power loyalty, incentives, and recognition programs around the world. This Coffee Chat is a moment to appreciate the community, the collaboration, and the impact this industry delivers every day.

Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC) elects Eric Thiegs to the Board of Directors for 2025 - 2026 term

I have the ultimate work-life balance quote for you: “Don’t get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton 🎶 I’m taking Dolly’s words to heart today...

I had the pleasure (and honor) of being asked to host/emcee the 2025 Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) Awards Ceremony earlier this week.

I am excited to speak on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Incentive Marketing Association Summit in Austin, TX, as the guest speaker at the Incentive Gift Card Coalition session. 

This week’s Coffee Chat is a little “inside baseball” for those of us in the incentive industry. As co-chair of the Incentive Gift Card Coalition Communications Committee, I’ve been in Incentive Marketing Association mode with the IMA Summit happening in Austin July 14–16. I wanted to give a personal sneak peek at this special industry event.

A few weeks ago, on June 2, the Incentive Marketing Association announced its nominees and shortlisted candidates for the 2025 IMA Awards. This is a quick thank you to the Incentive Marketing Association for naming me one of two finalists for the 2025 Incentive Industry Influencer of the Year Award.

IMA Global released their massive Incentive & Recognition Provider Research Report, based on input from 650 industry leaders. The report explores key trends and insights across five core incentive categories: 1. Gift Cards 2. Travel 3. Merchandise 4. Peer-to-Peer Rewards 5. Points-Based Programs

Eric celebrates 25+ years in the incentive, gift card, and payments partnership industry with the launch of his Coffee Chat video blog series