The winners of the second annual Loyalty360 Awards have been announced at the eighth annual Loyalty Expo, powered by Loyalty360 – the Loyalty Marketers’ Association. Taking top honors for the second year in a row was Best Western International, for its innovative and customer-centric rewards program and customer loyalty initiatives. The highlight of Best Western’s winning program was its Earn Your Wings promotion, which helped the program earn tremendous membership growth and customer advocacy.
360-Degree Loyalty winners were named for North America and international markets, and in five categories for North America. A highly competitive field of 84 entries, submitted by 63 brands, were scored by a panel of 15 judges. Judges focused on innovative techniques and tools, as well as measurable results, to identify the brands that are truly advancing the practice of customer loyalty.
In addition to the 360-Degree Award, Best Western took home the platinum trophy in the Best Customer Insights in Loyalty Marketing category. Global Hotel Alliance’s DISCOVERY loyalty program was named Best Customer Experience & Engagement winner. The Best Technology & Trends in Loyalty Marketing category went to Freshii. Air Canada placed first in the Best Rewards or Loyalty Program. Raley’s Fine Family of Stores took top honors in the Best Creative Campaign in Loyalty Marketing. Flying Blue, the frequent flyer program of Air France and KLM, was named the 360-Degree Winner for EMEA, APAC and/or LATAM markets.
“The winning brands are using a wide array of tools and techniques to build customer loyalty, but one thing that they all have in common is that their entire organizations, from top to bottom, are integrated into the customer strategy,” said Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360. “These brands have also expanded their loyalty strategies beyond just a traditional loyalty program functionality. They are including other marketing tactics in the strategy, like customer experience, customer engagement, gamification and corporate social responsibility,” continued Johnson.
Winners were presented with trophies during a ceremony at the eighth annual Loyalty Expo. The 2015 Loyalty Expo took place April 27 – 29, at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. For more information visithttp://loyaltyexpo.com/.