Incentive - April 2008 - (Page 71) AWARDS and easy for all types of people to get involved,” says Dolores Lane, special markets coordinator for the premium and For planners who want the sizzle of an elecincentive division of Stearns Inc., a 60-yeartronic gift with a water sports twist, Dana Slockbower, director of marketing for old, Sauk Rapids, Minn. company with a Rymax Marketing Services Inc., an incentive product line that includes inflatable boats, and merchandise company in Pine Brook, kayaks and canoes. “For incentive gifts or N.J., suggests products that can be used on prizes, inflatable kayaks are preferable to or off the water. One of her favorites is the hard shell, because freight costs are low, Skullcandy Bully (MSRP $199.95), a waterinflatables are easy to transport, and they’re proof watch with a full 1 GB MP3 player, ready to set in the water once inflated.” inlaid diamonds and audio functionality. She Retail prices for inflatable kayaks range also touts the Celestron Outland Waterproof from just under $200 to more than $1,400. binoculars (MSRP $114.95), featuring multi“American Express uses our water sport coatings for high-resolution images, a rubber products in a points/rewards program,” says covering for a secure grip and a fog-proof Lane. “Anheuser-Busch has used our prodand waterproof design. ucts over the years for various programs, “We go to great lengths to idensuch as dealer loaders and display tify the demographics and enhancers as well as catalogs desires of the recipients,” that go out to consumers.” says Slockbower. “While For non-traditionalists, the person might Lane says two new prodexpress a love of water ucts are worthy of sports, you have to consideration: The Sitinquire more to disOn-Top kayak has a cover what really similar hull shape to its excites them. If they’re traditional counterpart, enamored with elecbut the user does not sit tronic gadgetry, there are inside the hull. Paddlers many products available with large body types, long that can be used during their legs or limited flexibility feel favorite water sports.” less confined paddling a Sit-OnTop. In addition, there is no risk of Skullcandy Bully 1GB MP3 Player To digitally capture exploits Watch (www.rymaxinc.com) like kayaking through churning being trapped in the boat if it tips over; consequently there is no need to pracwhite water, windsurfing on high waves or tice rolls or wet exits. For those who don’t wakeboarding behind a speeding boat, the like sitting, Lane says the hottest new item to underwater digital camera is a hit with hit the market is the Stand Up Board, which water sports enthusiasts. The waterproof is similar to a surfboard, but this hybrid cameras range in price from $200 to $500. allows for using paddles. Among the more in-demand models are Inflatables are also appealing to less darthe Olympus Stylus 720, Pentax Optio ing types who seek laid-back adventures in W20, SeaLife ReefMaster and SeaLife their home swimming pool. Stearns, ECOshot. through its Sevylor brand offers a lengthy Suffice it to say, not everyone loves the list of inflatable pool items, such as the water, but for those who can’t get enough Contoured Lounger ($32), Bean Bag Chair of the ocean, lake or swimming pool, a ($27) and Cape Cod Pool Chair ($48). varied selection of water sports equipment “Recently, Coca-Cola used an inflatable for incentive gifts will motivate, excite and cooler with a tray and pool mattress for energize the recipient. one of their rewards programs,” says Lane. Send comments to incentivemagazine@nielsen.com SPORTS markets manager for Louisville, Ky.–based Modern Marketing Concepts, an incentive merchandise fulfillment company that works with Connelly Water Sports, which has a product line highlighted by water skis, wakeboards and life vests. “We’ve carried water sports equipment for more than fifteen years, and we’ve found the appeal is that it’s a whimsical choice for the recipient, something they might not ordinarily buy for themselves.” Besides inflatable tubes, combo skis and slalom skis, Spengeman says life vests are a hugely popular item. Bass Pro Shops, which touts itself as the world’s leading supplier of outdoor gear, has superb incentive/reward programs. Among its services are personalized merchandise, gift cards redeemable via catalogs, Web site or retail stores and full-service event and incentive support. A cursory look at Bass Pro Shops’ vast water sports product inventory reveals pool toys, inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks and towable tubes, to name a few. Motivation Excellence, an incentive fulfillment company in Schaumburg, Ill., devotes two pages of its Great Outdoors catalog to water sports equipment, displaying inflatable boats, tubes, kneeboards and an inflatable kayak package. “Our strongest catalog, not surprisingly, is electronics, but when program participants want something they feel passionate about, for instance, water sports, we offer that, too,” says Michelle Lien-Burdick, a merchandise buyer for Motivation Excellence. “For people who live on lakes or near the water, it’s a great incentive reward.” WATERPROOF GADGETS INFLATABLE CRAZE As eco-related activities have increased in popularity with meeting and incentive programs, water sports equipment is evolving as a valued incentive gift. One of the fastest growing water sports in the United States is kayaking. Participation is up, because people are beginning to use kayaking in various ways—surf kayaking, kayak fishing, whitewater kayaking, touring and racing. “Kayaking has become popular, because it’s fun incentivemag.com | April 2008 | Incentive | 71 http://www.rymaxinc.com http://incentivemag.com
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