India-Focused Magazine and Online Resource Center Anchor New Media Enterprise

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) --02/06/2012 -- LoyaltyOne today launched COLLOQUY India, a complete media enterprise dedicated to providing publications, an online resource center, research and education tailored to the demands of the fast-growing customer loyalty market serving India's 1.3 billion consumers.

LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. It owns COLLOQUY magazine, and COLLOQUY's accompanying online content, research and educational offerings. COLLOQUY has served as the voice of the loyalty industry since 1990. LoyaltyOne also owns and operates one of Canada's most admired brands, the AIR MILES Reward Program.

The launch of COLLOQUY India follows by six months LoyaltyOne's acquisition of a 26% stake in Direxions Marketing Solutions, the company behind India's largest loyalty programs.

"The loyalty industry in India is poised for explosive growth. The goal of COLLOQUY India is to provide the expertise and insights that help loyalty marketers reach Indian consumers with messages and offerings that are most relevant to their needs," LoyaltyOne President Bryan Pearson said.

Anchoring LoyaltyOne's new India-centric media enterprise is COLLOQUY India, a four-times-a-year print and online magazine set to debut in mid-February. The first publication will be circulated to over 3,500 top marketing executives throughout India.

COLLOQUY India represents LoyaltyOne's first regionally targeted publication. The magazine will draw on the resources of world-renowned COLLOQUY magazine to bring India-specific research, analysis and expertise based on connections with leading loyalty practitioners in India.

More than 2,000 savvy Indian loyalty executives access COLLOQUY articles and content via www.colloquy.com. Now, India will have a dedicated COLLOQUY India web site for news, insights and other relevant content. The COLLOQUY India site can be accessed at www.colloquyindia.com.

COLLOQUY completed in 2011 comprehensive research on loyalty attitudes and perceptions in India and five other vital countries. A full report on the India research results will be featured in the February debut issue of COLLOQUY India. A white paper reporting the India results can be accessed at http://www.colloquy.com/crosscultural.

COLLOQUY is expanding its highly regarded Loyalty Marketing Workshop sessions to Mumbai and New Delhi in 2012. These in-depth, two-day sessions are scheduled for Mumbai April 11-12 and New Delhi August 9-10.
"In India, we see loyalty programs spanning every sector from airlines to hospitality to retail," COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka said. "This is the golden age of loyalty in India. In COLLOQUY India, marketers will find a resource, a guide and a voice that helps them achieve customer intimacy."

LoyaltyOne's global expansion strategy began with the October 2009 acquisition of a 29% interest in CBSM - Companhia Brasileira De Servicos De Marketing ("Dotz"), operator of Brazil's dotz loyalty program (www.dotz.com.br).

About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada's AIR MILES Reward Program – North America's premier coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting and Direct Antidote. LoyaltyOne is an equity partner of Direxions, a loyalty pioneer headquartered in India, and has a working partnership with the leading Latin American coalition programme, Dotz.

LoyaltyOne's industry-leading associates, practical experience and proven capabilities set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184. COLLOQUY India can be accessed at http://www.colloquy.com or at http://www.colloquyindia.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

COLLOQUY Research Shows Over-Focus on Cash Rebates Erodes Brand Experience

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/18/2012 -- Markdowns and cash rebates, a strategy of many brands and retailers today, may actually be eroding brand loyalty, COLLOQUY reveals in a report that should serve as a wake-up call for U.S. marketers. When asked if it pays to be loyal to a favorite brand, only 12% of U.S. consumers strongly agree and only 17% say loyalty programs are a "very influential" factor in determining a purchase.

In a white paper titled The Rules of Engagement: Loyalty in the U.S. and Canada, COLLOQUY says loyalty programs have fallen into a trap of copying one another with discount and cash-back rewards that increasingly look alike to consumers. The research conclusion: Something new is needed, otherwise brand owners must incur not only the margin losses but also the cost to re-engage their customers.

"Emotional engagement has come under pressure as companies look for quick wins," said Kelly Hlavinka, managing partner of COLLOQUY, a leading provider of loyalty marketing research, publishing and education. "The culprit is a general over-focus on hard-dollar economic rewards, discounts, and cash rebates -- to the detriment of recognition and rewards that engage hearts and minds and reinforce a specific branded difference. Many loyalty programs are at risk of becoming commoditized discount programs because they are meeting only some, but not all, of consumers' needs."

The COLLOQUY data shows that while consumer participation in loyalty programs is up, the type of engagement that forges long-term brand commitment is down, a victim of the rapidly disappearing unique customer experience. The number of Americans participating in at least one loyalty program grew from 68% in 2009 to 74% in 2011. For Seniors (60 and over), the jump was from 61% to 81% for the same period.

According to the findings, in the past two years critical interactions that lead to deepening the bonds of emotional loyalty are trending downward:
- Learning program information via web sites was down to 33% in 2011 versus 44% in 2009
- Swapping program information via social networking sites was down to 9% in 2011 versus 18% in 2009
- Reading special offers via cell phone was down to 8% in 2011 versus 18% in 2009.

Hlavinka sees an opportunity stemming from the commoditization trend. "Marketers who shore up the relevance of their offerings and communications have the potential to differentiate themselves and outgun the competition," she said.

Hlavinka offers three tactical initiatives to help marketers engage consumers so they'll stick with brands for better or worse and brag about them to friends:

1. 'Give'em what they want' -- Just 31% of U.S. consumers find reward program communications extremely relevant. Leverage data from programs to determine what high-value customers buy and what drives their redemption. Put customers fully in control. Opt-ins and opt-outs must be easy, and be offered by category and channel.

2. VIP mentality -- Engender a sense of insider status for customers. Invite customers to design how rewards are tailored to their needs – this is the new horizon. Consumer-to-consumer dialogue and company-to-consumer-to-consumer trialogue present new opportunities.

3. Keep it simple -- Achieve organizational transformation from being product- or channel-focused to being truly customer centric. Ease of engagement is the key. Approximately 64% of U.S. consumers told COLLOQUY the main reason they joined a loyalty program was because the program made it easy to redeem for a reward.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada's AIR MILES Reward Program - North America's premiere coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting Direct Antidote and Dotz in Brazil. LoyaltyOne's industry-leading Associates, practical experience and proven capabilities set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers. For more information, visit http://www.loyalty.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

COLLOQUY’s 2011 Cross-Cultural Loyalty Study Uncovers Key Paradigm Shift Among Brazilian Consumers, Despite Concerns about Trust, Privacy

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) --11/15/2011 -- A mere 10% of Brazilian consumers feel most people can be trusted, yet the economic outlook and optimism among natives of this country is so high, compared with both emerging and developed nations, that it signals an important shift in attitudes and unprecedented opportunities for loyalty marketers.

These findings, which span six global economies, are included in the "2011 COLLOQUY Cross- Cultural Loyalty Study," the highlights of which will be presented by COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka today at Loyalty World Brazil, in Sao Paulo. The study, sponsored by Epsilon and LoyaltyOne, provides a timely and comprehensive snapshot of consumer attitudes toward loyalty.

COLLOQUY, a LoyaltyOne publication, is a leading provider of loyalty marketing publishing, research and education. Epsilon is a global marketing and analytics leader focused on helping brands deepen their relationships with customers.

The results of the research indicate that Brazilians are approaching a significant turning point in terms of their outlooks and perceptions of loyalty programs. Seventy-one percent of Brazilians said they are confident their economic prospects will improve over the next 10 years.

This compares with only 17% of consumers in the United States, 18% in Canada, 12% in Australia, 34% in India, and 47% in China.

While the average Brazilian today is overwhelmingly pragmatic, discount-oriented and concerned about privacy issues, the country's very high optimism rating supports changing attitudes regarding special treatment and recognition. Indeed, 49% of Brazilians in the A/B socioeconomic class* say they do not participate in a loyalty program because none is available, demonstrating substantial upside potential for marketers.

Among the other findings:

- Brand loyalty pays off: 35% of all Brazilians strongly agree it pays to be loyal to a favorite brand, outpacing all nations: 12% in the United States and Australia, 10% in Canada, and 24% in each India and China

- Love those benefits: Brazilians in the A/B socioeconomic class overwhelmingly join loyalty programs for the rewards and benefits, at 76%, while 40% said they join because they frequently shop with the merchant, and 36% because of advanced offers and access to special events

- Great expectations: 43% of all Brazilians strongly agree they "expect special service" when shopping – a figure that far outpaces those of the other markets. In China, 25% of those surveyed said they expect special service, while in India the figure is 24%. In the developed nations, 9% of U.S. and Canadian consumers and 11% of Australians expect special service

- Saving for something big: Brazilians are the most aspirational consumers of the six countries studied, with 63% of those in A/B socioeconomic households most likely to save for a big reward

- Win our trust: Brazilians rank as the least trusting consumers of the surveyed markets, with just 10% saying most people can be trusted. By contrast, 44% of U.S. consumers, 46% of Indian consumers and 49% of Chinese consumers feel most people can be trusted

- Want some privacy: 68% of all Brazilians said they are concerned about privacy and protection of personal information, far outpacing other markets. In the United States, 52% consumers strongly agree that they are concerned. In Canada, the figure is 51%; In Australia, 49%; China, 40%; and India, 33%.

"Our research gauges the attitudes and perceptions of Brazilians today, but it has also uncovered a paradigm shift – one that could define what your loyalty programs will be tomorrow," said Hlavinka. "Forward-thinking organizations will want to prepare today for that tomorrow. By creating and delivering more inspired experiences now, these companies will be poised to capture this emerging market."

The full research findings will be released by COLLOQUY in a three-part white paper series. The first in the series, entitled "The Global Loyalty Compass," is now available at http://www.colloquy.com/crosscultural.

- Methodology
COLLOQUY's cross-cultural research study was fielded from July 7-18, 2011. The Brazilian survey was completed entirely online in both English and Portuguese. The regions captured by our sample include Center-West, Northeast, North, Southeast and South. Class-based differences were calculated using the standard SEC points system. This system takes into account the education of the head of household, the number of consumable goods owned by the family and whether or not the household has a monthly maid. For the purpose of our study, COLLOQUY looked solely at SEC A, B and C. We collected a total of 309 responses for SEC A/B and 209 for SEC C.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada's AIR MILES Reward Program - North America's premiere coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting Direct Antidote and Dotz in Brazil. LoyaltyOne's industry-leading Associates, practical experience and proven capabilities set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers. For more information, visit http://www.loyalty.com.

About Epsilon
Epsilon is the industry's leading marketing services firm, with a broad array of data-driven, multi- channel marketing solutions that leverage consumer insight to help brands deepen their relationships with customers. Services include strategic consulting, acquisition and customer database technologies, loyalty management, proprietary data, predictive modeling and a full range of direct and digital agency services, including creative, interactive web design, email deployment, search engine optimization and direct mail production. In addition, Epsilon is the world's largest permission-based email marketer. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company. For more information, visit http://www.epsilon.com or call 1-800-309-0505.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

COLLOQUY’s 2011 Cross-Cultural Loyalty Study Uncovers Global Perceptions on Loyalty and Implications for Spending

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/07/2011 -- Ninety percent of Chinese consumers trust foreign brands over domestic, and shoppers in Brazil, India and China say they are significantly more likely than Americans and Canadians to use a credit card for something they can't afford. The results of a one-of-a kind global study on shopping behavior and consumer loyalty also found Brazilians are far more concerned than Americans and Canadians about protecting personal information, while Chinese consumers are far less concerned than their North American counterparts.

These insights are among many contained in the "2011 COLLOQUY Cross-Cultural Loyalty Study," which spans six global economies. Sponsored by Epsilon and LoyaltyOne, this study provides a timely and comprehensive window into current consumer attitudes toward loyalty amidst continued global economic turmoil. COLLOQUY, a LoyaltyOne company, is a leading provider of loyalty marketing publishing, research and education. Epsilon is a global marketing and analytics leader focused on helping brands deepen their relationships with customers.

Signs of significant growth potential for North American businesses aiming to enter rapidly developing economies were found along with the critical importance of businesses "localizing" their consumer marketing approaches in these markets. The study revealed stark contrasts in optimism between three developed nations—the U.S., Canada and Australia—and three emerging markets—India, China and Brazil. These contrasts underpin fundamental differences in sentiment in developed and emerging markets during a time when corporations are focused on strategies for stability and growth. The message is clear: even in markets with pent-up demand, consumers in emerging markets respond differently to new brands and product opportunities than do their counterparts in developed nations.

The full research findings will be released by COLLOQUY in a three-part white paper series. The first, entitled "The Global Loyalty Compass," is now available free of charge at http://www.colloquy.com/crosscultural. It provides a worldwide overview, pointing to leading economic indicators and important behavioral nuances by market.

The effectiveness and relevance of brand communications and marketing is analyzed across distinct consumer segments. The U.S., Canada and Australia data spans the general population and includes additional analysis in the affluent, young adult and senior sectors of the United States and in Canada. The emerging market data (India, China and Brazil) includes attitudes and perceptions from consumers across three different socioeconomic classes.

Three T's—Tired, Turned Off, and Tuned Out—are used to characterize consumers in developed markets, where there is strong evidence of a new set of much higher expectations for innovation and reinvention among loyalty programs.

Conversely, the emerging market consumer sentiments can be summed up as Three E's—Energy, Engagement, and Enthusiasm. Yet, despite this prevailing commonality in optimism, marked differences in perceptions around loyalty and shopping-related behaviors were detected.

According to LoyaltyOne President Bryan Pearson, whose book, The Loyalty Leap: Turning Customer Information into Customer Intimacy, is due out in May 2012: "Consumer sentiment is incredibly important bellwether. While there are many imminent concerns for business on the horizon, corporations, especially those that are banking on loyalty for growth, would be wise to heed two strong prevailing themes: Success in North America requires a rewrite of the rules of engagement, and emerging markets will not be won with a one-size-fits-all mentality."

Developed and Emerging Market Comparison Highlights:

• Foreign vs. domestic brands: Shoppers in emerging nations are more welcoming of foreign brands and in some cases are more trusting of foreign/global brands. In China, nine out of 10 consumers say that global brands are more trustworthy than domestic brands. Chinese consumers are six times more likely than Americans to agree with the statement that competition from foreign companies is a good thing.

• Credit card usage: China, Brazil and India consumers are five times more likely than U.S. and Canadian consumers to say they will use credit cards for "things you can't afford now."

• Privacy: 68% of Brazilian consumers are concerned about protecting their personal information, compared with 50% of consumers in the United States and Canada. This far outstrips China, where just 33% of respondents said they are concerned.

• Brand Loyalty Defined: Consumers almost universally define brand loyalty as telling friends or family to shop at a particular store, except in China, where loyalty is defined as shopping with a specific company for more than three years.

"We've entered into a period of great change and complexity, which is driving a critical need for clarity and direction. This study is an essential navigational beacon regardless of whether you're leading the charge for growth on foreign soil or in a market where growth is increasingly hard to mine," says Kelly Hlavinka, Managing Partner of COLLOQUY.

In addition to the macro comparisons between mature and emerging economies, the "2011 COLLOQUY Cross-Cultural Loyalty Study" explores in-depth sentiments of each of the cohorts across the markets studied. A fulsome analysis of the developed markets will be the subject of the second of the three white papers, due out later in November. It will provide a closer look at the effects of the confidence crisis in the mature markets.

In this installment, marketers in North America will discover several sobering challenges:

• Only 12% of Americans and 10% of Canadians strongly agree that it pays to be loyal to your favorite brands.

• Data compared with earlier studies will show that engagement with marketing communications is trending down in several channels including social media.

"There are some incredibly compelling and eye-opening findings in our research including what's on the horizon for customer loyalty strategies," adds Hlavinka. "I think chief marketing officers are going to be surprised with the trends and needs that are reshaping customer expectations and loyalty globally. There is vast loyalty opportunity to evolve how we engage customers in the developed markets. We've also uncovered a strong desire for special services & privileges in the emerging markets. Marketers would be well served to understand these trends and deploy strategies to capitalize on them."

The third white paper, slated for release in February 2012, will paint some stark on-the-ground differences among the same cohorts across the three emerging markets, underscoring disparities in cultural and behavioral characteristics, despite a shared optimism.

According to Hlavinka, "The findings from the emerging markets are telling us that even where there is pent-up demand, setting up shop doesn't guarantee you'll end up in the winner's circle. If, on the other hand, you parlay core insights into a long-term engagement strategy from the outset, the potential for ongoing return on investment increases exponentially."

About LoyaltyOne
LoyaltyOne is a global provider of loyalty strategy and programs, customer analytics and relationship marketing services. Its roster of clients includes leading businesses and brands in multiple sectors such as retail, banking, manufacturing, government, natural resources and utilities. LoyaltyOne businesses include Canada's AIR MILES Reward Program - North America's premiere coalition loyalty program, COLLOQUY, Precima, LoyaltyOne Consulting and Direct Antidote. LoyaltyOne's industry-leading Associates, practical experience and proven capabilities set the benchmark of thought leadership in the loyalty marketplace. Toronto-based LoyaltyOne is an Alliance Data company. For more than 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology.

About Epsilon
Epsilon is the industry's leading marketing services firm, with a broad array of data-driven, multi-channel marketing solutions that leverage consumer insight to help brands deepen their relationships with customers. Services include strategic consulting, acquisition and customer database technologies, loyalty management, proprietary data, predictive modeling and a full range of direct and digital agency services, including creative, interactive web design, email deployment, search engine optimization and direct mail production. In addition, Epsilon is the world's largest permission-based email marketer. Epsilon is an Alliance Data company.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) --06/07/2011 -- In its most recent issue, COLLOQUY magazine, the voice of loyalty marketing since 1990, explores the next update to the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and what it means for companies accounting for their issued loyalty rewards that go unredeemed.

In July 2008, companies outside the U.S. and Canada adopted a new accounting standard that defined a consistent accounting treatment for loyalty program liability accrual and the redemption of award credits and other incentives for companies following International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). On January 1, 2011, Canada adopted the same policy.

As soon as July, the U.S. is expected to adopt the policy as well. With COLLOQUY research showing 2 billion loyalty program memberships in the U.S. and $48 billion in fair market value being issued in the form of points and miles each year in the U.S. – and one-third never being cashed in - how will this affect loyalty programs?

Three changes that will apply:

1. Companies must account for the issuance of points as a separate component of the sale.

2. As points are redeemed over time, the deferred revenue will be recognized as "performance of a service" that will have been completed.

3. Deferred revenue will be calculated based upon the fair market value of the rewards (in retail – the face value of the retail gift certificate reward) less the expected breakage.

"The loyalty industry is now enormous," said COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "Consistent standards, more transparency and more uniformity in reporting are part of the maturation process."
COLLOQUY magazine, published by LoyaltyOne, explores critical best practices, innovations, trends, opinion and strategies in relationship, dialogue and database marketing. Coverage in the latest edition also includes:

Cover Story: The Device Race – What's Next for Loyalty Program Devices
Magnetic stripe cards, contactless chips, mobile apps and even biometric identification are among the devices competing to become the perfect loyalty program device. Which should loyalty practitioners bet on? Which has the best potential to integrate with existing operations? Which will consumers and retailers cheer for?

Analytics Report: Fast and Furious – The Rising Role of Consumer "Madvocates"
Welcome to the new underworld of the socially connected, ever-demanding customer who has just suffered a negative service experience with an unresponsive brand. Learn how to tame the Madvocate fire by building a community "speaker's corner," knowing what you're going to do when things go wrong and speaking to WOM Champions and Madvocates within their preferred channels.

Services Report: The Total Package – How FedEx Connects Small Business with More Than On-Time Delivery
FedEx prides itself on serving customers with not only on-time delivery of packages but equally important, a seamless customer experience across all engagement points. Small businesses especially need that reliability when navigating their businesses in a fast-paced environment. Learn how FedEx delivers on three key elements of successful customer experience management: relevancy, consistency and timing.

The COLLOQUY Interview: The Sinek Solution
Simon Sinek—teacher, speaker, and author of Start With Why—explains why repeat business and loyalty are two different concepts, and why confusing the two can cripple your customer-engagement initiatives.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Keynote Speakers: Jim Stengel, Former Global Marketing Officer, Procter & Gamble, and Simon Sinek, Author of “Start With Why”

Cincinnati, Ohio -- (SBWIRE) --05/25/2011 -- COLLOQUY, a global provider of loyalty publications, education and research, today announced that its 9th Annual COLLOQUY Loyalty Summit will be held September 13-15, 2011, at Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. The Summit, to feature some off the best-known names in loyalty and marketing, also will serve as the occasion for the 2nd Annual COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards, Presented by LoyaltyOne and Visa.

An invitation-only event designed to bring together the most progressive minds in loyalty marketing, the COLLOQUY Loyalty Summit features two full days of educational programming, highlighted by keynote presentations from:

• Jim Stengel, former global marketing officer at Procter & Gamble and CEO of The Jim Stengel Co., will present, "New Chief Marketer: Jim Stengel's Approach to a Better World through Marketing" on September 14. When Stengel retired from P&G in October 2008, it marked the beginning of a passionate quest – to grow brands through a focus on higher ideals. To pursue his mission, Stengel wrote the upcoming book, Grow: How Ideals Power Growth and Profit at the World's Greatest Companies. In his thought-provoking presentation, Stengel will explain how putting "higher ideals" at the center of an organization's purpose results in stronger companies, inspired employees and loyal customers.

• Simon Sinek, author of the book "Start With Why," will present "Simon Sinek and the Golden Circle: How to Inspire Loyalty by Answering 'Why,'" on September 15. Sinek knows what inspires millions of consumers to buy one computer over another, and why the Wright brothers were the first to fly. He is leading a movement to motivate people to do whatever it is that inspires them most.

His goal: To persuade as many people as possible that inspiration and loyalty are found not in "what we do," but in "why we do it." Sinek will illustrate the basic biology of human decision-making and how it positively affects the ways companies operate.

Among other highlights of this year's Summit is the 2nd Annual COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards, Presented by LoyaltyOne and Visa, on the evening of Wednesday, September 14. The Loyalty Awards attracted such a positive response in 2010 that COLLOQUY has now expanded the nominations globally. For more information, visit the COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards web site at http://www.colloquy.com/loyaltyawards.

Attendance at the COLLOQUY Loyalty Summit is limited to 200 executives at the early bird rate of $1,299 until June 30, 2011. To be considered please complete the short form at www.colloquy.com/loyaltysummit.

Other confirmed speakers for the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Summit include:

• Dennis Armbruster, Managing Partner, LoyaltyOne Consulting

• Greg Brown, Vice President, Loyalty, Promotion and Relationship Marketing, Choice Hotels

• Patrick Durkin, Corporate Director of Loyalty Marketing, Caesars Entertainment

• John Flynn, Senior Vice President, Consumer Engagement and Director-to-Consumer Marketing, Disney Worldwide

• Kelly Hlavinka, Managing Partner, COLLOQUY

• Tom Liutkus, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, TravelCenters of America

• Bryan Pearson, President, LoyaltyOne

• Sandy Perlman, Senior Director, Digital and New Media, AIR MILES Reward Program

• Michael Randall, Director of Sales, Facebook

• Stacy Speicher, Director of Brand Loyalty, Starbucks

• Lance Walker, CEO, Loyalty New Zealand

"The Loyalty Summit provides an opportunity to learn about the most creative accomplishments in Enterprise Loyalty," said COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "The recovering economy, combined with emerging technologies, presents the perfect timing for a company to transform from a product-driven organization to a customer-focused one. We are honored to have once again assembled such an impressive faculty of loyalty-marketing leaders who will be sharing their experiences."

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry.

Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

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First-Ever Quantification of U.S. Loyalty Rewards Value Accompanies Release of 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/02/2011 -- Americans accumulate approximately $48 billion in rewards points and miles annually, according to the results of a first-ever study on the perceived dollar value of loyalty programs that illustrates the real economic power of these programs for consumers, issuers, merchants and manufacturers.

Out of roughly $48 billion worth of perceived value in reward points and miles American businesses issue annually, at least one-third, representing $16 billion in value, goes unredeemed by consumers, according to the study, titled 2011 Forecast of U.S. Consumer Loyalty Program Points Value.

Put in perspective, the average household that is active in loyalty programs earns $622 a year, but does not redeem $205 of those rewards.That's enough to buy an airline ticket, purchase a week's worth of groceries or even a smart phone.

"American consumers are leaving significant dollars on the table every year," said Kelly Hlavinka, Managing Partner at COLLOQUY. "This report should alert savvy consumers to a great opportunity to stretch household budgets, and to do so by simply consolidating their loyalty rewards participation with their favorite brands, making it easy to accumulate and redeem them faster than ever imagined."

The study from COLLOQUY and SWIFT EXCHANGE comprises consumer-oriented reward programs from a host of merchants, including those from travel and hospitality, retail and financial services. Taken together, the sheer amount of currency issued by this group demonstrates the economic muscle and potential untapped benefits for all involved in rewards programs, which were launched some 30 years ago.

"Three decades after the inception of the modern frequent flyer program, the rewards industry is ripe for a transition from a culture of accumulation to one of realization in the fullest sense," said Nancy Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of SWIFT EXCHANGE. "That means helping consumers make rewards-based purchases as easily as they buy anything else in their daily lives. To accomplish this, marketers will need a transformational tool that can translate rewards and points into real mind share."

In other key findings:

• The financial services sector is the biggest provider of rewards at $18 billion a year

• The travel and hospitality sector is the second-largest industry in terms of rewards at $17 billion a year

• The retail industry, although it makes up 40% of all loyalty program memberships, issues the smallest value in rewards at $12 billion a year.

This report provides an unprecedented quantification of the value of U.S. loyalty rewards. It is the result of exhaustive research and forecasting efforts by COLLOQUY, a LoyaltyOne company that is a global provider of loyalty marketing publications, education and research; and SWIFT EXCHANGE, a leading marketing technology company specializing in the rewards industry.

Hlavinka said the research results indicate loyalty marketers have work to do, because while unredeemed points may translate to short-term corporate savings, they do not equate to long-term customer relationships.

"If redemption equals engagement and engagement delivers customer satisfaction and profits, then loyalty marketers should encourage their members to make the most of their rewards," she said. "In short, redemption is good."

Findings from the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census Forming the backbone of the forecast was the bottom-up sizing of the number of U.S. loyalty program memberships – data that is featured uniquely in the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census. Its key findings include the following:

• The number of loyalty memberships in the U.S. is 2.1 billion, exceeding 2 billion for first time, up from 1.8 billion in the 2009 report

• The average household has signed up for 18.4 programs, compared with 14.1 programs in 2009

• Despite the increase in overall membership, the average number of programs in which households
actively participate is just 8.4

• Overall membership of 2.1 billion represents a 16% increase compared to the 2009 report, but a slowdown from 2007 to 2009 when memberships rose 34%.

Complete details of both the 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census and the 2011 Forecast of U.S. Consumer Loyalty Program Points Value are available as a free download at http://www.colloquy.com/whitepapers.

Methodology
2011 Forecast of U.S. Consumer Loyalty Program Points Value was completed through an intensive nine-step process examining the perceived value of loyalty rewards across all industries. A mix of publicly reported data points, including reviews of corporate records, web sites and press releases, third party information, proprietary estimates and forecast assumptions were used. The report refers to the value of all points and miles as "perceived" because the worth of a reward to a consumer may vary from the actual cost of delivering the rewards to the granting company.

The 2011 COLLOQUY Loyalty Census is the result of a comprehensive review of loyalty program memberships that includes an archive of programs across major market sectors, web sites, press releases, annual reports and third-party publications. Complete details of the research on growth and trends in loyalty program memberships and activity are available at http://www.colloquy.com.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

About SWIFT EXCHANGE
As a pioneer in global commerce, SWIFT EXCHANGE is unleashing a powerful new source of consumer buying power utilizing its patent-protected technology that blends points and miles from different rewards programs to make them as easy to spend as cash. SWIFT EXCHANGE is owned and operated by Signature Systems LLC. For more information, visit http://www.swiftexchange.com.

Press Contacts
COLLOQUY Jill McBride or Tim Sansbury (513) 231-5115 jill@jzmcbride.com or tim@jzmcbride.com

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Strong Inclination to Engage in Negative Word-of-Mouth Exists Even Among Brand Champions COLLOQUY Tips for Turning “Madvocates” into Advocates

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/22/2011 -- Consumers have sounded a clear warning to brands in COLLOQUY's latest research into the word-of-mouth (WOM) sharing practices of U.S. households: Bad news travels fast.

Of 3,295 U.S. consumers surveyed by COLLOQUY, slightly more than one out of every four (26%) said they are far more likely to spread the word to family, friends and coworkers about a bad experience with a product or service than a good one. COLLOQUY, owned by LoyaltyOne, is a provider of loyalty marketing publishing, education and research.

In a survey finding of equal significance, even among consumers who are most loyal to, engaged with and willing to recommend brands they like -- a group COLLOQUY calls WOM Champions -- 31% said they are far more likely to share information about a bad experience with a product or service than a good one.

Among key demographic groups, Affluent consumers, at 30%, scored highest for saying they're far more likely to spread a bad experience. Seniors scored the lowest at 19%. In the other demographics, 25% of Young Adults and 25% of Women said they're far more likely to share a bad experience. Hispanics' score was 21%.

COLLOQUY experts have adopted a little known term, "Madvocates," as an apt name for consumers predisposed to engage in negative WOM practices after suffering a bad experience. The corresponding attitude can be called "Madvocacy."

"Negative word of mouth is a function of the bad experience we all may have on occasion," said COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "Rather than uncover a separate group of brand curmudgeons, we instead discovered an overlap of positive and negative stances found among all groups.
"It's notable that the Madvocacy attitude is significantly more prevalent among word-of-mouth champions (31%) than the general population (26%)," Hlavinka added. "One lesson is clear, hell hath no fury like a champion scorned. Since Madvocacy is an attitude that nearly a third of all champions share and are willing to act upon, loyalty marketers must accept their responsibility for the impact their programs can have on generating both positive and negative word of mouth."

COLLOQUY's WOM survey, featuring completed responses from 3,295 U.S. consumers nationwide, was conducted in December 2010. COLLOQUY will publish a white paper March 18, 2011, presenting the complete results of its latest WOM research. The paper will be available free of charge at www.colloquy.com/whitepapers. The Madvocacy findings released today represent a portion of those results. COLLOQUY previously published a 2009 study titled The New Champion Customers: Measuring Word-of-Mouth Activity Among Reward Program Members.

Other key Madvocacy findings include the following:

• Just 7% of the general population are "Pure Madvocates" -- consumers who aren't connected to brands and aren't willing to advocate for them, but who are oriented to negative WOM.

• 75% of the general population said that when they've had a bad experience with a product or service they advise friends and family. That surpasses the 42% who said they always recommend a product or service they really like; the 71% who said they're always looking to experience something new; and the 67% who said they love telling people about something new they've learned.

"Marketers trying to locate WOM Champions will have a far better chance if they look within their rewards programs rather than outside of them. COLLOQUY's research shows, in fact, they would be three times more likely to find Champions within a rewards program than not," said COLLOQUY Partner Jim Sullivan.

"Loyalty marketers have already built a great WOM platform, the one provided by their rewards program," Sullivan noted. "WOM Champions can spread the good word or switch to Madvocacy mode, depending on the treatment they receive," he added. Sullivan provided the following three brand conversation best practice tips for turning Madvocates into Advocates:

1) Make sure customers not only have an opportunity for a dialogue (not a monologue) with the brand, but with each other. That's what COLLOQUY calls the 'trialogue.' Get the conversations started by asking for opinions and insights, and recognize contributions.

2) Involve customers in WOM programs by forming online social sharing communities, panels and co-development platforms. Do your own social media.

3) Be innovative and make sure content is relevant, fresh and rewarding. Start by transforming your marketing mindset from "incentive" to "service." Be sure to nip any service problems in the bud and head off any negative WOM that can quickly go viral from these well-connected customers.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Citi, Zappos, Starbucks, Red Bull, and Best Buy Are Among Those That Lead the Way in the Social Media Conversation

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2011 -- In its most recent issue, COLLOQUY magazine, the voice of loyalty marketing since 1990, explores the melding of loyalty and social media. COLLOQUY's Contributing Editor Sharon M. Goldman takes the reader through this intersection in a fast-paced read titled "Trialogue – The Intersection of Social Media and Loyalty."

Trialogue delivers a powerful means of engaging with customers, and a platform for customers to champion brands through personal networks. Social media clearly offers transformational loyalty-marketing opportunities, and some big-name players have been spearheading the initiative.

Many experts point to Starbucks' MyStarbucksIdea program as an early, continually successful effort to create a three-way conversation on a wide scale. Citi is planning on a click-to-call and click-to-chat feature that steers users away from the social media site after engagement. InterContinental Hotels Group's three private online communities drawn from their 52-million-strong Priority Club membership have been a key element in the chain's social media efforts.

Businesses are getting involved in social media in part because that's where the customers are: In 2010, Americans spent nearly a quarter of their online time on social networking sites and blogs, an increase of almost 16% over 2009, according to Nielsen.

Two main forces that truly offer the chance for companies to move the needle on loyalty:
1. Social media as a catalyst for storytelling and story-sharing through trialogue.
2. New platforms for engagement and involvement harness fundamental loyalty factors.

COLLOQUY magazine, published by LoyaltyOne, explores critical best practices, innovations, trends, opinion and strategies in relationship, dialogue and database marketing. Coverage in the latest edition also includes:

Cover Story: Trialogue – The Intersection of Social Media and Loyalty
The powerful reach of social media enables loyalty marketers to extend their mastery of dialogue with customers on a grand scale, achieving trialogue: proactive three-way conversation between customers and their friends and the companies they really care about.

How can companies truly interject themselves into the customer-to-friend equation and harness social media? Listen to the questions and join the conversation – and be sure to tell your friends.

Retail Report: Power of the Program
Discover how GameStop lives up to its motto of "Power to the Players" with its energizing PowerUp Rewards program, launched in September 2010 and already sporting 6 million members—with more Power, and more Up, yet to come.

Travel Report: Rapid Change – The Revamp of Rapid Rewards
The revamp of Rapid Rewards marks a radical change in Southwest's venerable frequent-flyer program. Senior Director of Customer Loyalty and Partnerships Ryan Green describes the careful (and non-rapid) planning and design that preceded the revamp.

Strategy Report: HHonored Guests
Hilton Senior Vice President of Global Customer Marketing Jeff Diskin describes how Hilton and HHonors MyWay are recalibrating the power of the loyalty program to stay close to the customer.

Free Download Available at
http://www.colloquy.com/download-current.asp

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry.

Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior.

COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Citi, RecycleBank and Hyatt as 2010 COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards Winners – Learn What Set Them Apart

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/24/2010 -- In its most recent issue, COLLOQUY magazine, the voice of loyalty marketing since 1990, explores three loyalty trends – what COLLOQUY calls "The Next New Normal," "The New I-Network" and "The New Marketing Reality" - that will shape the future of marketing two decades down the road.

In "2030 – A Loyalty Odyssey," COLLOQUY predicts that multi-generational households, a stronger focus on localism and increasingly time-starved customers will be The Next New Normal by the year 2030. Marketers will not only engage with consumers at a local level, they'll market to multiple generations living at the same location, as well.

In The New I-Network, consumers will take hold of their ability to connect with their community and form their own networks, making it increasingly difficult for brands to get accepted into those networks. Forget "opt in" and think "friending."

The New Marketing Reality will be the growth of consumer power – which will expand and multiply to the power of 10. Marketers must prepare for a time when a critical mass of consumers may set the terms of engagement with brands.

"We are shifting to an era when consumers are no longer going to be as free with their time," says COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "Marketers should prepare to hear consumers say 'This is my time and attention and this is what it's going to take for you to break through.'"

Five factors that COLLOQUY says will strongly influence future loyalty trends around the world:

1. An aging population
2. A burgeoning middle class
3. Increasing extremes of wealth
4. More boom-and-bust cycles
5. Technology advances towards the seamless, instant and personal.

COLLOQUY magazine, published by LoyaltyOne, explores critical best practices, innovations, trends, opinion and strategies in relationship, dialogue and database marketing. Coverage in the latest edition also includes:

Cover Story: The COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards
The first-ever COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards pay homage to savvy marketing, intelligent and informed loyalty initiatives, and bold forays into customer-centric Enterprise Loyalty. Celebrate those companies that illuminate the pathways to transformational loyalty practices.

Social Media Report: Social Studies
Long gone are the days when sharing vacation pictures involved setting up a slide projector and a screen in a dark room for a handful of friends. New channels like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have facilitated new approaches in the communication aspects of business. Find out how IHG employs listening, engagement and response to fuel its successful social marketing strategy.

Strategy Report: Game On!
Play a virtual game, take a poll, engage in some trivia and get points. Fun, right? It's fun for USA Network and Bravo too, companies that are deeply involved in the "gamification" trend. Gamification allows companies to engage their best customers in compelling non-purchase behaviors that can lead to bottom-line benefits such as retention and transactional list.

Travel Report: True Colors
It's one thing to launch a loyalty program. To make over an existing program, however, into one that truly reflects how customers want to be rewarded as well as how a company wants to relate to its customers, is another. Learn how JetBlue Airways repainted its frequent-flyer program in TrueBlue colors.

Trends Report: 2030 – A Loyalty Odyssey
After looking at the past and present in celebration of its 20th anniversary, COLLOQUY now looks to the next 20 years—at the long-range trends and forces that will shape tomorrow's business environment and revolutionize what we will view as "customer loyalty."

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Loyalty Program Causes Are Standard, No Longer an Option

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2010 -- Whether your cause is green, pink or any other color of the rainbow, an experts panel at the U.S. Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) annual meeting revealed that the trend toward cause marketing is the next step in engaging customers and increasing loyalty.

Authenticity was the key word during the panel discussion. The consensus tip was that if the cause is not authentic to the brand, integrating it into the brand's marketing will fail.

The DMA provided attendees at its recent annual meeting in San Francisco a glimpse of what's on the horizon in cause marketing by assembling the representatives of successful programs for a panel titled "Loyalty Leaders Tell All: Harnessing the Power of Cause Marketing." COLLOQUY's Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka chaired the DMA panel discussion.

Panelists included:

• Morley Ivers, Corporate Advisor (formerly Chief Rewards Officer) at RecycleBank and Chief Operating Officer at DailyFeats, a company that focuses on applying a rewards model to incent people to "Do Good and Check It In";

• Erin DeRuggiero, Co-Founder & CMO of Social Reality, a digital cause-marketing consultancy, participating on behalf of her client Seventh Generation;

• Asha Patel, Manager of Dividend Miles Partnerships at US Airways;

• Candice Troupe, Senior Director of Marketing for LoyaltyOne and the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program.

The experts said that any loyalty program that doesn't have some aspect of cause-related marketing is behind the times, but cautioned that any cause program must align with the sponsoring business and be useful to customers. The panelists shared their belief that cause marketing must be at the core of what brands are doing and must recognize that customers want brands to do more than just sell products.

Some other highlights from the DMA panel discussion:

• RecycleBank, the green rewards program that motivates people to take environmental actions, serves more than 100 communities in the United States and five boroughs in the United Kingdom;

• My Planet - AIR MILES Reward Program's cause-marketing initiative – analyzed data to identify millions of members with strong devotion to green, to tailor education, purchases and redemption options for them;

• Through Miles of Hope, US Airways frequent-flyer members have donated over 700,000,000 miles to worthy causes such as the American Red Cross and Make-A-Wish Foundation. The miles equal more than 15,000 flights;

• Around 25,000 influential Seventh Generation Nation members, signed on to create "virtual crawlers" through the company's Million Baby Crawl program to raise awareness for tougher legislation around toxicity in household products;

• DailyFeats has more than 150 daily tasks for people to take positive actions and to learn about different ways to better themselves, their world and the lives of people in their social networks.

Download the new white paper of the DMA panel discussion on cause marketing, free of charge, at http://www.colloquy.com/loyaltyleaders.

"We're at an inflection point where it's more important than ever to have some element of cause marketing invested with our very best customers," said COLLOQUY's Kelly Hlavinka. The importance of local communities and personal relationships are ever-increasing and cause marketing is a great way to align your brand with the values of your customers."

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is a loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

Download the New White Paper of the DMA Panel Discussion on Cause Marketing Today
http://www.colloquy.com/loyaltyleaders

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COLLOQUY, LoyaltyOne, Precima, Best Buy and Delta to Present

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/10/2010 -- COLLOQUY's Kelly Hlavinka and Precima's Brian Ross and Nicolle Scavuzzo will lead Enterprise Loyalty Day on Dec. 13 at the National Center for Database Marketing Conference (NCDM) 2010, which will be held Dec. 13-15 at the Marriott Doral Golf Resort & Spa. Enterprise Loyalty Day is the only full day pre-conference intensive that is structured as an interactive session featuring case studies and client perspectives from leading brands such as Best Buy and Delta SkyMiles.

COLLOQUY is a leader in Enterprise Loyalty with its new journal 'Enterprise Loyalty in Practice.' This journal is the first and only publication dedicated to the innovations and people behind the game-changing strategy of Enterprise Loyalty.

"By transforming the customer experience through analytical insights, Enterprise Loyalty is traditional loyalty with a big 'L,'" said COLLOQUY Managing Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "It means going beyond traditional loyalty marketing strategies to use data in a far more holistic way – as a means towards aligning behind the unique purpose of service."

The NCDM conference is dedicated exclusively to the database marketing industry. It brings database marketing suppliers and decision makers together to find practical approaches to today's direct marketing challenges using customer data and technology.

COLLOQUY will be leading part one of Enterprise Loyalty Day along with Precima and Best Buy's Matt Smith. The session will begin at 9 a.m. and will discuss the opportunities presented by Enterprise Loyalty to create a better customer experience based on advanced analytics and customer insights.

Beginning at 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 13, COLLOQUY and Precima will join Delta's Jeff Robertson for the second part of Monday's loyalty marketing sessions. The session will include a case study and question-and-answer session by Delta Air Lines that will detail how daily interpretation of customer needs has made its loyalty plan both resilient and relevant.

After Enterprise Loyalty Day wraps up at NCDM 2010 on Monday, LoyaltyOne's Ian Di Tullio will present, "Power of One: One Program Wins Sales, Shoppers in Multiples," on Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. This Sobeys' case study presentation will detail the challenges of designing a highly targeted and vendor-supported multi-channel promotion geared to drive both sales and return on consumer investment.

For full session descriptions or to register for the event, go to
http://colloquy.com/event_view.asp?uid=157.

About NCDM
The National Center for Database Marketing (NCDM) Conference (http://www.ncdmevents.com) is dedicated exclusively to the database marketing industry. NCDM is held once a year and brings marketing and technology decision-makers together to find practical approaches to today's marketing challenges using customer data and technology.

About Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
The Direct Marketing Association (http://www.the-dma.org) is the leading global trade association of businesses and nonprofit organizations using and supporting multichannel direct marketing tools and techniques. DMA advocates standards for responsible marketing, promotes relevance as the key to reaching consumers with desirable offers, and provides cutting-edge research, education, and networking opportunities to improve results throughout the end-to-end direct marketing process. Founded in 1917, DMA today represents companies from dozens of vertical industries in the US and 48 other nations, including nearly half of the Fortune 100 companies, as well as nonprofit organizations.

In 2009, marketers – commercial and nonprofit – spent $149.3 billion on direct marketing, which accounted for 54.3% of all ad expenditures in the United States. Measured against total US sales, these advertising expenditures generated approximately $1.783 trillion in incremental sales. In 2009, direct marketing accounted for 8.3% of total US gross domestic product. Also in 2009, there were 1.4 million direct marketing employees in the US. Their collective sales efforts directly supported 8.4 million other jobs, accounting for a total of 9.9 million US jobs.

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources
devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY
has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers
to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the
world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers
including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of
consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops,
webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty marketing partner of the Direct Marketing Association, a loyalty marketing partner of the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY
magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cincinnati, Ohio -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/25/2010 -- In its most recent issue, Colloquy magazine, the voice of loyalty marketing since 1990, explores a U.S. population segment that arguably constitutes the greatest untapped opportunity for loyalty marketers: Emerging Hispanics.

Emerging Hispanics, with annual incomes of $40,000 or less, reported the lowest loyalty program participation rate among five key demographic segments (Affluent, Young Adults, Core Women and Seniors) studied in Colloquy's most recent Loyalty Demographic Survey, yet are the most likely to be actively seeking to join a loyalty program.

Nearly half of the Hispanics Colloquy studied belong to at least one loyalty program, making it clear that there is room for marketers to do better with this important group. It's a segment that presents a unique set of challenges. Marketers are working to reach a population where a large percentage is foreign-born (about 43%) and whose traditional behaviors – use of cash, native language communicating and shopping for traditional foods – must be taken into account.

But Colloquy research points to the potential of reaching this increasingly influential and strategic demographic group:

• Hispanics tend to be highly engaged and are seeking the right loyalty opportunities more than other population segments, particularly in areas such as grocery and retail.

• Hispanics are the most likely to recommend food and grocery products to friends and family over the next 12 months.

• Emerging Hispanic loyalty program participation rose 14 percent from 41.4 percent in 2007 to 47.0 percent in 2009.

Colloquy magazine, published by LoyaltyOne, explores critical best practices, innovations, trends, opinion and strategies in relationship, dialogue and database marketing. Coverage in the latest edition also includes:

Cover Story: The Convergence Quotient
Over the years, we have watched and applauded important innovations that have not yet taken off in the U.S. as they have globally. Explore the confluence of loyalty innovations that are moving past the point of being experiments and are emerging as critical trends – or should be.

Demographics Report: Opportunity Knocks
At one time, the media volume related to Hispanics centered around the growing economic impact of this growing minority – and for marketers, the concentration should remain there. With current estimated U.S. tally of nearly 48 million, the influence of the ever-growing Hispanic population is everywhere and undeniable. The door to increasing Hispanic loyalty is wide open. Are you ready to walk through?

Financial Services Report: Total Effort - Regions Bank Invigorates Total Relationship Banking
Regions Bank replaces its merchant-funded program with across-the-enterprise Relationship Rewards. Learn how Regions Relationship Rewards is aiming to broaden and deepen customer relationships by allowing customers to earn value even when they don't spend money.

Travel Report: The Consortium Greenhouse – Luxury Indie Hotels Link Up for a Unique Loyalty Play
By themselves, boutique hotels and other independents lack the geographical depth and guest-recognition opportunities wielded by national and global chains. But aligning themselves with hoteliers with similar profiles creates a beautiful consortium. Through soft benefits, unique experiences and wider geographical range, learn how consortiums can flourish beautifully.

Trends Report: Cutting-Room Floor – The Durbin Amendment
Spoiler alert: Now that the Durbin Amendment has hit the big screen, watch for the sequels. The Durbin Amendment has the potential to enact the snowball effect toward other types of regulations on card fees. And who lies directly in the path of that snowball? The customers, card-based loyalty programs, and the relationship of the two. Learn all there is to know about the possible loyalty impact of the Durbin Amendment.

About Colloquy
Colloquy comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, Colloquy has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 40,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. Colloquy's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. Colloquy also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. Colloquy also operates the Colloquy Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in Colloquy's proprietary methodology. Colloquy magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Best Buy, MasterCard Worldwide and UPS To Attend

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/24/2010 -- Customer relationship and loyalty expert Sol Zia, Contributing Editor of COLLOQUY, will serve as Chairman of the Customer Loyalty Asia Programme & CRM Summit on September 15 – 16, 2010 in Shanghai.

COLLOQUY, a LoyaltyOne company, is a global provider of enterprise loyalty publications, education and research. As a COLLOQUY Contributing Editor, Zia lends his loyalty marketing knowledge and expertise to the magazine by way of insightful bylined articles and editorial input.

Zia boasts more than 15 years experience in consulting, analytics and customer relationship management. Most notably, he worked with Microsoft leading the measurement and learning campaign for the launch of Windows Vista and worked with Cathay Pacific focusing on its North American segmentation.

Zia will host a three-part, pre-conference workshop on Sept. 14 from 9 am to 5 pm titled "Surviving the Storm: Blueprinting, Implementing and Measuring a Sound Customer Relationship Strategy." On Sept. 16 from 10 to 10:40 am, he will present a session titled "The Three Rs of Loyalty in a Changing World – Meeting Change with Rewards, Recognition and Relevancy." Visit http://www.colloquy.com/event_view.asp?uid=158 for full session descriptions.

The Customer Loyalty Asia Programme & CRM Summit integrates industry leadership, technology and new initiatives on Customer Loyalty and CRM. It provides an in-depth look into new market developments, and effective practices plus offers a strong networking opportunity for professionals to discuss emerging trends in the field.

The conference will feature industry leaders including MasterCard Worldwide, Best Buy, UPS and BMW China. For more information, please visit http://www.neo-edge.com/Loyalty&CRM/

To register for the event, go to http://www.neo-edge.com/events/register.php?event=CLAP&venue=Shanghai&date=15-16_September_2010

About Neoedge
Neoedge is a top-notch business media and consulting company that aims to serve the corporate world with integrity and excellence by providing cutting edge business intelligences and creating high value networking opportunities. Neoedge identifies pressing issues that the corporate world is facing. Neoedge events are developed based on careful and original research including extensive and direct interactions with potential participants in the market. Neoedge events are distinguished by delivering premier value to customers in a sustainable means.

Neoedge is headquartered in Singapore with Rep Office in Beijing. Neoedge has been organizing premier events all around the world including in Hamburg, Dubai, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Perth, Manila, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai etc.

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

IGA and Safeway Also Among Winners in 2010 COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index To read the full COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index visit: http://www.colloquy.com/files/2010-COLLOQUY-RetailTalk-Canada.pdf

Cincinnati, Ohio -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/04/2010 -- Customer service has been knocked off its perch by low prices as the leading factor driving Canadian shopper loyalty, according to a study released by COLLOQUY. The COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index, a study of 3,500 Canadian shoppers, shows that the importance of customer service has plummeted by almost 20 percent since 2008 as discount retailers make major gains in Canada. However, the study also reveals that deep discounts are not the only way to customers' hearts and wallets.

The Loyalty Shift
When asked for the factors that most influence their loyalty to a retailer, Canadian consumers revealed a major shift in their views since 2008. The importance of customer service dropped 18 percent among the general population, falling to second place behind competitive price. By contrast, in 2008, virtually all demographic groups ranked customer service the most important factor in gaining and keeping their loyalty, with competitive price finishing a distant second.

Even among most demographic groups that still rank customer service as the top driver in shopper loyalty, its lead is narrowing. In Quebec, its importance plunged by 25 percent in 2010. Similarly, for both seniors and women it dropped by 20 percent in importance. The only exception is young adults, whose views of customer service as the top factor in loyalty are virtually unchanged since 2008.

Despite the large drop in the importance customer service plays as a loyalty driver in Canada, the Canadian experience pales in complexion to the US, where a similar study by COLLOQUY reveals that low prices have become even further entrenched since 2008, leaving little room for retailers to win on anything but price.

"While the recession played a major role in driving consumers to low-price stores, even as the economy recovers the need to deliver a good customer experience and value is the new normal for all retailers," said Kelly Hlavinka, author of COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index and COLLOQUY Partner. "But value doesn't just mean low prices. Stores that can identify the shoppers that contribute most to their bottom line, and how to satisfy them, stand the best chance of survival and success," she added.

The Winners
The COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index asked respondents a series of questions to measure how often they shop at leading retailers, as well as how loyal they feel to those retailers. The results illustrate a growing shift to discount retailers and low-price warehouse stores, though well-established retailers with strong brands and loyalty strategies continue to be well-represented.

Grocery:
Among grocery chains, in Ontario the discounters lead the pack, with Zehrs ranking highest for customer loyalty and No Frills topping the charts in frequency. Similarly, in the West, Costco is the COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index leader, with Safeway winning the frequency race. On the other hand, in Quebec, IGA tops both scores as does Sobeys in Atlantic Canada. In Quebec, Loblaws (loyalty) and Metro (frequency) emerge as strong second place finishers.

Pharmacy:
In the pharmacy category, discounter Zellers narrowly beats Walmart Supercenter, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix and Rexall in the loyalty race in Ontario. Shoppers Drug Mart is cited as the most frequented drugstore. In Quebec, homegrown favorite Jean Coutu topped both frequency and loyalty scores, as did Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix in Atlantic Canada. In the West, discounters reign supreme, with Costco again topping the loyalty category and Walmart attracting shoppers most frequently.

The report also examines the factors that drive loyalty among the subset of consumers most likely to recommend a retailer (a standard way of gauging loyalty). Here, the report illustrates that in the grocery category, "value for money" and "product quality" topped all other loyalty drivers, with "pleasant store environment" and "knowledgeable staff" lagging behind. On the other hand, in the Pharmacy category, "pleasant store environment" topped the list, suggesting that it's not all about price — it's about what you deliver, and how you deliver it.

"In the United States, brands built on low prices have rocketed to the top in nearly every category. In Canada, the news is much better for retailers that have built loyalty to their brands with a more diversified approach than simply promising the lowest price," said Hlavinka.

Winning strategies for the new retail normal
Since there can only be one low-price "leader" and given the risks to retailers associated with continuous price cuts, the COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index suggests the following strategies for retailers:
• Be wise about where you can win. While retailers may not be able to beat Walmart on price, there are other places to win, from selection to in-store service. Better yet, retailers can win by knowing and understanding their most profitable customers and what they want.
• Deliver more value. While the recession hangs on, promotions aimed at a retailer's best customers and partnerships can augment the value customers receive in return for their loyalty.
• Collect the customer data you need to succeed. By casting the net wide and collecting customer data, retailers can ensure their communications, pricing and product selection hit the bull's-eye with their most profitable customers.
• Look local. Examine additional marketing opportunities within a tighter range of store locations to court nearby customers, and to attract new and previously infrequent shoppers.

About the COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index:
The COLLOQUY Canadian Retail Loyalty Index asks consumers to name the brands to which they feel the strongest loyalty, and seeks to learn more about the drivers of that loyalty, regardless of the presence or structure of a formal customer loyalty program. The 2010 Index surveyed 3,500 Canadian consumers.

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Save $300 by Registering Before June 24 at http://bit.ly/d1blZ4 Using Discount Code SP0080

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2010 -- COLLOQUY, a global provider of loyalty publications, education and research, will present two loyalty-marketing sessions and an extensive post conference workshop at DMA2010, the world's largest gathering of cross-media/channel marketing professionals. DMA2010 will be held October 9-14, 2010, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Attendees can save $300 by registering by June 24, 2010, at http://bit.ly/d1blZ4 using Discount Code SP0080.

COLLOQUY Sessions Include:

October 11, 2010 at 11 AM - Loyalty Leaders Tell All: Harness the Power of Cause Marketing

Moderator: Kelly Hlavinka, COLLOQUY

Panelists: Morley Ivers, RecycleBank, Fernand Fernandez, US Airways, Robin Kamen, Seventh Generation and Candice Troupe, AIR MILES Reward Program (Canada)

Loyalty marketers have long understood how to leverage data-driven insight to effect profitable customer behavior change. Brands are now turning to these same tactics to help consumers make more ethical choices in their purchasing behavior, lifestyles and brand relationships. Whether the cause is green, global poverty or finding a cure, consumers now demand that companies embrace cause-related marketing. Back for a 6th year with a brand new panel of loyalty leaders, this popular session will help you turn customer loyalty from a tactic into a mission statement and discover how your company can do well by doing good.

October 13, 2010 at 10 AM - How Harley Davidson Builds Champion Customers One Rider At A Time

Faculty: Kelly Hlavinka, COLLOQUY and Kris Schoonover, Harley Davidson Motor Company

Hear the latest loyalty marketing research from COLLOQUY followed by a Harley?Davidson case study that is sure to help you "drive" sales and profits.

Founded in 1983, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is the official riding club of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. H.O.G. currently has more than one million members and over 1,400 chapters worldwide, making it the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world. H.O.G. rallies are held around the globe to celebrate Harley-Davidson motorcycle riding. But H.O.G. is more than a loyalty program or a motorcycle organization. Its 1.2 million people around the world united by a common passion: making the Harley-Davidson dream a way of life.

Learn how Harley Davidson has become the third most recognized brand in the US and what it is doing to maintain a 70% paid program retention rate, even in tough economic times. You'll discover how Harley implements strategies and adds relevant partners to enhance the ownership experience, all with the goal of delivering a brand promise that meets customers expectations for a lifetime.

October 13 from 1:45 – 4:00 Workshop: Building Loyalty and Retention Strategies to Boost Sales and Profits Part 1

Faculty: Dan Ribolzi, COLLOQUY/LoyaltyOne and John Bartold, COLLOQUY/Epsilon

Consumers have more options than ever. What are you doing to ensure that your best customers are recognized and rewarded for their loyalty to your company? Without a clear strategy, these valuable consumers will go elsewhere fast. This three-part workshop will teach you how to plan, launch, implement and overhaul your new or existing customer loyalty program. Your customers, and your bottom line, will thank you.

Before embarking on a customer relationship journey, it's important to learn the basics. This session explores the origins of loyalty marketing and will look at real-life case studies showing loyalty strategies in action. There exists no one-size-fits-all approach, each business has different goals and variables that affect the tactics and design of a customer relationship strategy.

1. Learn which type of program fits into your customer enterprise strategy.

2. Learn how to establish and fortify the links in the customer relationship chain.

3. Learn three basic steps to designing and building a program.

October 14 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM Workshop: Building Loyalty and Retention Strategies to Boost Sales and Profits Part 2

Faculty: Dan Ribolzi, COLLOQUY/LoyaltyOne and John Bartold, COLLOQUY/Epsilon
Like any other initiative, planning and preparation are paramount to customer loyalty success. Skimp on preparation and the final product suffers, or worse. This session will guide you through market analysis, defining objectives, determining measurement strategies and setting goals. Work from real-world case studies to create the framework for successful program development.

1. Learn the benefits of top-down strategic planning.

2. Learn how to create a value proposition that differentiates from your competitors.

3. Learn about hard and soft benefits, and how to find the perfect blend of incentives.

October 14 from 12:45– 2:00 PM Workshop: Building Loyalty and Retention Strategies to Boost Sales and Profits Part 2

Faculty: Dan Ribolzi, COLLOQUY/LoyaltyOne and John Bartold, COLLOQUY/Epsilon
Now that you've mastered planning and preparation, it's time to put the program to work. Discover the necessary steps for roll-out and implementation. Explore the metrics that will tell you, your key stakeholders and your C-Level executives that the program is delivering. Finally, what trends are on the horizon that need to be considered as your program grows and evolves.

1. Learn about the ROI metrics that are most relevant to your business.

2. Learn how to forecast enrollment, participation rates and liability.

3. Learn an entry-level financial modeling tool to help measure and tweak different elements of your program.

Combining the latest technology with industry giants, DMA2010 offers a fully integrated and interactive conference for today's marketers that need both big picture perspective and bottom-line focus. Cross media/channel marketing professionals from over 50 countries will be in attendance to hear from these remarkable keynote speakers and attend sessions given by the thought-leaders behind successful household brands like Pepsi, Lacoste, US Airways, Pfizer, Visa, and many more Fortune 500 top brands. Keynote speakers include:

• James Cameron, director and producer of "Avatar"
• Jack Dorsey, creator of Twitter
• Jacques Levy of Sephora Worldwide
• Ehtisham Rabbani of LG Mobile Phones
• Jeff Hayzlett of Kodak
• Scott Donaton of Ensemble, an Interpublic Company
• Gary Vaynerchuck, author of The New York Times bestseller "CRUSH IT!
• David Jones of HAVAS Worldwide, Euro RSCG Worldwide

About COLLOQUY
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world.

COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior.

COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

About The DMA2010 Conference & Exhibition
The DMA2010 Annual Conference & Exhibition is the world's largest gathering of cross-media/channel marketing professionals. DMA2010, which will be held October 9-14 in San Francisco, will feature keynote presentations, educational sessions, roundtables, case studies, white papers, and research reports. DMA2010's exhibit hall will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies. For additional information, or to register for the six-day multichannel marketing event of the year, please visit http://www.dma2010.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Introduction of coalition loyalty programs, extension of rewards and benefits to non-purchase behaviors, emergence of "Enterprise Loyalty" among milestones featured in 1990-2010 timeline Free Download Available at http://www.colloquy.com/download-current.asp

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/12/2010 -- In its most recent issue, COLLOQUY magazine, the voice of loyalty marketing since 1990, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a list saluting the leading loyalty innovations of the past two decades.

Just some of the highlights from a 1990-to-2010 timeline that traces major milestones in the evolution of loyalty marketing include:

1990: The proliferation of the branded rewards credit card begins as AT&T introduces its AT&T Universal Card
1991: The first example of large-scale, Word of Mouth rewards marketing occurs with MCI's Friends & Family Program, which encourages customers to recruit new members in return for awards
1992: The rise of two-tier pricing – a watershed moment for grocers– takes place when Vons supermarkets offer in-store savings to club card members
1994: Airline miles become profit centers as carriers discover their program miles can be used as promotional currency by hotels, restaurants, credit card and car rental companies
1997: The gaming industry fully embraces loyalty marketing as Harrah's Total Gold debuts
2001: America's first coalition program to gain national attention arrives through Upromise, which partners with corporate giants to help students plan, save and pay for college
2005: Big U.S. banks begin to embrace debit loyalty with Bank of America's Keep the Change, a program that rounds up members' debit purchases to the next dollar and deposits the difference.
2006: Word of Mouth is harnessed by loyalty marketers in order to transform consumers into brand ambassadors after the broad acceptance of social platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn, and
2009: Smartphones promise loyalty marketers new ways to engage with on-the-go consumers and enable real-time options for mobile rewards, payments and commerce.

"Prior to 1990, airline and hotel frequency programs dominated the loyalty industry. Credit card programs were a novelty and retailers were still sorting out their strategies. So, our 20-year timeline covers a fascinating period in the history of loyalty marketing," said COLLOQUY Partner Kelly Hlavinka.

Hlavinka noted the COLLOQUY list begs the question: Of the developments since 1990, which are the most significant? Her view: "I would say the top three start with the introduction of loyalty's 'killer app' – the loyalty coalition program. Second is the extension of rewards and benefits beyond purchase behaviors into non-purchase behaviors, first seen with MCI Friends & Family, more recently seen in harnessing Word of Mouth communications in the social networking environment, and most recently emerging to drive socially responsible behaviors.

"The third would be the emergence of 'Enterprise Loyalty' in which companies began to use customer data from their loyalty program to transform their customer experience, product mi, pricing strategies and other operational efforts," she said.

COLLOQUY magazine, published by LoyaltyOne, explores critical best practices, innovations, trends, opinion and strategies in relationship, dialogue and database marketing. Coverage in the latest edition also includes:

Cover Story: The Mom Effect: Marketing to Moms
With such a complex target audience of moms that is far from monolithic, loyalty marketers must go beyond the stereotypes and determine the best ways to engage with the right moms in the right way. Here, common mom myths are busted and replaced by the truths you need to tackle if you want to succeed in increasing mom's loyalty.

The Practitioner's Perspective: Vision, Gumption and Kismet
COLLOQUY Partner Kelly Hlavinka looks back on COLLOQUY's 20-year anniversary and revisits the established beliefs and the know-how that loyalty marketers in travel, retail, financial services, telecom, business-to-business and coalition programs have developed through rigorous testing, trials-by-fire and entrepreneurial gumption.

Hospitality Report: And All That Jazz
As Total Rewards moves through its second decade, Harrah's believes the time is right to open up the program to new influences that will continue to enhance the basic program, bring it further in tune with customers' lives, and allow for innovative, customer-centric improvisation to delight best guests. Harrah's CMO David Norton outlines the innovations bringing the Total Rewards program to another crescendo.

International Report: Globe-Trotting
True to prediction, coalitions are going global. Discover how Loyalty Partner Solutions GmbH, Groupe Aeroplan and LoyaltyOne have expanded their core loyalty programs in new countries and explore how the programs have fared in their migration. The era of international coalition expansion and migration is clearly upon us. The next questions are, where next, and how fast?

LeaderTalk: The COLLOQUY Interview with Buyology's Martin Lindstrom
Delve into the mind of Martin Lindstrom, bestselling author of "Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy," as he discusses his neuromarketing findings, the source of brand loyalty, and the future of loyalty programs.

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Walgreens, BJ’s Wholesale, Meijer, Publix, H-E-B, Rank Among Retail Loyalty Leaders

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/29/2010 -- In a vast departure from COLLOQUY's 2008 report on consumer loyalty to U.S retailers, Walmart dominated the 2010 COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index, in results that reflect a reality of the Great Recession – low prices drove consumer loyalty.

COLLOQUY, the publishing, education and research division of LoyaltyOne, previously published the COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index in 2008. COLLOQUY's index ranks the top U.S. retailers according to customer loyalty ratings. The 2010 index was built from a December 2009 survey of 3,500 U.S. consumers in five regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and Northwest. Respondents were surveyed across four retail categories that included Grocery, Personal Care, Department Stores and Mass Merchants.

The 2010 COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index shows that customers claimed the highest loyalty to Walmart in many of the Grocery, Personal Care and Department Store regional categories. Costco had the highest customer loyalty ratings in three out of five Mass Merchant regional categories. In COLLOQUY's 2008 index, shoppers claimed the most loyalty to Costco, which ranked first in nine out of twenty regional and retail categories.

"Our 2008 index showed that loyalty marketers worked within a significantly different retail landscape. Customer service, store environment and a wide product selection were the underlying factors for customer's self-professed loyalty. But our 2010 index proves that the Great Recession became the great equalizer," said COLLOQUY Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "Two years later, customers view loyalty differently. We've witnessed a profound change among consumers since the recession hit: low prices have stepped up to become retail's strongest loyalty lure according to consumers. That is something which was simply not true in 2008," she said.

Hlavinka is the author of a 17-page white paper titled "RetailTALK: What Price Loyalty? The 2010 COLLOQUY Retail Loyalty Index," which provides a complete review and analysis of COLLOQUY's latest study of U.S. retail consumer loyalty ratings and attitudes. The paper is available free of charge at www.colloquy.com/whitepapers.

While Walmart clearly dominated most retail categories, other chains – including Kroger and Walgreens – did climb up the loyalty chart or make their first appearances, edging out 2008 loyalty leaders. Here are the highlights by category:

Grocery
Kroger, which has adopted a customer-centric focus and used a customer loyalty program through the recession, was the loyalty leader in the Midwest. In the Southeast, Publix moved up to first place from its second-place showing in 2008. In the Southwest, regional grocer H-E-B ranked first with similar messaging to Walmart and the continuation of a six-store rewards program in its Waco, Texas stores.

But the highly fragmented Grocery sector, where neither conventional nor discount grocers operate in every state, holds certain advantages for Walmart. Walmart's message of low prices and value resonates with customers – and its ability to deliver on that promise by leveraging its broad distribution network translated to first-place consumer loyalty ratings for Walmart in the Northeast and Northwest, and third-place finishes in the Southeast, Southwest and the Midwest.

Personal Care
In the highly competitive Southeast region, Walgreens finished in a dead heat with Walmart for the top loyalty ranking, with CVS and Publix tied for second place. In a tight three-way race in the Midwest, Walgreens and CVS edged out Walmart, even though CVS hadn't been among the top five in 2008.

Walmart easily won the Northwest, maintained the top spot in the Southwest, and finished ahead of CVS and Rite Aid in the Northeast.

Mass Merchandisers
The regional chains BJ's Wholesale and Meijer replaced familiar names such as Sears, Sam's Club and Big Lots for top loyalty rankings in the important Northeast and Midwest markets (respectively). Costco continued to rank first in all other U.S. regions.

Walmart, meanwhile, came in second in all but the Southeast, where it ranked third behind Target, which itself rated third in the rest of the country.

Department stores
Several chains that made the top three spot in COLLOQUY's 2008 Retail Loyalty Index for department stores fell off the 2010 top-three list – among them J.C. Penney, Dillard's and Dollar General. As in other retail categories, these names were replaced in large part by Walmart and Target.

Walmart ranked first in customer loyalty ratings in the Northeast and Midwest, and tied with Macy's for the top spot in the Southwest. In the Southeast, Walmart took second to Target, and in the Northwest it followed top-spotter Costco.

"With the recession acting like a second-stage booster rocket, Walmart has upended the status quo among its national retail peers by chewing into their last remaining frontier – customer-professed loyalty – at least for now," Hlavinka said. "The glimmer of hope for retailers is that as jobless rates go down and consumer confidence returns, retailers may very well regain their footing – if they continue to work towards customer-centric solutions and more sustainable strategies rather than combating Walmart on low prices."

COLLOQUY will be sharing the results of the 2010 COLLOQUY Retail Index in a webinar sponsored by the Catalog and Multichannel Retail Marketing Councils of the Direct Marketing Association on April 22 at 2 p.m. EST. Registration information is available at http://www.colloquy.com/event_view.asp?uid=140.

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Only Awards Judged by Loyalty Marketers of all Industry Sectors Nominations Open at COLLOQUY.com/LoyaltyAwards

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2010 -- COLLOQUY, a global provider of loyalty publications, education and research, is honoring the most customer-focused loyalty initiatives in the industry with its inaugural COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards. The event recognizes the best loyalty innovations in the United States and Canada.

The awards, the only such honors determined by members of the loyalty industry itself, are the centerpiece of a yearlong celebration of the 20th anniversary of COLLOQUY, a LoyaltyOne company. The winners will be presented at a gala event on Sept. 16, during the 8th Annual COLLOQUY Summit in Phoenix, AZ.

"As leader in the art and science of building customer loyalty, COLLOQUY is launching these awards to address a need in the market – recognizing and celebrating the most innovative and proven enterprise loyalty initiatives," said COLLOQUY Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "And they are the only awards chosen by the industry itself, through COLLOQUY's 38,000 subscribers – loyalty marketing executives representing more than a half dozen different industry sectors."

Also distinguishing these awards is their breadth, recognizing innovation in all industries, including retail, financial services and travel/hospitality. Further, the awards go beyond the boundaries of traditional frequency programs. They will honor accomplishments in loyalty marketing, loyalty technology and loyalty analytics. All of the awards will be a tribute to the best Enterprise Loyalty initiatives – those groundbreaking efforts in customer-centric marketing communications that also transform customer experiences through analytical insights.

In all, the COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards will salute initiatives in seven categories. Six of the awards will recognize Enterprise Loyalty initiatives by industry sector and by function. The seventh will honor the "Master of Enterprise Loyalty."

Companies in the US and Canada are invited to enter. Submissions are free and will be accepted through May 21 at 6 PM EDT at http://www.colloquy.com/loyaltyawards. Industry voting opens Monday, June 14, at 9 AM EDT, and will close Friday, July 23, at 6 PM EDT.

Winners will be honored before their peers at the Sept. 16 ceremony. They also will receive discounted registration to the 2011 COLLOQUY Summit and be featured in COLLOQUY's 20thAnniversary issue, available November 2010.

Judging for the awards takes place in two rounds and will ultimately be decided by members of the loyalty industry. First, a jury of nine senior loyalty experts in academia and business (below) will select three finalists in each category. Judges will recuse themselves if there is a conflict of interest. COLLOQUY subscribers, voting online, will determine the winners.

For more information, visit the COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards web site at http://www.colloquy.com/loyaltyawards.

Following are members of the jury, several of whom also are on the COLLOQUY editorial advisory board:

• Nancy Gordon, Executive Vice President, Citi
• Jennifer Hawkins, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Card and Product Development, American Express
• Kelly Hlavinka, COLLOQUY Partner
• Garret Ippolito, Vice President, MasterCard Worldwide
• Richard Levey, Senior Editor, DIRECT and Chief Marketer magazines
• Kyle Murray, Associate Professor of Marketing and Director of the School of Retailing in the School of Business, University of Alberta
• Randy Petersen, Editor and Publisher, InsideFlyer magazine
• Aubyn Thomas, former Senior Vice President of Marketing Services, Macy's Inc.
• Mark Vandenbosch, Chair in Business Administration and Professor in Marketing, Faculty Scholar, at the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 38,000 global subscribers to its magazine and http://www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

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Voluminous Resource Center, Broader Search Functions Among New Features

Cincinnati, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/08/2010 -- COLLOQUY, a global provider of loyalty publishing, education and research, is now giving its readers even more timely coverage of trends, program launches and other events in the loyalty-marketing industry, with the launch of its first blog at http://blog.colloquy.com.

Titled after the company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the COLLOQUY Blog is one feature of the completely redesigned and re-launched website, http://COLLOQUY.com.

Another key element of the web re-launch is the COLLOQUY Resource Center. The Resource Center is a portal to a vast collection of loyalty information, including a database of more than 700 loyalty program profiles, ranging from international hotel companies and financial services firms to major sports teams and restaurant chains. The Resource Center is a clearinghouse that provides easy access to major loyalty trends, best practices and program innovations.

Lastly, marketing experts will enjoy easy access to news and research archives – from COLLOQUY's 22 white papers to breaking news in 8 business verticals – updated daily.

But chief among the site's new features is the COLLOQUY Blog, written by the COLLOQUY staff. Members of the COLLOQUY team are experts in the loyalty field and the new blog will leverage their experience and insights as the voice of the loyalty industry since 1990. Topics range from insider tips on how to win and retain customer loyalty to the latest developments in department stores loyalty programs. Indexed by industry and subject category, the blogs are pithy, punchy bites of information critical not only to the loyalty industry but any loyalty program member.

"The new COLLOQUY.com offers our subscribers a better user experience, with breaking news by industry, a vibrant design and access to expanded content, white papers to news articles," said COLLOQUY Partner Kelly Hlavinka. "COLLOQUY is dedicated to building our value to the industry so more features will follow, such as the ability for visitors to personalize their access to the site and receive automated reminder messages."

The website is re-launching in advance of the inaugural COLLOQUY Loyalty Awards. The Loyalty Awards will cap off the 8th Annual COLLOQUY Loyalty Summit – an invitation-only event designed to bring together the brightest minds in loyalty marketing, to be held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ, from Sept. 15-17.

"The primary purpose of our website enrichment is to provide our readers a broader and more in-depth selection of loyalty information," Hlavinka said. "So the site will constantly be evolving, growing and improving. Stay tuned."

About COLLOQUY:
COLLOQUY® comprises a collection of publishing, education and research resources devoted to the global loyalty-marketing industry. Owned by LoyaltyOne, COLLOQUY has served the loyalty-marketing industry since 1990 with over 30,000 global subscribers to its magazine and www.colloquy.com the most comprehensive loyalty web site in the world. COLLOQUY's research division develops research studies and white papers including industry-specific reports, sizing studies and insights into the drivers of consumer behavior. COLLOQUY also provides educational services through workshops, webinars and speeches at events throughout the world and is the official loyalty-marketing partner of both the Direct Marketing Association and the Canadian Marketing Association and a content provider to the American Marketing Association. COLLOQUY also operates the COLLOQUY Network, a global consortium of practitioners certified in COLLOQUY's proprietary methodology. COLLOQUY magazine subscriptions are available at no cost to qualified persons at http://www.colloquy.com or by calling 513.248.9184.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm