One10 has set out how incentive program operators can respond to diverging merchandise budgets, demand for unfamiliar travel destinations and growing interest in AI. Its February 19, 2025 commentary on the Incentive Research Foundation's annual trends report combines the research with examples from the company's gifting and travel operations.

The budget picture varies by region. The IRF describes stronger demand for merchandise in the $50–$100 range in North America as planners manage cost pressures. In Europe, the foundation reports that average expenditure per merchandise reward increased from €174 in 2023 to €232 in 2024. Those figures describe the preceding years' spending, rather than a forecast of the amount every program will allocate in 2025.

One10 connects these differences to the need for a catalog that spans price points. Its Rewarding You gifting service includes merchandise and experiences, with the company citing options ranging from modest apparel purchases to jewelry, sporting events and vacations. For program owners, the practical decision is how to balance available budgets with recipients' interests and the type of recognition being offered.

Travel destination choice is another focus. The 2024 Incentive Travel Index, cited by the IRF, found that 70% of buyers were considering destinations they had not previously used. One10 points to river cruises and less familiar locations as possible ways to meet that interest, while still accommodating the logistical and budget requirements of a group trip.

The company also describes an incentive trip to Argentina that gave participants a choice between Mendoza's vineyards, Bariloche and an El Calafate itinerary that included a helicopter visit to glaciers. The example illustrates its approach to personalizing a shared program through distinct activities. Other recommendations include flexible schedules, dietary accommodations, alcohol-free options and mobile access to registration and itineraries.

For AI, One10 identifies forecasting, marketing material preparation and attendee feedback analysis as operational applications. Seating arrangements and surveys are further examples of tasks that can benefit from assistance. The company pairs these uses with the need to check facts, protect data and establish governance for how the tools are used.

Environmental practices complete the discussion. One10 describes refillable bottles, merchandise sourcing and lower-carbon travel options, and gives an example of conference food and beverage waste being composted for a local farm. Its commentary presents these measures as decisions within program planning, alongside reward selection and participant experience.