With registration going on for the 2019 Franchise Marketing, Innovation and Technology Conference, we wanted to take a look back at our 2018 award winners. Held October 17-19 in Austin, Texas, MITcon brought together franchise professionals for networking and to hear from the top tech companies, including Amazon, Facebook, and IBM. Read a little more about our 2018 honorees’ innovative campaigns below.
Best Marketing Campaign – Business to Consumer Marketing
Recipient: Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
The award recognized Kiddie Academy’s Storytime LIVE! campaign’s achievement for innovation, creativity, and impact. “Kiddie Academy created Storytime LIVE! nearly a decade ago to provide families with a special bonding experience that ultimately prepares children for reading in the classroom,” said Kiddie Academy President. At these events, attendees were entertained with story readings by Curious George and/or Pinkalicious.
Best Marketing Campaign – Franchise Development Marketing
Recipient: Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations was recognized for their outstanding digital marketing and online engagement practices. Their headquarters team funds more than $4 million in marketing programs so that Dream Vacations franchise owners are supplied with the resources they need to succeed and stay ahead of the competition. Alicia Linden, marketing manager for Dream Vacations, stated, “It is our mission to be at the forefront of innovation and be the best within the travel agency franchise sector; this award solidifies that.”
Innovation
Recipient: Little Caesars Pizza
Little Caesars received this award for their Pizza Portal campaign. Using the mobile app to access the “portal”, customers are able to skip in-store lines and simply scan their phone or type in their code, and the door to their personal, heated compartment opens to reveal their pizza order. This innovative use of technology provides something every customer wants; avoiding time spent in tedious waiting lines.
Overall Innovation
Recipient: International House of Pancakes
IHOP was honored for their bold innovation strategies. Attendees were all interested to hear why IHOP decided to change their name to IHOb to include burgers for a short period of time: “We needed a way to grow our business during lunch and dinner, and we understood burgers are the No. 1 selling entrée among adults in the U.S,” said Brad Haley, IHOP Chief Marketing Officer on the “IHOb” campaign.
Are you interested in the chance to win a MITcon 2019 award? Click here to nominate your brand!