Industry Leadership & Gift Card Expertise

Eric Thiegs' organizational involvement

A trusted voice in global gift cards, digital rewards, and branded currency

Beyond his client work and leadership at Carlson Marketing Group, Access Development, National Gift Card | NGC (President/Partner), Blackhawk Network (VP), Totus (Head of Strategy) and now NeoCurrency, Eric has been active in the professional gift card and incentive associations, working groups, and industry communities that shape the future of the global gift card ecosystem.

In 2025, he was named to the shortlist as Honored Industry Contributor of the Year (GCVA Award) and Industry Influencer of the Year (IMA Award).

With over 25 years in incentives and gift cards and an active involvement in a variety of leading industry organizations, he has experienced a 360° view of the gift card payment sector—operations, distribution, providers & partners, and emerging technology—allowing Eric to offer informed, strategic guidance to the broader gift card and incentive industry.

A rising tide lifts all boats...

Gift Card & Incentive Industry Association and Board Roles

Eric plays an active role in shaping the global gift card and incentives landscape as a Board Member of the Incentive Gift Card Coalition (IGCC) and an engaged member of the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA), and the Incentive Marketing Association (IMA), both US and Europe chapters.

Through these organizations, Eric contributes to industry education, best practices, gift card strategy, reward technology adoption, innovations in B2B gift card sourcing principles for the entire incentive and gift card sector, and has been fortunate to serve as a featured speaker, moderator, and guest panelist for these organizations over his 25-year career.

As one of the leading gift card experts, Eric is a featured testimonial for the Women in Incentives Network (WIIIN), helping champion mentorship, visibility, and leadership opportunities for women across the gift card and incentive industry.