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- Cirque du Soleil: Free tickets to Mystère or tickets starting at $50 for six of their popular Las Vegas productions.
- The Mirage Hotel and Casino: Complimentary Red Bull and vodka cocktails at the Race and Sports Book Bar or Onda Wine Lounge for 250 lucky winners.
- Luxor: Complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at Tacos & Tequila (T&T), a flavorful Mexican restaurant.
- PURE Management Group: Free drinks, meals and bottle service at their popular Vegas restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
- N9NE Group: Free VIP tickets to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Palms Pool on August 14, 2010.
- Sierra Gold: Free cocktails including beer, wine and well drinks.
- Measureable results: See who is checking into your business and what they have to say.
- Virality: Recommendations are shared to networks including Facebook and Twitter.
- Community: Extend your brand into mobile and build a strong community of loyal customers helping each other.
- Cirque du Soleil: Free tickets to Mystère or tickets starting at $50 for six of their popular Las Vegas productions.
- The Mirage Hotel and Casino: Complimentary Red Bull and vodka cocktails at the Race and Sports Book Bar or Onda Wine Lounge for 250 lucky winners.
- Luxor: Complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at Tacos & Tequila (T&T), a flavorful Mexican restaurant.
- PURE Management Group: Free drinks, meals and bottle service at their popular Vegas restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
- N9NE Group: Free VIP tickets to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Palms Pool on August 14, 2010.
- Sierra Gold: Free cocktails including beer, wine and well drinks.
- Whrrl Society Rewards is an entirely new form of loyalty program and different from traditional loyalty programs in four important ways:
- As part of the unveiling, Whrrl has teamed with Murphy USA to reward the customers who love them. When customers check in with Whrrl at one of Murphy USA’s 1,100 locations nationwide, they will be accepted into the “Murphy USA Society” and earn a chance to immediately win free gas.
- Murphy USA has also engaged the services of Collective Bias, the leading social shopper marketing agency, to create a social media advocate community. This community will drive participation in the Murphy USA Society as well as the retailer’s future digital and social initiatives.
- “Traditional loyalty programs can create the wrong expectations with customers, because discounts based on transactions don’t always lead to a deeper relationship,” said Casey Petersen, Social Media Marketing Manager for Murphy USA. “We love our customers not only for their business, but positive word-of-mouth and influence on others to try Murphy USA gas. Whrrl’s Society Rewards program is the perfect way to reward them for their loyalty.”
- ”Murphy USA is embracing social and local technology to re-invent what it means to be your gas station,” said John Kim, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Pelago. “Why does fueling up need to be a mundane activity when it can be opportunity for surprise, delight and fun? We are excited to be working with a brand that wants to add spice to your everyday activities.”
Vegas, baby! Whrrl takes over Sin City with free prizes when you check in!
August 16th, 2010… and now your business can participate in Society Rewards, too!
If you’re anything like me, then you know getting off that plane in Las Vegas means you’re already taking a gamble. Between the world-class hotels & resorts, entertainment, fine dining and nightlife, you know it’s going to be an adventure. I always struggle with where to go and what to do because it’s simply overwhelming!
What if I said you could check in on Whrrl and not only find the hottest recommendations things to do in Vegas delivered right to your phone – but also that you could win *before* you hit the casino floor?
It’s true! Whrrl expanded its Society Rewards Program and partnered with the top hotels, resorts, restaurant, entertainment and nightlife in Vegas to offer you super cool, free stuff when you check in. It’s that simple. What will I win, you ask?
But that’s not all. Checking into each of these places will immediately grant you membership to their Society. Why does this matter? Because you’ll be able to view and swap recommendations about the hottest things to do in Vegas with other people that have similar interests to you.
For instance, if you recommend to other Cirque du Soleil Society members that Mystere is a show they should not miss, you’ll earn points for that rec. Additionally, you’ll earn points when someone both wants to do your rec, and then actually does it. The more points, the higher you level up in Societies. And the higher you level up in Societies, the better chance you have to WIN!
Does Society Rewards sound like the perfect program to reward your loyal customers? Now you can join the program online at: http://rewards.whrrl.com It’s free to sign up, and Whrrl Society Rewards offers:
So, I know don’t know about you, but these odds sound pretty darn good! :)
We have more news in the coming days and weeks about Society Rewards, including a special VIP event at Eva Longoria Parker’s Eve Nightclub. Stay tuned!
Read the official press release on the Vegas Society Rewards here.
… and now your business can participate in Society Rewards, too!
Whrrl Ups the Ante in Vegas with Society Rewards
August 11th, 2010
Anyone can become a Vegas insider by checking in on Whrrl for the chance to win free food, drinks and tickets from Sin City’s hottest properties and brands- and even meet celebrities
SEATTLE, WA – August 11, 2010 – Recently, Whrrl launched Society Rewards, the first mobile location-based program to reward people for their positive word of mouth and recommendations about their favorite businesses. Today, Whrrl announces major properties and brands in Vegas have joined the Society Rewards program, including top hotels, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment destinations.
Now, when users in Vegas check in on Whrrl, they will have the immediate opportunity to win big – even before arriving at the casino floor. The following merchants have joined the Society Rewards program to provide a chance to win the following prizes:
Red Bull – which recently created the Red Bull Society launching at their Air Race in New York – is also expanding their presence on Whrrl by providing special prizes, offers and promotions exclusively in Vegas.
In addition, Whrrl and Eva Longoria Parker’s Eve nightclub will be hosting an event with a surprise guest on Sept 1st where several lucky winners will have the chance enjoy VIP treatment at one of Vegas’ hottest nightclubs.
“At Cirque du Soleil, we’re always looking for new ways to engage with our fans – including social media – so we’re thrilled to be involved with Whrrl,” said Jessica Berlin, Social Media Manager for Cirque du Soleil. “We believe this partnership will provide a great platform for our customers and fans to exchange dialogue about our shows while simultaneously rewarding them for their interest.”
“Las Vegas is the epicenter for promotional innovation. Clubs, restaurants and bars from around the world follow what happens here,” said John Kim, VP of Product Marketing at Pelago “By rewarding guests for their positive word-of-mouth and visits, these properties will not only create the social fabric of the city, they will also set a new precedent for how to reward loyalty.”
Whrrl’s Society Rewards program is the first of its kind designed to close the gap between a brand’s online and real-world presence. When users check in, they can join a participating merchant’s society and have an immediate chance to win a prize. As users make and/or try recommendations in a Society, they level up and increase their odds of winning. Whrrl’s first partner, Murphy USA, recently offered $50 in free gas for users that checked in at their 1,100 locations nationwide.
About Pelago, Makers of Whrrl
Pelago was founded to revolutionize the way people experience and explore the physical world. Whrrl, the company’s flagship product, is a real-world game with a purpose, namely to end Social Rut – to help people escape from behind their computers and patterned lives, to get back out into the physical world with the promise of compelling, highly relevant new experiences. The company was founded in 2006, is based in Seattle, and is led by an executive team from companies including Amazon.com, RealNetworks and Yahoo. Pelago is backed by pioneering Internet and mobile investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bezos Expeditions, T-Venture, Trilogy Equity Partners and Reliance Technology Ventures. For more information, visit www.pelago.com.
CONTACT:
Heather Meeker
Pelago
310.435.3535
heather@pelago.com
Download the full press release here: Whrrl Society Rewards Vegas
Whrrl Launches Real-World Social Rewards Program; First Partner is Murphy USA
June 30th, 2010Program rewards Whrrl users for real-world visits and word-of-mouth influence; Murphy USA rewards customers with a chance to win free gas
SEATTLE, WA – June 30, 2010 – Pelago, makers of Whrrl, today announced the launch of Whrrl Society Rewards, a social loyalty program designed to close the gap between a brand’s online social media presence and real-world physical presence. Whrrl Society Rewards is the first program to tie together word-of-mouth influence and real-world visits, rewarding people for motivating others to visit a business.
About Pelago, Makers of Whrrl
Pelago was founded to revolutionize the way people experience and explore the physical world. Whrrl, the company’s flagship product, is a real-world game with a purpose, namely to end Social Rut – to help people escape from behind their computers and patterned lives, to get back out into the the physical world with the promise of compelling, highly relevant new experiences. The company was founded in 2006, is based in Seattle, and is led by an executive team from companies including Amazon.com, RealNetworks and Yahoo. Pelago is backed by pioneering Internet and mobile investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bezos Expeditions, T-Venture, Trilogy Equity Partners and Reliance Technology Ventures. For more information, visit www.pelago.com.
About Murphy USA
Murphy USA operates over 1,000 stores in 21 states. Murphy USA is dedicated to bringing their communities the highest quality fuels at the best possible prices. Their high volume, low cost operations have become synonymous with “Low Prices” and “Friendly Service.” Murphy USA’s commitment to their social media and online presence has been growing with these new smartphone applications and their recent Facebook App. For more information, visit www.MurphyUSA.com.
About Collective Bias
Collective Bias, a social shopper marketing firm, builds true relationships between brands, retailers and consumers through its proprietary social influencer platform called Social Fabric. The Social Fabric community drives conversations on a wide variety of social media platforms in order to build consumer engagement, brand loyalty and sales conversion. For more information, visit www.collectivebias.com
CONTACT:
Heather Meeker
Pelago
310.435.3535
heather@pelago.com
Download the full press release: Social Rewards Murphy USA Release
Whrrl Brings Fans in New York a New Way to Discover the Red Bull Air Race NYC
June 16th, 2010Experience NYC’s hottest bars, restaurants, parties, rewards and activities as seen through the eyes of Red Bull Air Race- delivered right to your phone
SEATTLE, WA – June 16, 2010 – Pelago, makers of Whrrl, today announced they are kicking off the Red Bull Air Race in New York City by creating an exclusive Whrrl society for Red Bull fans. Fans who join the Red Bull Society will gain access to insider knowledge and perks at venues all around NYC, as well as special access to Red Bull Air Race events.
Specifically, Red Bull Society members will receive:
• Waived cover charges and drink discounts at select NYC bars and clubs
• Ticket deals for the Red Bull Air Race
• Red Bull Air Race viewing party notifications sent to their mobile device
• Locations and dates/times of official Red Bull Air Race “Take Off” parties
• Red Bull Air Race recommended happy hours
• The ability to share their own recommendations with others in the Society
Whrrl Societies are groups of people who share real-world interests, enabling them to swap knowledge about places and specific things to do with unprecedented relevance. Using Whrrl on their mobile phone, members will have all the access to Red Bull’s recommendations at their fingertips, based on their location. Members will also receive real-time notifications when new recommendations and rewards nearby are submitted to the Society.
Joining the Red Bull Society is simple:
• Go to: http://whrrl.com/rb.
• Sign up for Whrrl in the following ways:
o Go to www.whrrl.com from the Web
o Download the Whrrl iPhone application
o Visit the Whrrl location-enabled mobile site, m.whrrl.com,
• Members earn points for checks ins, creating and completing recommendations, and for inspiring other Red Bull members to try new things.
• As members earn points, they level up in the Red Bull Society and gain access to rewards.
• Fans are notified when new events, rewards or recommendations are submitted by Red Bull or other Society members
“We’re thrilled to be working with Red Bull to simultaneously bring their community into the real world and demonstrate of the power of Whrrl Societies, which provide unprecedented relevance to Whrrl users by bringing people together with shared real-world interests,” said Jeff Holden, Founder and CEO of Pelago. “From the perspective of brands like Red Bull, Societies enable three very powerful things: real-world community, activation and virality – and brands with an online Facebook and/or Twitter following can quickly transform that following into a thriving and virally growing real-world community.”
About Pelago, Makers of Whrrl
Pelago was founded to revolutionize the way people experience and explore the physical world. Whrrl, the company’s flagship product, is a real-world game with a purpose, namely to end Social Rut – to help people escape from behind their computers and patterned lives, to get back out into the the physical world with the promise of compelling, highly relevant new experiences. The company was founded in 2006, is based in Seattle, and is led by an executive team from companies including Amazon.com, RealNetworks and Yahoo. Pelago is backed by pioneering Internet and mobile investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bezos Expeditions, T-Venture, Trilogy Equity Partners and Reliance Technology Ventures. For more information, visit www.pelago.com.
About Red Bull Air Race
The fifth race of the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship season will be held, in partnership with NYC & Company, Jersey City, NJ and Liberty State Park, over the Hudson River June 19 and 20. In the Red Bull Air Race, fifteen of the world’s best pilots race individually against the clock for the fastest time through an aerial race track made up of inflatable air gates. This year marks the sixth year of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship which will also land in nine cities including Abu Dhabi, UAE; Perth, Australia, and Lisbon, Portugal.
CONTACTS:
Heather Meeker
Pelago
heather@pelago.com
310.435.3535
Download the full Red Bull Air Race Whrrl Press Release.
From the Pelago crew: thanks to all who helped make SXSW awesome
March 26th, 2010Well, I made it through another successful SXSWi this year and even didn’t get SXSars (AKA sick after the conference). As a “veteran” – ok, it was only my second conference, but still – I knew what I was getting myself into when I landed in Austin. Lots of social media and technology rockstars I wanted to meet in person. Lots of friends I hadn’t seen since CES if not last year. Lots of networking events and parties I needed to attend. And one thing was for sure – I wasn’t going to get lots of sleep.
Now that’s it’s been almost two weeks since SXSW Interactive started, I’ve thought about what the key takeaways were from the conference and what I wanted to share. I’ve read the beautiful, sassy Jolie O’Dell (@jolieodell) say she won’t be back next year. Influencer Robert Scoble (@scobleizer) agreed with Jolie about how SXSW has become more about mobs of people and less about meaningful interactions. I even recently spoke with MyTekLife (@myteklife) and gave an overview of my experiences where I agreed SXSW has lost some of its value. You can read that post here.
But, at the end of the day, I still believe there is NO better place to meet, network and connect with key players in social media and technology than SXSW. Let’s face it- everybody is there. Even if the only value you receive is from face to face interaction, I say yes- I’ll be there, year after year. And I met and saw some awesome people this year. While I can’t mention everyone here, I did want to point out a few awesome peeps you should follow on Twitter and get to know, if you already haven’t:
Damien Basile (@db): Social media consultant based in New York. Damien and I have multiple friends in common and have chatted on Twitter and Facebook for years but never met in real life. He’s also one of the most well-connected, intelligent and thoughtful people in social media today – the real deal.
(cc) Kenneth Yeung – www.thelettertwo.com
Rick Bakas (@rickbakas): Head of social media for St Supery winery, based in Napa. And let me tell you something- this guy gets it. He’s connected with the most influential folks in social media to both host in-person and virtual wine tastings to help build some solid online buzz for the tasty brand.
Brian Simpson (@bsimi) Heads social media for Roger Smith Hotel, a boutique, family owned property in New York. Brian has broken through the clutter so that when you think of all the hotels to stay in the Big Apple, Roger Smith tops the list.
Jen Grant (@cr8tivejen) Jen is a consultant that works with the Four Seasons hotels, one of the top luxury brands in the world. She’s also extremely savvy when it comes to thinking about new ways to market the brand via new and interesting social media channels.
Kelly Olexa (@kellyolexa) Kelly is the queen of social media in Chicago. A self-professed sales and marketing diva, I consider Kelly to be one of the most connected people in the tech industry not just in the Windy City, but in the nation.
Wayne Sutton (@waynesutton): Funny that I’ve spoke with Wayne, who’s considered to be a thought leader in the LBS space, many times. But it took sitting down in person at the Mashable party to really understand just how awesome he is.
Whether I saw you at places like the Belmont, Mashable party or the Techset Blogger lounge, I wanted to thank everyone I met this year at SXSW for such a memorable experience. Also, a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported Whrrl at the conference, too (you know who you are). :) 2010 is an exciting year that has already proved to move very fast, and before you know it, we’ll all be at Internet Week in New York- see you there!
You can see all the Whrrl check-ins during SXSW on our Austin Underground Society page… lots of fun pics and parties were documented!
