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# Surprise Pitch Promotions
MasterCard's Surprise Promotion Invites You to Unleash Your Next Idea

By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-03-12 | Marketing
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surprise-promotion
References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2015/03/11/sneak-peek-sxsw-mashable-house/) & [pricelesssurprises](http://pricelesssurprises.com/prizing-rules)

[MasterCard's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-and-thefork) latest surprise promotion appears at this year's SXSW, where attendees will be treated to a real life Shark Tank moment.

For those who aren't familiar with the [ABC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/live-television-streaming) program, its premise is simple: budding entrepreneurs are given the chance to pitch their money-making idea to a panel of industry giants who are prepared to back their idea with cold, hard cash. Similarly, lucky participants of this surprise promotion will be given a chance to vouch for their own big idea within the confines of the 'Priceless Pitch' elevator. The catch? They'll only have 60 seconds to make a convincing argument. However, if they do, it's certainly worth it, as the winners of this promotion receive $15,000 to turn their dream into a reality.

In another Shark Tank-reminiscent move, experts will be dropping by the Pitch Elevator all day, offering feedback and insight.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.9/10
- Popularity: 45% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Surprise Promotion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement surprise promotions to engage customers and drive brand awareness.
- **Pitch Competitions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Organize pitch competitions to support budding entrepreneurs and uncover new ideas.
- **Instant Feedback:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize real-time feedback to improve ideas and increase the chances of success.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Financial Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate surprise promotions and pitch competitions to attract customers and promote new financial services.
- **Event Management:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate surprise promotions and pitch competitions to enhance event experiences and create buzz.
- **Entrepreneurship Support:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop platforms and programs that offer instant feedback and financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Cooking Show Rewards Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loyalty-rewards-promotions.md)
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- [Interactive Menu Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supersized-sweeps.md)
- [Small Business Support Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-x-pier-five-small-business-fund.md)
- [QSR Gold Card Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-2.md)
- [QSR Voting Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-showdown.md)
- [AI Business Pitching](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-puddle.md)