Backed by an integrated Out Of Home campaign and an eye-watering prize on offer, you’ll want to ensure that you are set up for success to capitalise, and create a memorable experience for all patrons.
Use this event to grow your recurring customer base, increase food and beverage spend, and highlight your venue as a place to be in your community.
What: SportsPick's $1 Million Tipping Competition
When: October 19, 2024
Where: Your soon-to-be-buzzing venue
Entry: Free via SportsPick App (yeah, you read that right – FREE!)
Grand Prize: A cool $1 Million for picking the placements of the 12 runners correctly
Second Chance: $5,000 consolation prize for the closest prediction.
This isn't just any old race day - it's your chance to transform casual punters into loyal patrons faster than you can say "photo finish".
1. Promote Like a Pro: Get the Word Out
Social Media Magic
Action: Activate your social feeds with eye-catching graphics for the tipping competition.
Benefit: By creating a buzz, you’ll increase the opportunity to turn those likes into real-life visitors
Pro Tip: Create a unique hashtag like #YourVenueEverestMillion. Encourage patrons to use it for a chance to win a free drink on the day. User-generated content? Check. Increased visibility? Double-check!
Screen Time Supremacy
Action: In the lead up to the event, design dynamic, attention-grabbing slides for your venue's screens.
Benefit: Captivate your current crowd and plant the seed for their next visit. It's like subliminal advertising, but better.
Pro Tip: Rotate between event info, appetising food shots, and drink specials, to encourage patronage on the day. Keep those eyes (and wallets) engaged!
Email Excitement
Action: Tap into your database by crafting a newsletter that's more thrilling than a neck-and-neck finish.
Benefit: Directly reach your most engaged customers. These are your VIPs – make them feel special with an email invite and what to expect for the day
Pro Tip: Include a "Bring a Friend" offer. More people = more fun = more revenue. It's simple math!
Tag Team with SportsPick
Action: Tag SportsPick in your posts (Facebook or Instagram)
Benefit: Expand your reach and show you're part of something big. It's like being in the cool kids' club, but for venues.
Pro Tip: Create a "Behind the Scenes" story series showing your venue getting ready for the big day. People love exclusive peeks.
Poster Power
Action: Strategically place the A3 posters that you received in your POS packs, in high-traffic areas.
Benefit: Catch eyes and spark conversations. It's like having silent promotional staff working for you, 24/7
Pro Tip: Create a photo op spot with an Everest-themed backdrop. Free advertising when patrons share their pics!
Flyer Frenzy
Action: Distribute the included DL flyers on tables and at the bar.
Benefit: Give patrons a tangible reminder on how to participate on the day.
Pro Tip: Print a special offer that patrons could redeem on days after the event. It's like planting a seed for future visits!
2. Prepare Your Venue: Set the Stage for Success
Role Assignment
Action: Designate specific tasks to team members.
Benefit: Ensure smooth operation and superior customer service. Happy customers = happy cash registers!
Pro Tip: Create fun titles for the day: "Tipping Guru," "App Whisperer," "Celebration Coordinator" (and don’t forget to have your SportsPick Captain across all things SportsPick).
Knowledge is Power
Action: Hold a pre-event meeting and provide a cheat sheet of key points.
Benefit: Empower your staff to assist patrons confidently. Knowledgeable staff = impressed customers = more sales!
Pro Tip: Run a mock competition among staff. Perhaps the winner gets first pick of shifts on event day!
App Mastery
Action: Have staff download and explore the SportsPick app.
Benefit: Your staff will be able to provide any guidance for patrons.
Quizard Wizardry
Action: Set up prizes for winners of Quizard.
Benefit: Provide extra entertainment and keep patrons engaged longer. The longer they stay, the more they play (and pay).
Themed Treats
Action: Design race-day inspired menu items and signature cocktails.
Benefit: Increase average spend and enhance the event experience. It's not just a race, make it a feast for the senses.
Pro Tip: Name dishes after famous racehorses or jockeys. "Phar Lap's Power Platter" anyone?
Ambiance Amplification
Action: Decorate, play appropriate music, dress staff in race day attire.
Benefit: Create a memorable experience that patrons will rave about. Word-of-mouth is the best (and cheapest) advertising.
Pro Tip: Set up a "Winner's Circle" photo booth. Instant memories and social media content
2. Prepare Your Venue: Set the Stage for Success
3. Day of the Event: It's Showtime!
SportsPick Superhero
Action: Nominate your SportsPick captain
Benefit: Gives your patrons quick and easy reference to who can help,
Hotline Bling + Email Lifeline
Action: Have our support number (1800 344 669) and support email (support@sportspick.com.au) at the ready.
Benefit: Quick resolution in the unlikely event of issues arising. We’re on hand to help you keep the frustration at bay and the good vibes flowing.
SportsPick Customer Experience Manager Daniel De Haas suggests:
“Ensure the SportsPick Captain knows their way around the SportsPick App, how the competition works, and the support contact details. Being able to provide as much information that your customers desire is of critical importance. Have the Captain download the SportsPick app in advance”.
Tasty Temptations
Action: Train staff to upsell and use table talkers for specials.
Benefit: Boost revenue and enhance the overall experience. A well-fed punter is a happy punter.
Pro Tip: Offer a special discount on a signature dish or drink for anyone who shows they've placed a tip in the competition.
Screening Success
Action: Optimise screen placement and test audio-visual equipment.
Benefit: Ensure everyone has a great view of the action. No neck-craning allowed in your venue
Pro Tip: Create a "VIP Viewing Area" with the best sightlines. You could charge a small fee or make it a reward for big spenders.
4. Post-Event Strategy: Keep the Momentum Going
From One-Time to Lifetime
Action: Collect contact info and send personalised follow-up offers.
Benefit: Build a long-term customer base and secure recurring revenue. Today's casual visitor could be tomorrow's regular.
Pro Tip: Offer a "Post-Everest Recovery Special" for the following week. Give them a reason to come back soon.
Feedback Frenzy
Action: Use short surveys, encourage online reviews, and have staff collect verbal feedback.
Benefit: Improve future events and show patrons you value their opinion. Happy customers become your best advertisers!
Pro Tip: Offer a small incentive (like a free drink) for completed surveys.
Keep the Race Going
Action: If you’re running the SportsPick Punters Challenge, or Spring Racing tipping, you’ll want to use the opportunity to highlight them.
Benefit: Maintain engagement beyond the big event day. The Everest might be once a year, but your venue is a year-round destination.
Pro Tip: Start a "Tipster of the Month" competition. Crown a champion each month to keep the competitive spirit alive.
With the massive prize available, this event can serve as a drawcard to horse tipping to a broader audience, beyond your existing customers.
By providing a positive introduction to tipping, there's a massive opportunity to turn first-timers into recurring users, with increased tipping engagement and its associated revenue.
Daniel O'Leary, Entain Venues, Digital Marketing Specialist
Remember, this isn't just about one big day – it's about leveraging The Everest to create a lasting impact on your business. With these tactics, you'll not only host a successful event but use this opportunity to create a loyal customer base that'll keep coming back for more.
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Building the Future of Venue Entertainment