# Experience-Driven Reward Loyalty programs offer exclusive experiences over discounts. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Oct 25, 2016 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experiencedriven-reward ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Experience-Driven Reward trend? **Experience-Driven Reward:** In lieu of discounts toward future purchases, some brands are instead offering exclusive experiential perks through their loyalty programs. This not only helps these programs stand out in an increasingly saturated market; it's also consistent with consumers' shifting preferences for experiences over things. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 22, 2016 to May 29, 2018 - Published: Oct 25, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Experience-Driven Reward trend ### Experience-Driven Rewards Loyalty programs offer exclusive experiences over discounts. ### Interactive Loyalty Programs Virtual reality campaigns and gamified rewards increase user engagement. ### Instant Rewards Mobile apps and Bluetooth beacons offer on-the-spot incentives to consumers. ## What the Experience-Driven Reward trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising Loyalty programs and rewards-based marketing strategies are paramount in the marketing industry. ### For Retail and E-commerce Marketing analysts are discussing the importance of appealing to luxury consumers. ### For Travel and Tourism Travel rewards and bonuses are becoming increasingly competitive in the travel industry. ## Workshop question Think about rebuilding your current loyalty program (or creating a new one), what could you offer your consumers, that focuses more on experiences? ## Trend signals for Experience-Driven Reward Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 73%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 73% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Experience-Driven Reward trend 6 featured examples from Feb 22, 2016 to May 29, 2018. - [VIP Pizza Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loyalty-program-for-customers): Domino's Loyalty Program for Customers Turns Them into Shareholders (Category: Marketing) Implication: Domino's loyalty program and unique pizza box packaging present a disruptive innovation opportunity for restaurants and food service businesses to create engaging loyalty programs… - [Data-Driven Retail Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-rewards): The Neiman Marcus InCircle Membership is Driven by Consumer Behavior (Category: Marketing) Implication: Incorporate data-driven loyalty programs to enhance customer satisfaction and increase sales. - [Delayed Flight Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airport-vending-machine): Kit-Kat's Airport Vending Machine Rewards Travelers with Candy (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for travel and hospitality industry to enhance customer experience and differentiate themselves from competitors. - [Rewarding Bar Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-beacons): Heineken Gives On-the-Spot Rewards to Heineken Live App Users (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Integrate Bluetooth Low Energy bar beacons and mobile app loyalty programs in the hospitality industry to attract and retain customers with personalized rewards and experiences. - [VR Rewards Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-campaign): This Virtual Reality Campaign Immerses Customers in RBC's Loyalty Rewards (Category: Marketing) Implication: Financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies can capitalize on the use of VR and immersive technologies to enhance their loyalty programs and attract new custome… - [eSports Gaming Laundromats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleaning-laundromat): Samsung's 'LANdry' Cleaning Laundromat Appeals to Teens (Category: Marketing) Implication: Creating gamified experiences in everyday tasks like laundry can revolutionize the entertainment industry with new offerings that consumers haven't seen before. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)