# Ritualized Contest Incentivized campaigns reinforce brand love by focusing on product rituals. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published May 30, 2017 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritualized-contest ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Ritualized Contest trend? **Ritualized Contest:** In the midst of the Experience Economy -- the idea that human attention is as valuable as money -- product rituals are perhaps more effective in winning loyalty than the products themselves. Brands are reinforcing consumer allegiance by also integrating gamification into the product ritual via incentivized contests. This convergence of experience-based tactics satisfies the consumer need for memories over material goods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 14, 2017 to Aug 5, 2019 - Published: May 30, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Ritualized Contest trend ### Experience-Based Loyalty Programs Brands are using experiences-oriented rewards program to offer consumers value beyond discounted products ### Customization & Gamification Increased demand for customization and gamification in consumer products, leading brands to competitions and DIY activities ### Scavenger Hunt-Style Marketing Campaigns Scavenger-hunt-style marketing campaigns are being used to engage consumers on social media and create buzz around new promotions and deals ## What the Ritualized Contest trend means for industry ### For QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) QSR brands can use gamification tactics and scavenger-hunt-style campaigns to drive customer engagement and loyalty ### For Automotive Automotive brands can use experience-based rewards programs to create brand loyalty through offering unique experiences ### For Retail Retail brands can use contests and competitions to increase customer engagement and promote their products, while also creating an emotional connection between customers and the brand ## Workshop question How are you integrating emotional or social gratification into brand interactions? ## Trend signals for Ritualized Contest Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ritualized Contest trend 5 featured examples from Apr 14, 2017 to Aug 5, 2019. - [Scavenger-Hunt-Style Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasta-pass): Olive Garden's $100 Pasta Pass Gives You Unlimited Pasta (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Restaurants can implement limited-time unlimited passes to attract customers, create brand loyalty, and drive sales during specific periods. - [Rebellious Sport-Related Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-bowl-contest): Volvo's Super Bowl Contest Prompts One Not to Watch the Event (Category: Autos) Implication: Integrating gamified advertising and innovative technology into automotive marketing campaigns to increase brand visibility and engagement. - [Experience-Oriented Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vipeak): North Face's 'VIPeak' Lets Consumer Redeem Experiences (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Outdoor retailers like North Face can disrupt the loyalty program industry by focusing on experiential rewards. - [Custom Soda Flavor Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-freestyle): Coca-Cola Freestyle 'Make Your Mix' Has a $10,000 Grand Prize (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Custom soda flavor contests like the Coca-Cola Freestyle 'Make Your Mix' contest offer an exciting way for beverage brands to engage with consumers and generate buzz in the indust… - [Celebratory Easter Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easter-egg-decorating-kit): This Set Commemorates a Decade of Easter Egg Decorating Kits from Hatch (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The arts and crafts industry can capitalize on the trend by offering innovative and high-quality Easter egg decorating kits. ## 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)