Free Monthly Contest to Validate the Business Impact of Engagement Programs

Organizations can apply for a complimentary independent assessment of their engagement, incentive, reward, or recognition programs, with certification and industry recognition for those meeting EEA’s validation standards. A paid assessment option is also available for organizations seeking validation outside the monthly contest.

Can you prove the business impact of your engagement programs—not simply claim it?

The Enterprise Engagement Alliance (EEA) is launching the Engagement Impact Validation Contest to draw attention to the importance of credible measurement in employee engagement, customer loyalty, sales and channel incentives, recognition, rewards, and other stakeholder initiatives.

Each month, EEA will select one organization for a complimentary independent impact assessment. Programs that meet EEA’s validation standards will receive formal EEA Engagement Impact Validation Certification and an opportunity for a published case study in Enterprise Stakeholder Management (ESM), Rewards Recognition Network (RRN), or other EEA media.

There is no cost to enter, no charge for the selected assessment, and no obligation to purchase EEA services. Submissions remain confidential unless publication is authorized.

The Purpose of Impact Validation 

Organizations invest significant resources in engagement programs, yet many rely on participation rates, satisfaction surveys, testimonials, or unverified return-on-investment claims to demonstrate success. Far fewer establish the extent to which specific initiatives contribute to measurable business outcomes.

EEA’s validation methodology draws on statistical process control principles used in total quality management to examine relationships between program activities, stakeholder behaviors, and financial or operational results. The goal is to distinguish credible evidence of impact from assumptions about causation.

Methodologies for different types of engagement initiatives are outlined in EEA’s Impact Measurement Library.

Who Can Participate?

The contest is open to organizations of all sizes and solution providers submitting programs with their clients’ permission. Eligible initiatives include employee engagement and recognition, customer loyalty, sales and channel incentives, rewards, incentive travel, training, wellness, and other programs designed to improve stakeholder performance.

How the Contest Works

1. Submit Your Program. Provide a brief description of the initiative, its objectives, target audience, approximate investment, intended business outcomes, and available measurement data.
2. Monthly Selection. EEA selects one entrant each month based on the quality of available evidence and the opportunity to conduct a credible assessment—not on claims of success. Other qualifying entries may be considered in subsequent months.
3. Initial Review. A meeting of one hour or less examines program objectives, strategy, tactics, measurement methods, and available data to determine whether meaningful validation is feasible. The EEA will not proceed with further validation unless analysts believe the program has a good chance of success.
4. Independent Assessment. EEA analysts review the available evidence, including a review of the strategy and tactics, relevant baselines, comparisons, stakeholder behavior, business outcomes, program costs, and alternative explanations for the results.
5. Certification and Recognition. Programs meeting EEA’s standards receive formal certification and an opportunity for a published case study, subject to factual review and publication approval.

What Selected Organizations Receive

• Complimentary independent impact assessment examining the program’s measurable contribution to business performance.
• EEA Engagement Impact Validation Certification if the evidence meets established standards.
• Published case study in EEA media for certified programs, subject to publication approval.
• Industry recognition for participating organizations and solution providers.
• Recommendations for improving measurement, whether or not the program qualifies for certification.

Certification is not guaranteed. EEA evaluates the credibility of the evidence rather than the size of the claimed results, distinguishing demonstrated outcomes from estimates or unsupported conclusions.

Optional Paid Validation for Organizations Seeking Immediate Assessment

Organizations that prefer not to wait for the monthly contest selection may apply for EEA’s independent paid validation service.

Preliminary Impact Assessment — No cost during launch period; $950 thereafter. An initial review of program objectives, available data, measurement methodology, and readiness for full validation. The fee includes a detailed findings and is credited toward a full assessment if the program proceeds.

Standard Impact Validation — $4,950. An independent review of existing program data, business outcomes, and supporting evidence, including a written assessment and certification if EEA’s standards are met. More complex, multi-program, or enterprise-wide assessments are available through individually scoped engagements. All fees cover the assessment process, not certification. Certification is awarded only when the evidence meets EEA’s established validation requirements. There is no extra fee if certification is awarded.

Enter the Engagement Impact Validation Contest

Applicants are asked to provide the organization and program name, a brief description of the initiative, its target audience and objectives, approximate investment and duration, intended business outcomes, and a summary of available data. Entries are reviewed monthly. Applicants not selected may be considered for future months or may request a paid assessment.

One organization is selected each month for a free assessment. All organizations have the opportunity to establish the credibility of their results through independent validation.

The purpose is to prove—not simply claim—the business impact of engagement.

For More Information or to Enter

Contact Bruce Bolger, Founder, the EEA: Bolger@TheEEA.org or 914-591-7600i, ext. 230.