Loyalty Awards 2015 launch as 'new era of
loyalty emerges'
• Acquisitions, buy-outs and launches make September 2014
an incredible month for loyalty
• Awards entries expected to reflect the massive innovation,
technological advancement and inventiveness currently
emerging
The Loyalty Awards EMEA for 2015 launched today into an exciting, turbulent and
unpredictable world.
As retailers rise to the challenge of engaging with customers through mobile devices,
wearables and using in-store beacons, the loyalty industry itself is experiencing a
massive period of change. New companies have emerged onto the scene. Others have
been acquired by big players recognising the importance of loyalty initiatives in the
new, mobile world. Yet more are joining forces to offer a complete suite of loyalty
reward, data analytics and payments options.
For the retailers, airlines, hotels and other consumer-facing businesses the challenge
is to make choices between initiatives that will differentiate their offering, and move
the focus away from the cheapest price.
Loyalty couldn't be more exciting
During the last three years, The Loyalty Awards have paid tribute to excellence,
innovation, inventiveness and an understanding of the needs of the customer. Each
year the event has grown bigger and glitzier as the best companies from throughout
the Europe, Middle East and Africa region pitch battle for the coveted prizes.
Annich McIntosh, editor of Loyalty Magazine says the awards for 2015 will be even
more fiercely fought, but that the winners couldn't be more difficult to predict. She
commented: "Loyalty is being reinvented as companies recognise the importance of
engaging with customers, encouraging interaction and providing more exciting
incentives for spend and return visits. This isn't new, but what is different is that
technology in the form of data analytics and use of mobile are making many new
initiatives possible. The old rules of engagement don't necessarily apply any more.
No-one can be complacent."
The Loyalty Awards panel of industry experts fought long and hard to arrive at the
list of winners for 2014. From more than 200 entries, a shortlist of 119 finalists was
determined. These entries were then debated and analysed by the judges throughout
one long hot day.
The winners received their prizes during an impressive gala evening hosted by
comedian Ruby Wax, and many have used this achievement on their marketing
literature and in-store displays. Winning a Loyalty Award is something to be very
proud of.
New event
New in 2015 will be the first ever Loyalty Conference – Lessons from the Winners.
Annich McIntosh explained: "The one question we are asked the most is 'why did one
company win rather than the others in the shortlist'. This conference will give the
winners the opportunity to explain. We will also be showcasing a number of the new
technologies changing the loyalty industry. It will be an exciting two days."
Download the Call for Entries from www.theloyaltyawards.com,
from www.loyaltymagazine.com or contact info@theloyaltyawards.com
For any questions please call The Loyalty Awards team on +44 (0)1572 820088.
Diary dates:
The Loyalty Awards 2015
Closing date for entries: February 19, 2015
Gala dinner and awards ceremony: June 9, 2015
Website: www.theloyaltyawards.com
The Loyalty Conference - Lessons from the Winners
March 2&3, The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington
Website: www.theloyaltyconference.com
Loyalty Magazine – 2015 launch edition - published October 2014 focuses on
Emotional loyalty, plus a Special Report on recent mergers, acquisitions, launches
and partnerships.
Website: www.loyaltymagazine.com