Innovation

🍕 Piada Italian Street Food partners with Sparkfly to revamp its in-house guest loyalty program. This collaboration introduces a customizable tier system within Piada One, the brand's digital engagement platform, which also encompasses online ordering and digital gift cards. The updated loyalty program allows guests more flexibility like choosing different rewards and integrates with third-party systems for improved personalization. The integration extends to their online ordering platform, Olo, enabling a seamless loyalty experience. Piada plans to add tier-based marketing segmentation to offer more exclusive and personalized incentives. The transition consolidates previous separate loyalty programs into a single points-based system, responding to customer desires for higher value order rewards. Sparkfly has previously worked with Chipotle, First Watch, and Bojangles, specializing in customized loyalty and offer management programs.

✈️ Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, launches the AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality, targeting airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel technology providers. The platform aims to enhance customer experiences and operations using AI, with features like hyper-personalized marketing, optimized bot and IVR performance, loyalty experiences, efficient operations, and maximized revenue management. Global businesses like Hyatt and Tripadvisor utilize Snowflake to leverage data for strategic decisions and automation.

📰 A Forbes article on January 16, 2023, suggests storytelling can maintain attention beyond 40 seconds. Netflix's storytelling method involves dividing content into episodes with a feedback mechanism. Former Disney Cast Members consume content eagerly, learning about the company history. Hoteliers like Hilton and Marriott pioneered hospitality services. Using phone technology, hotels can share stories through IG stories to engage employee learning. A December 13, 2022, McKinsey Quarterly article highlights leadership, communication, and investment as keys to successful business culture and talent retention.

💻 62% of consumers feel their favorite brands treat them as individuals, and 79% are likely to engage with personalized emails. Brands like Burger King, Papa John’s, and Domino’s use AI and machine learning for tailored experiences. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) focus on personalization, engagement, delivery, and hyperlocal marketing to increase loyalty and margins, with a drive for innovation to stay competitive. Terri Gaughan, with over 30 years in marketing, underscores the importance of consumer insights and behavioral science in customer engagement strategies.