Loyalty360 Reads: Upper Deck Enhances Customer Engagement with “My MVP” Contest, EG Partners With Axonet to Merge Retail Media Into Its Loyalty Program, and Hyatt Enhances the Customer Experience

Upper Deck Heightens Customer Engagement with Fifth NHL “My MVP” Contest to Celebrate Hockey Fans 

The sports and entertainment collectibles platform, Upper Deck, has announced its fifth installment of the NHL® “My MVP” Contest. Following a record-breaking volume of participants in 2023, the contest continues to honor hockey’s most devoted fans by celebrating their passion and contributions to the sport.  

Upper Deck Senior Manager Paul Nguyen said, “Each year of the NHL “My MVP” Program Contest brings light to new fans, their passion, connection to the game of hockey, and new stories highlighting their commitment to their teams. We are fortunate for the opportunity to connect with them and share their spirit. We’re proud to build a contest that invigorates fans, connects hockey communities, and unites people by their passion for the sport.” 

Fans aged 18 and older, residing in the U.S., Canada, or D.C., can enter by submitting their story on the contest page. Participants must explain why they deserve the MVP title, citing their positive influence on the fan community or exceptional enthusiasm for the NHL team they root for the most. The contest progresses through two rounds of voting. The first selects a “Team MVP” for each NHL team, and the second determines the “Ultimate MVP” from among the team winners. 

The “Ultimate MVP” will receive an impressive prize package, including tickets to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a $500 travel voucher, one-night lodging, and a custom trading card from the 2025-26 Upper Deck collection. The timeline for the contest spans two months, beginning with the entry period from now through December 2, 2024, and culminating with the announcement of the winner on January 10, 2025.  

Learn more about the “My MVP” contest here: https://www.witcontests.com/p/mymvp2024 
 

EG America Joins Axonet, Plans to Integrate Retail Media Into Its Loyalty Program 

EG America, the U.S. division of U.K.-based EG Group, has partnered with Axonet, a retail media platform, to enhance its advertising capabilities. The partnership will integrate EG America’s 1,500-plus convenience stores into Axonet’s aggregated retail media network by early 2025. Advertisers will be able to engage with shoppers through various touchpoints, including fuel pumps and external digital ads.  

In a recent statement, EG America President and CEO John Carey said, “By leveraging Axonet’s technology and our extensive network of stores and SmartRewards members, we’ll provide CPG brands with a powerful platform to reach consumers at key moments in their shopping journey.” 

The partnership will allow EG America to bypass the complexities of building its own network, leveraging Axonet’s established technology and expertise. Outsourcing such services has become a trend even among companies with existing media platforms, as it streamlines operations and enhances program outcomes. EG America plans to integrate retail media offerings into its SmartRewards loyalty program, enabling personalized promotions and targeted campaigns for its members.  

Learn more about the SmartRewards loyalty program here: https://www.smartpayrewards.com/ 
 

Hyatt Enhances the Customer Experience with Headspace Partnership by Unveiling New Sleep Series for Travelers 

According to a recent survey, three-quarters of consumers admit that sleep quality is essential when traveling and will utilize amenities to improve their sleep. To cater to these travel consumers, Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, and Headspace have partnered to launch Headspace’s Science Behind Sleep series, a five-episode video initiative designed to improve sleep quality for travelers. The series debuted on November 14 and is part of Hyatt’s World of Hyatt loyalty program. It’s now available across approximately 400 hotel rooms and through the Headspace app. Filmed at the serene Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in California, the episodes feature meditation expert Dora Kamau and renowned sleep psychologist Dr. Aric Prather. Together, they provide scientifically backed strategies to help travelers overcome common sleep challenges, such as jet lag and nighttime wake-ups, ensuring guests feel rested and revitalized during their journeys. 

Hyatt President of Global Wellbeing TJ Abrams said, “Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, brings with it a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety and stress, all which can affect our sleep quality. To ensure guests and members are feeling their best, no matter where they lay their heads, the video series is designed to help our guests, members, customers, and colleagues on their wellbeing journeys.” 

The series offers actionable insights through episodes like “Befriending Jet Lag,” “Creating a Travel Bedtime Routine,” “Eat and Drink Smarter,” and “The Power of Morning Sunlight.” Hyatt hopes to empower viewers to establish effective sleep routines while on the road. By combining Headspace’s expertise in mindfulness with Hyatt’s commitment to guest well-being, the partnership sets a new standard for integrating health and hospitality. The series highlights practical tips, from dietary adjustments to managing circadian rhythms, helping guests optimize their sleep experiences both during and after travel. 

Get a look at Episode 1: Befriending Jet Lag here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oNwMDZi-5s 

Read More on Trends, Updates, and Industry Leaders 
 

Original Article Links: 

Upper Deck Launches Fifth-Annual NHL "My MVP" Program Contest to Find the Most Devoted and Festive Hockey Fans 

EG America enters the retail media game 

World of Hyatt and Headspace Launch New Series to Help Travelers Find A Good Night's Sleep 

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