If you haven’t checked out Stratford’s culinary scene, now is the time to do it. Dig into delicious wood oven fired pizzas at the newest craft brewery, Jobsite. Explore new flavours at an Alpine cheese and wine pairing, followed by fondue at The Milky Whey Fine Cheese Shop. It’s always a great time for comfort food. Madelyn’s Diner offers a menu chock full of local farm-sourced meats and the world’s best butter tarts. On the flip side, Planet Diner has you covered with delicious plant-based dishes like “chick-un” burgers and mac ‘n cheeze that you want to return for again and again. Oh, and be sure to leave room for their fresh-baked donuts and amazing cashew ice cream. Hone your kitchen skills at the Stratford Chefs School Open Kitchen hands-on cooking classes, or reserve a seat for International Chef in Residence dinners inspired by Jenner Tomaska, Executive Chef, Next Restaurant in Chicago. Multi-course menus are planned, cooked and presented by student chefs during his week-long stay in Stratford.

The music scene is hot too. INNERChamber concerts celebrate classics in a funky restored factory setting once a month. Get ready for Bob Marley classics February 1^st at Revival House. For a local treat, join in a Celtic Jam at Scran & Dram Scottish Pub and pop into Boar’s Head Pub or Molly Blooms Irish Pub for an Indy music treat.

It is important to stay hydrated during the winter. Stratford can help with that. Craft brews quench your thirst at Black Swan Brewing, Shakespeare Brewing and Jobsite where you can create custom flights. If your spirits need a lift, just buzz around the corner from Jobsite where Junction 56 Distillery offers tours and tastings every Saturday. Their Mint Smoothie liqueur is a popular Stratford choice hitting just the right notes of chocolate and mint. Brand new on the local craft beverage stage is Sobrii, the first non-alcoholic gin. A perfect alternative for the designated driver and health conscious guest, it is a sophisticated cocktail for the #soberconscious and available at the Junction.

Had enough of frantic shopping? You’ll love the personal service at Stratford’s retailers. You’ll probably meet the owner who will be welcoming you, sharing the stories behind the products, and inviting you back for spring finds.

To complete your wellness experience, you can work out muscle tension and lingering stress during a hot stone massage. Treat your dry winter skin to a revitalizing facial. Recline in the ‘salt of the earth’ room where the air is pure and pamper your feet and hands with hot wax treatments. Your body will thank you.

The post Winter Sucks in Stratford? appeared first on HiveInnovates.

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The Future of Food in Tourism

Explore the future of food on Adventure Canada’s Taste of Place, where you can venture on the journey of sustainably-sourced local cuisine in Canada’s Atlantic.

Paymi Shifting the Loyalty Landscape to Favour Consumers

New and innovative digital offerings like Paymi are disrupting the loyalty industry and changing what consumers expect out of traditional programs.

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Big Data, Bigger Rewards for 11 Million Collectors

By innovating around its strongest assets — Collector data and analytics — AIR MILES is finding success where competitors are falling short.

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Finally, You Can Use Your Rewards Your Way

New, flexible Rogers Bank credit card cash back rewards allow Canadians to redeem for anything they want — anytime, anywhere.

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Unlock the Full Potential of Your Loyalty Rewards Program

When Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels in 2016, guests were introduced to a whole new world of rewards points options.

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Winter Sucks in Stratford?

Just when you thought there was no escape from winter, Stratford saves the day. Check out Brittlestar’s attempts to protect the city’s hygge secrets.

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More Rewards Seeks Partners for Data-Led Loyalty Program

To accommodate consumers’ desires for personalization, the More Rewards program is introducing new ways for members to earn more digital offers.

Read more »

Escape to Vibrant Stratford This Holiday Season

Learn why Stratford, the cultural centre just two hours west of Toronto, proves to be a premier winter escape destination.

Read more »

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Rewards can often only be spent in one place and are often difficult for members to track due to complicated point systems that can equate to little monetary value. That’s no longer the case, thanks to innovators like Toronto-based startup Paymi, who is removing the effort and guesswork from traditional loyalty and rewards programs by simplifying the reward experience and treating cash as king. 

“Canadians love loyalty programs, but the whole premise of the loyalty industry is undergoing a period of transformation and disruption,” says Paymi co-founder and CEO John Flett. “The legacy programs have seen great success, but today’s consumers and merchant partners expect much more.” As a card-linking rewards platform, Paymi seeks to provide more by delivering on a different value proposition for both users and merchants. 

It’s interesting to see companies develop robust loyalty programs, whereas others have opted to use reward-specific platforms like ourselves to gain a competitive advantage in their category.

Rob Shields, Paymi co-founder and CCO

The art of double dipping and accelerated earnings

By providing a frictionless transaction in which consumers receive cash back from retailers themselves, Paymi enables members to gain accelerated earnings when they shop with Paymi partners, like CIBC, Leon’s, Urban Barn, Indigo, Staples, Burger King, and Mary Brown’s. 

“We’re giving consumers what they want by bringing greater value to members and our merchant partners,” says Paymi co-founder and CCO Rob Shields. “Paymi enables users to earn cash on top of their credit and debit card rewards without having to remember to show another card or activate a particular offer.”

Loyalty revolution advances data capabilities

Although the consumer value is evident, Paymi is also providing merchants with the opportunity to advance their acquisition and loyalty needs. “It’s interesting to see companies develop robust loyalty programs, whereas others have opted to use reward-specific platforms like ourselves to gain a competitive advantage in their category,” says Shields. “By leveraging advanced technology to create a seamless and responsive cash back platform, companies have rushed to sign onto our platform due to our ability to reach and reward customers and non-customers alike, without any integration, and drive substantial share shift. For some brands we’ve shifted share by 37%.”

The convenient, effortless, and rewarding transaction model of disruptive startups like Paymi is unquestionably changing the loyalty landscape in Canada, ushering in a new era of empowerment for both consumers and brands in the process. 

With over $1 million in rewards given in 2019, Paymi’s seamless experience and ability to give cash rewards are why so many Canadians are signing on to the platform.

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However, if you ask consumers, most would say they are not getting fair value in exchange for their data. Many brands are capturing data without having the infrastructure or capability to translate the vast amount of data points into relevant and meaningful value for their customers. They promise a simple, relevant and valuable experience, but aren’t following through. 

As Canada’s most recognized loyalty program, with more than two thirds of Canadian households actively participating, AIR MILES understands this disparity between customer expectation vs. reality. As an industry leader in the loyalty sector and expert in big data, AIR MILES is creating win-win relationships that provide value for its coalition of partners and its 11-million active Collectors. And it’s doing so while rewarding Canadians every two seconds through innovating on its strongest asset — Collector data.

Innovation in response to consumer needs

Since 1992, AIR MILES has been part of Canadians’ everyday experience, and the program has the unmatched ability to deliver value to its partners and Collectors alike. With a coalition of over 300 leading Canadian and global brands, including Sobeys, Shell, Rexall, and LCBO, AIR MILES Partners represent 80% of Canadian household spend. This network provides the framework for AIR MILES to collect, segment and act on big data in ways that create meaningful and rewarding offers, communications, and benefits for AIR MILES Collectors.

“We strongly believe in the value exchange we offer our Collectors, and the corresponding impact it delivers to our Partners,” says Rachel MacQueen, Senior VP of Marketing and Collector Experience at AIR MILES. “It’s not enough to understand our Collectors. We need to use that insight to deliver the right offer, to the right Collector, at the right time. The leading-edge work we are doing in machine learning and automation is enabling us to deliver personalized experiences at scale ensuring both Collectors and Partners get great value from the Program.

If you ask consumers, most would say they are not getting fair value in exchange for their data.

Using AI and machine learning to improve the AIR MILES Collector experience

Data analytics are among the driving forces in AIR MILES evolution. The AIR MILES data platform allows the collection and synthesis of 6,000 attributes per Collector, enabling a richer, more personalized experience through offers, marketing campaigns, and in-store experiences. 

Data collection at this scale benefits the consumer through a personalised experience that translates this data exchange into meaningful value for consumers. Just ask fans of beloved brands such as Amazon, Netflix. Hudson’s Bay, or Nike. The way these brands are enhancing the customer experience — where product recommendations and individual experiences are now table stakes — is turning casual customers into loyal fans due in large part to how they are collecting and segmenting data. 

AIR MILES has an intimate understanding of individual interests and habits of Canadian consumers, which allows the loyalty program to recommend experiences that reflect its customers lifestyles and delivers more value back to the Collector. While it seems simple, it’s a premise that is all the more impressive given that over 85% of companies’ big data projects struggle or fail.¹

“Looking ahead, we’re planning to implement significant changes to the program in 2020 that we know will disrupt the loyalty landscape and excite Canadians coast-to-coast,” says MacQueen. “We’re tapping into our proprietary tools and technology and responding with a brand evolution that will cement AIR MILES’ leadership position within the Canadian loyalty landscape and drive even more value back to our Collectors. We can’t wait to share that with all of Canada.” 

Sources

¹Gartner Analyst – Nick Heudecker, November 10, 2017

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Nearly 80% of Canadians have a credit card with rewards. With hundreds of options available — each with a different niche — it can be a challenge to find the right fit. Cardholders are constantly looking for cards that do more and that are tailored to their unique needs and spending habits.

The ultimate, of course, would be a card that offered completely flexible redemption — a card with cash back rewards that cardholders could redeem for absolutely anything they want, anytime, anywhere. This card would provide maximum flexibility to achieve bigger dreams and quicker gratification. With every purchase made, customers could reward themselves and move closer to buying the things and enjoying the experiences they covet the most. That card is finally here.

Spend, earn, redeem your way

Rogers Bank has three unique credit cards that offer cash back rewards, each with no annual fee. They can be used to earn cash on almost everything you buy and the cash can be redeemed as needed without limitations on how much, when, or how often. This opens up a world of possibilities without the category restrictions that make rewards with other cards more difficult to redeem.

Whether your dream is a tropical vacation, luxury kitchen gadgets, or a discount on your household essentials and gas, cash back rewards put the power in your hands. Every type of purchase qualifies as a reward, so you can forget about being locked in with limited redemption choices and having to make selections from reward-specific sites. This program allows you to redeem your cash back rewards at Airbnb, Uber, Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, food delivery, or for whatever suits their needs.

“We focused on improving the redemption experience so cardholders could enjoy more freedom and flexibility,” says Richard McLaughlin, Rogers Bank CEO. “Our unique Mastercard Pay with Rewards app gives cardholders an unparalleled experience, where they can apply their cash back rewards at any of the 44 million merchants worldwide that accept Mastercard. It’s intuitive and easy to use, and most cardholders can earn cash back rewards on all of their purchases so they’re getting the best value possible.”

Imagine redeeming your credit card rewards with the complete freedom to do it on your terms.

Ultimate flexibility

Take the Rogers Platinum Mastercard, for example. You earn 1.25% in unlimited cash back rewards on all eligible purchases in Canadian dollars and 3% on purchases made in foreign currency. On Rogers services and products charged to the card, you receive 2% in unlimited cash back rewards. 

You don’t need to be a Rogers customer to get value from the cards, though. All of the cash back rewards credit cards from Rogers Bank are available to everyone and are not restricted to Rogers or Fido customers.

Just imagine redeeming your credit card rewards with the complete freedom to do it on your terms. Cash back rewards on purchases made with a Rogers Bank Mastercard can be redeemed instantly, and rewards on purchases made within the last 90 days can be redeemed using the Mastercard Pay with Rewards app, which is available from the App Store or Google Play. 

The cards continue to evolve in new ways to give you what you value most — the ability to spend your cash back rewards without limits. 

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There are countless of options for experiences to suit every type of traveller.

Personalization and flexibility

Marriott Bonvoy supports over 30 brands, ranging from luxury, full-service to extended stay. Reflecting the brand’s motto that personalization is the height of good hospitality, Marriott Bonvoy adds greater flexibility to how guests can redeem their points. In addition to using points to pay for their hotel bookings, guests can use them to enhance their stay with unique one-of-a-kind experiences around the world. 

The most popular rewards programs offered under Marriott Bonvoy’s umbrella include Marriott Bonvoy Moments (open to members only), which offers nearly 10,000 exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities (open to anyone), where guests can complement their stay with a local attraction or experience. A recent addition to the portfolio is Homes & Villas by Marriott International, which lets members redeem points for private home rentals at one of more than 2,000 properties. Imagine renting a private beach villa with a spectacular view of the seaside, spending a romantic fall getaway at a cozy country cabin, or hanging out in a hip, urban flat in the heart of a bustling city. 

Marriott Tours & Activities destinations

With Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities, guests have access to more than 200,000 experiences in over 1,000 destinations across Europe and North America. Whether a day trip to learn more about your destination’s local history, classic sites, and landmarks, taking part in a sports tour, or attending a culinary masterclass with a world-renowned chef, there are countless of options for experiences to suit every type of traveller. Better yet, members earn points for every booking. 

Some enticing experiences have recently been added to the Canadian roster, like at the new JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District hotel, where you can use your points to book a session at the spa or experience some remarkable cuisine at one of the many splendid restaurants and bars like the Alchemy Bar, an intimate cocktail lounge on the hotel’s fifth floor overlooking Rogers Place. Here you can treat yourself to some exquisite, handcrafted cocktails and elevated bar snacks. 

Christmas markets are coming to Vancouver and what better way to embrace the holidays than with a staycation at the Civic Hotel, Autograph Collection, or the Westin Bayshore, and maybe get in a bit of holiday shopping while you’re at it? Or if you’re planning to be in Calgary over the holidays, you might want to check out the newly-renovated Delta Calgary Downtown and connect with friends over dinner and drinks at the Shoe & Canoe Public House restaurant to celebrate the season. 

No matter where you travel in Canada, you’re bound to find an experience to your liking that will make your stay even more personal and memorable. Leave more change in your pocket for holiday gifting by using points for your stays. 

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For travel company Adventure Canada, which takes travellers on small-ship expeditions to the most remote corners of Canada, including the Arctic, Greenland, and Atlantic Canada, this year has been momentous. The 2019 season included the first official trip featuring Taste of Place—a program that connects passengers to communities and culture through sustainably-sourced local cuisine.

By tasting these dishes on board and at pop-ups in various communities (which often included dancing, music, and much laughter!), passengers directly connected with Newfoundland culture and together made a positive impact.

Responsible travel

At the forefront of this program is Bill Swan, one of the co-founders of Adventure Canada, and someone who has spent over three decades working to implement sustainable and regenerative initiatives, such as improving food systems on a local and national level. He sees the company’s operations in these regions of rich, high quality supplies, as a missed opportunity to travel more responsibly.

“I’ve always felt that the impact of expedition cruising can be positive across all three social, environmental, and economic fronts,” says Swan, “and food is this amazing bridge between all three of them.”

Swan describes our food system as complex, yet simple in many ways: it is set up to be cheap and fast. This is especially true for meals on board ships, particularly in isolated places like Newfoundland and Labrador. Supply and storage challenges mean onboard cuisine is often sourced from faraway places by unsustainable means and reducing food waste is always a challenge.

Connecting food and place

The Taste of Place program was therefore designed as a solution to an increasingly strained and defective food system. In true Adventure Canada style—learning through food, culture, music, arts, and science have long been at the core of their expeditions—it promotes local cuisine through culinary ambassadors.

The program was introduced on the Newfoundland Circumnavigation expedition in October, spearheaded by Lori McCarthy, a talented chef, outdoorswoman, and fierce advocate for the preservation of traditional food culture in Newfoundland through her company Cod Sounds.

McCarthy worked hard to load the Ocean Endeavour with fresh Newfoundland products such as seal, moose, and hand-picked partridge berries, and designed a menu that incorporated all these local flavours. She also spoke to passengers about her passion for locally sourced food and traditional family dishes. As Swan says: “She brought it into context and made it very personal.”

One thing that was important to both Swan and McCarthy was that the menus were designed with waste reduction in mind. Leftovers from previous servings, like mussels and moose, could easily be incorporated into upcoming meals. In the future, Swan also wants to develop an onboard composting system that offloads nutrient-rich soil to local communities.

A group effort

To make this program possible, Adventure Canada partnered with many organizations, including Ocean Wise, Slow Food Canada & USA, Food Day Canada, and Régénération Canada.

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Steve Allmen

Co-Founder & President, Loyalty & Co.

Dan Howe

President, More Rewards

The 2017 Colloquy Loyalty Census reported memberships grew 35% from 2012 to 2016, to the tune of 175 million total members in Canada. Retail made up more than half the number, though coalition programs showed the fastest growth at 78%.

There are now several programs, such as More Rewards, that include different retailers. To accommodate a greater consumer desire for personalization, the More Rewards program is entering a new phase in its history, introducing new ways for members to earn more personalized digital offers for their loyalty.

Operating for over 25 years, it has navigated the shift from paper to plastic, and on to digital. What started out as a certificate program in the 1990s, it is now a powerful marketing platform with over 3.4 million members in Western Canada under its loyalty program delivering personalised offers.

Driving loyalty

“The cornerstone for the success of a coalition loyalty program is having a grocer as the anchor,” says Steve Allmen, Co-Founder and President of Loyalty & Co. Allmen believes members want to earn more and redeem faster, which is why programs that rewards points on a large number of what a customer spends have been popular with consumers. They are likely to collect and receive bigger and better rewards more consistently.

Save-On-Foods has been the foundational partner of More Rewards, with over 80% of member transactions through the program. More retailers have since joined, including Petro-Canada, Panago Pizza, Aviva, and Coast Hotels, among others, amounting to 2,000 retail locations accepting More Rewards cards. All told, the program issued over 11 billion points in 2018 alone.

“Consumers don’t want to carry 10 different loyalty cards, and only get a small amount of value from them,” says Dan Howe, President of More Rewards. “That’s why many brands can save money and get more engagement by partnering with More Rewards versus building their own program.” 

“We have invested in building a wide variety of redemption options for our customers including grocery products, travel, gift cards, and tickets,” says Howe. “We are in the ‘thank you’ business. Our goal is to excite our customers so that they’re so happy with their free rewards they’ll want to tell their friends and family about it.” 

Howe says the program is expanding its “emotional experiences,” like tickets to sporting events and travel. Its travel program allows members to book a trip with any combination of points and cash.

“Most people think they deserve something if they’re giving up their data in exchange for their loyalty,” says Allmen. “And many members dream big, whether it’s a trip, hockey tickets — something for being part of a program that includes various retailers.”

Consumers don’t want to carry 10 different loyalty cards, and only get a small amount of value from them.

Dan Howe, President of More Rewards

Building partnerships

More Rewards uses member data to personalize offers and communication. Howe cites an example from Save-On-Foods, whereby customers receive a threshold offer tied to how much they’ve spent in stores through the retailer’s app. This means more meaningful incentives tied to individual consumers spend and higher return on marketing investment.

“Our goal with partner expansion is to find great, like-minded brands that can help build value and grow the combined customer base,” he says. “We provide better technology and tools to drive loyalty with existing partners. The Data Management Platform (DMP) better segments and targets customers in digital media buying, and that’s a big strategy for More Rewards going forward.”

He adds the “sweet spot” is looking at consumer habits to provide incentives to change them. One example could be someone buying diapers from Save-On-Foods, but not wipes. He feels offering bonus points, tailored to exactly what that person buys is the best incentive. 

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