#179: Irish Loyalty Summit and Awards 2022

Join us to discover the Irish Loyalty Summit and Irish Loyalty Awards 2022, with Eileen McGuinness, Co-Founder of the Irish Loyalty Awards.

The Summit features globally recognised loyalty speakers with deep knowledge of the loyalty marketing industry and will be of interest to loyalty practitioners in the UK, Europe and even further afield.

Featured speakers include experts from Bond, The Loyalty Academy and others to talk about the power of customer loyalty and explore the role of loyalty marketing in the age of disruption.

The Irish Loyalty Awards are returning to an in-person celebration to recognize Irish businesses that have demonstrated loyalty industry excellence at the heart of their businesses.

Show Notes:

1) Irish Loyalty Awards and Summit

2) Eileen McGuinness, Co-Founder, Irish Loyalty Awards

3) Marian Kelly, Co-Founder, Irish Loyalty Awards

Audio Transcript

#179: Irish Loyalty Summit and Awards 2022

Welcome to Let’s Talk Loyalty, an industry podcast for loyalty marketing professionals. I’m your host, Paula Thomas. And if you work in loyalty marketing, join me every week to learn the latest ideas from loyalty specialists around the world. This episode is brought to you by Epsilon and their award-winning cloud loyalty solution. Personalization should be integrated into the entire customer experience, including your loyalty program. With this in mind, Epsilon recently released a guide outlining six key components that will put you on the path to personalizing the entire loyalty experience.

Paula Thomas

00:00:51

This guide challenges you to do some housekeeping and reconsider how you think about your current and future loyalty personalization efforts. So to download your copy of the report, visit epsilon.com/Let’s Talk Loyalty. Welcome to episode 179 of Let’s Talk Loyalty. And my guest today is a former colleague and a friend from back home in Ireland. Eileen McGuinness is the co-founder of the Irish Loyalty Awards and the Irish Loyalty Summit, which are happening in a beautiful Irish castle, just outside Dublin on April 28th.

Paula Thomas

00:01:35

This year, Eileen joins me today to share the fantastic loyalty content and speakers that you can expect to hear at the event. So whether you’re listening today in Ireland in Europe, or even further afield, there are loads of reasons to plan to attend and connect with loyalty professionals from around the world, including me at this wonderful event. So Eileen McGuinness joining me from my home country of Ireland. Welcome to Let’s Talk Loyalty!

Eileen McGuinness

00:02:09

Hi Paula. Thank you so much for inviting me on your show.

Paula Thomas

00:02:13

Delighted to have you on. Which parts of the country are you on at the moment.

Eileen McGuinness

00:02:16

So I’m in the west of Ireland, so it’s great. I’m not moving as much as we used to. I think Paula when we were working together. We were on the, on the road a lot. So thanks for them. I’m a little bit more based in the west of Ireland.

Paula Thomas

00:02:30

Okay. So working from home, like a lot of people, but a lot of activity, I guess, up in Dublin as well, which we’ll be talking about today.

Eileen McGuinness

00:02:38

Absolutely.

Paula Thomas

00:02:39

Great. Great. Well, listen, and I’m excited to get into talking about the two different things that you’re working on at the moment, which is obviously the Irish Loyalty Summit and the Irish Loyalty Awards. So we’ll talk through all of the details about those, but before we get into all of the detail, as you know, I asked you, what is your favorite loyalty program for listeners to hear all about?

Eileen McGuinness

00:03:03

Yeah, and I told it was an easy question, but it’s nice. And in preparation for the show, I decided to be debated around the dinner table. And the consensus was that none of us could come to an agreement. So I think that that’s what we came away with. Really like beauty is always in the eye of the beholder in my eyes, and that it kind of shows the challenges out there for loyalty marketeers, and trying to get a program that suits everybody and suits every age group. You know, it really, really difficult. We really could not agree on anything. So I’m going to give you my perspective on it and, you know, it would be remiss of me not to mention some of the wonderful, wonderful local initiatives in Ireland really could compete on the global scale.

Eileen McGuinness

00:03:50

And some of my top picks of the more traditional programs, you know, the SuperValu rewards, the Sky VIP rewards, M&S Sparks. But I think you’re going to say, come on, Eileen get to the answer, but give us one, go on if you want. So I think my favourite and the one that I’m most engaged is and have been a member for over 20 years is the British terrors executive club frequent flyer program. So some of the, some of you out there who know some of my background might say, oh, she was going to say that, but really anybody that knows me well knows that I love to travel. And 20 years ago we joined the program, you know, we had the American Express credit cards and our annual goal was to get the companion voucher.

Eileen McGuinness

00:04:35

You know, it was very simple. It’s a, it’s your traditional frequent flyer program, but you know, it worked, we were totally engaged and still am. I’m still totally engaged in collecting Navios for upgrades. Probably use it more for lounge access or, you know, discounts on flights more than the long haul flights, but back in the day and to this day, you know, I still remember my last redemption was in 2019, and that’s obviously with everything that else had happened, but it was South Africa, you know, with a companion voucher, as well as, you know, redeeming Mondavi and what an amazing trip, what a way to start a holiday, you know, and you don’t forget that Paula, you know, that stays with you.

Eileen McGuinness

00:05:19

So I think you’re, you’re, you’re keen on frequent flyer programs as well, Paula cause I know you’re engaged in them, so, you know,

Paula Thomas

00:05:25

For sure, but I think you’ve trumped me Eileen with the 20 years of membership

Eileen McGuinness

00:05:31

I’m showing my age. Okay. We’re

Paula Thomas

00:05:33

Actually, I think a similar age, so I’m, so I don’t think that’s actually it, but I probably discovered the power of loyalty programs, I would say 20 years ago from a business perspective. But I, I wouldn’t have been actually I was on the airline side, so I probably didn’t have a consumer perspective of, you know, what behaviour I wanted to change because I had the airline tickets already. But you and I did a lot of work together with IVs. And I really think that that’s an extraordinary currency, I suppose, particularly Eileen because of the sheer global breadth now of the, all of the different airlines that do use the APS currency. I still think it’s probably not as well known as things like air miles, for example, where in the past, but, but I’m expert to share ways myself as you know.

Paula Thomas

00:06:21

So I love the brand and love the 20 years of loyalty by you to them. And so, yeah, I think it’s a brilliant start and Fairplay, because I know it’s a tough call given that you are, you know, I suppose in the context of the Irish loyalty market, you are creating an event for everyone. So very hard. It’s almost like asking you your favourite child, so well done.

Eileen McGuinness

00:06:43

Yeah. But I, you know, I think it’s important that we’re, you know, I’m totally honest and you know, anybody that knows me will know that I am definitely the travel junkie. I’m the one that organizes the trips. So yeah. I mean, I’m, it’s, it’s, it’s such a valuable asset to me to definitely have a frequent flyer program under my belt.

Paula Thomas

00:07:01

Absolutely brilliant. So, and so how did you get into, I suppose, first of all, setting up the Irish Loyalty Awards, Eileen, because I think we both agreed maybe when we chatted before that Ireland, doesn’t always do a lot of things focused on, you know, I suppose a very tiny niche, you know, we have our wonderful marketing awards and marketing events, but loyalty marketing obviously is another tiny segment. So, so what made you realize that there was such a big opportunity for Irish loyalty marketeers?

Eileen McGuinness

00:07:31

Yeah. So, you know, having worked in the UK, I’m working in loyalty for a number of years, it’s quite a vibrant community. There’s a lot of stakeholders. There’s a lot of, kind of influences in loyalty in the UK and it, it had a good community. It’s definitely improved over the years when I was involved in the launch of air club in Ireland, it became very kind of evidence that we didn’t really have our own loyalty community. You know, you were kind of dealing with marketing departments who touched on loyalty, but they didn’t really have money kind of specific kind of special, special people working in loyalty. Yeah. And you know, it just kind of said, okay, listen, this has to be the opportunity here.

Eileen McGuinness

00:08:12

And I did it more for a selfish reason because I found it very difficult to get everybody in the room together to meet everybody, you know? And I said, okay, let’s, let’s see what, what they’re doing in the UK. And let’s see what they’re doing globally. And then the gap was there, you know, there’s a need for an Irish Loyalty Awards. So I touched base with my colleague, Marion Kelly, who has huge experience in building successful boards programs and Mary’s experience in my experience, it was like marriage med, really. So, and, and delighted it’s, it’s gone from strength to strength.

Paula Thomas

00:08:45

It certainly has Eileen so well done to you and Marion, because again, I know there’s a lot of risk involved with, with, I suppose, any new business Eileen and, but particularly in the events. And we all know the past couple of years haven’t been the easiest, particularly in your business. So I’m super impressed that you guys are, you know, full steam ahead for April 20, 22 and for the Irish Loyalty Summit and awards. So with that exciting upcoming events happening, tell us exactly what are you planning to do first of all, I guess on the summit side. And because I know you have some amazing content planned, which actually is going to be relevant for people if they want to travel perhaps from the UK, as you said, or from Europe or dare I say, even the US.

Eileen McGuinness

00:09:31

Yeah, absolutely. And, and that’s exactly, even though it’s based in art and is really is targeting pan-European international people who want him come and meet and learn more from these experts that we have invited to speak at the loyalty summers. So they see someone says a takes place prior to the awards nights on the same day, 20, 28th of April and kickoff is at 9:00 AM, but really the track this year. And I think it’s so, so important because I think, you know, what we’ve gone through. I think what we’ve proven is that loyalty programs, you know, myths all the challenges that we have, but there are definitely effective crisis management too, for organizations.

Eileen McGuinness

00:10:13

And I think, you know, I think that team has got to come through in the summer and the theme of the summit is very much about remastering you. And re-imagine because, you know, there’s so much, there’s so much you can do. You can, you can only acquire customers and they’ll churn. And then the reactivation, you can keep your campaigns doing that successfully, but really there comes a time where you have to say, stop, let’s look at what we’re doing. Let’s remaster, let’s innovate, and let’s put some new concepts there. So the summit is very much geared at that. And Paula, you know, I have spoken to you before about, we have, I think the Irish are very good at looking in, and we’re looking at programs here on in Ireland, but I think to really, to look at loyalty programs, I think it’s really key to look at it on an international, global scale as well.

Eileen McGuinness

00:11:02

And that’s why we probably have, we have two speakers, international speakers, confirmed coming over from both Canada and the US and we’re also waiting on another international major speaker to come over. So I’m not think that’s going to give it what we’re all, you know, not just the Irish attendees, but also, you know, our neighbours in the UK, in Europe. I think it’s to give that global perspective on what’s happening across the world is really, really key.

Paula Thomas

00:11:28

Yeah. And I’ve often said it highly in like one of the reasons that I always loved being a loyalty consultant was that idea of, I guess, sharing, you know, case studies and ideas from one industry that might be completely different, but might just give you an insight into what you can do in your own business. And I think it’s only when you take time out of the day job and sit and listen to, as you a leading global airline, or you’ve mentioned for example, SuperValu, which is Ireland’s leading grocery and store just for anyone who doesn’t know the brand leading utilities, like sky again, do extraordinary work and loyalty. And I think there’s things in there that can be applied regardless of whether you are a grocery store or an airline, or again, if you’re at a completely different country, there’s always themes that that can be picked up and learned by people just by being present there.

Eileen McGuinness

00:12:21

Yeah, absolutely. And you know, we’re not just targeting people who have large loyalty programs. This is for people who are putting their toe in the water, who are thinking about it. They want to see, you know, is it worth it? You know, we’re still, I, I still say it here. And I still think we’re behind the curve a little bit when it comes to loyalty and getting a fair share of the marketing budget for loyalty is still challenging here. I think if anything good has come out of the last two years is that, you know, to be able to connect with your customer and engage and talk to them is crucial. And the way you do that is through a loyalty program. For sure.

Paula Thomas

00:12:58

Yeah. Yeah. And again, I think again, we’ve said this on the show quite a few times, you know, the respect for loyalty has increased exponentially. When there, you know, there aren’t the opportunities to meet your customers, perhaps in stores, the way you might’ve done in the past or all of the traditional ways that loyalty has been left as a nice to do. I think there’s always something. And that really is, you know, the priority. I remember actually in the recession as well, back in 2008, when I got into loyalty, the first time it’s countercyclical and it’s when there’s a crisis and there are very few customers available. That’s suddenly, I suppose, senior leaders in business realize that they have to take care of them.

Paula Thomas

00:13:39

And as you’ve said, you can always keep your acquisition campaigns going, but that’s expensive. Time-consuming. And, you know, at the end of the day, it’s much cheaper. As we know, you know, as professionals to keep the customers you have. So it’s, we love all of that. I love the whole M theme about remastering and optimizing, I suppose, for, you know, let’s, let’s hope, hopefully say the post-pandemic worlds. So tell us a bit about the two international speakers. I’m very excited. I know both of them, of course, but for linking.

Eileen McGuinness

00:14:09

Yeah. So our first keynote address is from bond loyalty and it’s a bond for anybody that don’t know a lot of your listeners will know they’re based in Canada. They’re a global customer experience, marketing and management and measurement company. They’ve worked a lot of along. They’ve done. I suppose, one of their pieces of work most people will know is the annual loyalty report, which looks at 900 loyalty programs across 20 countries. Yeah. Yes. They don’t at the moment that don’t include art. And, but, you know, I think what we can do is take some of the insights based on those 900 loyalty programs and give it an Irish lens and look at what programs we’re doing here and how, what we can take from the learnings that, that comes out of that report.

Eileen McGuinness

00:14:54

He was travelling. He’s the managing director. Oh, insights. So poor. He was literally on the runway the last time. Absolutely. Yeah. I got hold of him. I think he was actually in the departure zones and we hold home not to get on the airplane because we have to cancel. So they have been hugely, hugely supportive. They’re very excited about coming to Ireland and, and, you know, he’s, he’s hanging around for the night. He’s, he’s available. He, their attitude is very much, this is not what I want to speak to your brands. You know, I’m here. I really I’d love to give some insights. So I think it’ll be a wonderful keynote address and it will be opening day summit, which is a fantastic way to open the summers, I believe.

Paula Thomas

00:15:40

Yeah, for sure. and I don’t know if you know, Eileen, but bonds were also on Let’s Talk Loyalty and just when last year’s loyalty report came out. So I can definitely say for people am there’s incredible insights. And I remember for example, talking about things like, you know, there’s, there’s actually a shift, which as you said, is exactly relevant, no matter what country or what industry you’re in and the shift that they were talking about. And just in my particular conversation was, and, you know, being loyal to your customers instead, and before you expect them to be loyal to you. And I remember kind of having my mind was a bit blown. I was like, oh my God, wow. Like we’ve had it back to front for so long, but I think bonds have that kind of very strategic perspective.

Paula Thomas

00:16:26

So I know I only got half of, of exactly the detail and the value in that report. So super exciting to hear about Kyle coming over and wonderful. And then the next one, tell us, tell us your second one.

Eileen McGuinness

00:16:39

It’s a chap you know very well as well, Paula as anybody in the loyalty world, you don’t know, but this is from the Loyalty Academy. And this is Mike, as we all know, as a veteran, when it comes to marketing loyalty and Mike’s gonna, he’s coming here for is twofold. Really the reason is twofold. One is obviously to address and speak at the summit, but also we’re launching the pan-European CLMP workshop, which will take place in September. So he’s there to give people information about that, which is absolutely wonderful, but you know, Mike’s experience, I think would be invaluable and his presence throughout the events will be absolutely wonderful.

Eileen McGuinness

00:17:22

So I’m really excited. And again, Mike, Mike had to cancel his flights last time around. So he’s keen very keen to get here at this time. So Mike in person, yes, yes,

Paula Thomas

00:17:32

No, absolutely. And Mike was here recently, Eileen because also in Dubai, I’m sure, you know, we round the CLMP some, some colleagues and some friends of mine here in the Dubai Marcus and a huge turnout, I will say. And for anyone listening, they probably know that I myself have the certified loyalty marketing professionals CLMP at qualification. And for me, I think it was, I suppose, the reassurance Eileen, I don’t know if you’ve ever heard this, I suppose more of the kind of brands that you’re talking to, but I think a lot of people come into loyalty from another side of marketing or to your point earlier where they might be doing an ad campaign this week and a loyalty campaign next week.

Paula Thomas

00:18:14

So they don’t get the dedicated and niche training. So I always felt that I wasn’t really up to speed ever like that. There was so much more to know about the expertise. So that’s why I did my CLMP I had to do was online at the time, but yeah, super excited that it’s coming to Europe. I think it’s the first time CLMP has been done in Europe if I’m not mistaken. Yeah.

Eileen McGuinness

00:18:38

So at least the first pan-European LMP wonderful. It’s going to be a two-day workshop held in Ireland, but it’s targeting obviously across Europe. So I think it’s going to be exciting. I’m hoping to register myself take two days out of, out of the everyday work life. And as you said, just getting that formal training, I’m trained in marketing traditionally, but you know, you kind of get yourself pushed into loyalty. I think probably about 15 years ago, I pushed myself into loyalty cause I love it. But you know, trying to get that formal ground qualification, it would be wonderful as well.

Paula Thomas

00:19:13

Totally agree. Brilliant. Okay. So we’ll definitely have fun and games with that with Mike and loyalty academy. And so give us a couple of the other kind of topics on in then, as you said, they’re your two international speakers and, but there is a, I think almost a full day and we’ll talk obviously as well about the awards now in a moment, but what other kinds of topics can people expect by if they, if they choose to come to the Irish Loyalty Summit? Yeah.

Eileen McGuinness

00:19:38

So another one we just waiting to get final sign off and confirmation is really about accelerating. And this is, this is hopefully going to be presented from a major airline, but it’s really accelerating the transformation within your business and within your loyalty programs. So you’ve weathered the storm. What do you do next? Where are you going? And it’s very much going to be about engaging customers. You know, it’s, it’s about that whole piece of personalization, emotional loyalty, you know, give me what I want in the channel. I want us that hasn’t gotten much friction, you know, very simple. That’s what we’re going to be looking at from another address.

Eileen McGuinness

00:20:18

So I think most of us, anybody working in is that’s what we’re trying to achieve. Another, I think, interesting area. And that’s more, it’s more the formality and it might be the area that was definitely, I know it’s a theory I struggled with is the more, the financial side of things is really looking at loyalty liability management. Yeah. Yeah. So another area that I think would be really interesting is loyalty liability management, and that’s going to be a subject that we’re going to look at. It’s just really how to effectively manage the loyalty program liability. Totally. I think that’s always been a question it’s always there. It’s always on the table. And I think it’s important that we kind of cover that off. And I think a lot of our feedback that we got previously was it was a topic that was of interest.

Eileen McGuinness

00:21:02

Yeah.

Paula Thomas

00:21:03

Yeah. I mean my own perspective again on batch one, Eileen, is that it’s the type of thing that it is probably worthwhile bringing in external advisors of some sorts, you know, to give a bit of extra perspective perhaps on, you know, how is, you know, I suppose the return on loyalty, for example, you know, how that’s working, but also as you said, just how is the liability and being managed by the business, you know, is it being done in an optimal way? So I think the financial side for most of us, as we’ve talked about, like we’re coming in with, you know, classical marketing qualifications and, and really to have a P and L that’s dedicated to something that has, you know, a deferred liability is a big responsibility.

Paula Thomas

00:21:45

So I definitely agree that anything, in fact, I remember going to a conference in London and there was a talk on, on lawyer liability management and, you know, it scared the living daylights out of me because I really hadn’t appreciated, I suppose, the level of risk and revenue and responsibility, because I didn’t have the full loyalty program management at the time. So definitely a topic. And I think people are looking for expertise on that. So, so that, that’s a great one to be including.

Eileen McGuinness

00:22:14

Yeah. Yeah. It’s kind of, you know, it’s, it’s, it’s probably more the number crunching, but you know, it’s, it’s, it’s a topic that has kind of been of interest. It was important that we put that on this, on the agenda as well. Yeah. I just also want to, I want to mention, you know, I think a fantastic area on the agenda is just, and I think it’s really important because, you know, people say Ireland has its own special nuances and we do, we’re small, we’re small in numbers. When we talk about loyalty programs to have a million members is, is absolutely huge and wonderful here, but you know, our listeners across the globe, like, oh my God, that’s tiny, but you know, we are covering it into somewhat is that loyalty programs are not just for large multinationals. Yeah. We’re going to look at some case studies of some really wonderful initiatives that’s happening around the country and, and look how they’re performing and you know, maybe how they’re winning the game and loyalty.

Eileen McGuinness

00:23:04

So maybe, I’m hoping that, you know, we can turn the tables terabits and maybe some of the large multinationals can, can get some insights from some of these case studies as well.

Paula Thomas

00:23:13

Fantastic Eileen. So an action-packed day and plenty going on plenty of knowledge. And I like the way you’ve organized it as well in that we do the hard work first and then there’s, there’s a big social occasion, please God, in the evening. So tell us about the Irish Loyalty Awards.

Eileen McGuinness

00:23:31

Yeah. So the Irish always had wars we’re now in our fourth year, even though it’s three routes, it’s actually going to be three awards programs. Of course. So it’s taking place in the evening after the 28th of April and it’s taking place this year and the wonderful Kilkee castling Canticle. They’re an absolutely beautiful venue. I’m hoping the sun, the sun will shine. And I think we’re all ready for a fantastic in-person networking event. Do we need to celebrate lawyers? It’s a celebration for everybody who’s been involved in loyalty over the last two years. You know, we’re, we’re rewarding excellence, creativity, innovation, but we’re also coming together as a community and supporting each other.

Eileen McGuinness

00:24:15

I think it’s really important for teams to be able to celebrate. They’ve had a hard time of us, you know, you know, what’s gone on in the last year years has kind of a spotlight and loyalty programs, you know, what’s our customers doing? Are they engaging? And there has been definitely a spotlight put on everybody out there when they’re working in loyalty. So I think they’re, they’re ready for a night off. I think they’re ready to get clapped on the back. And yeah, I think also, you know, our stakeholders and it would be remiss of me not to mention our, our sponsors because they’ve been absolutely hand on heart. Absolutely wonderful throughout this whole process portion of every, every step of the way. So I’m not going to mention them individually, but I’m going to, I think they’re all on our website and I really want to thank every one of them because they have sports myself in and throughout the whole process.

Eileen McGuinness

00:25:01

So it’s been wonderful.

Paula Thomas

00:25:02

Yeah. Proper partners. I know you’ve said that all along so well done. Yeah. Yeah. Wonderful. Great. So, and so the entry, so obviously for, for anyone in Ireland, who’s listening part of the loyalty community as you’ve talked about. And first and foremost, it’s time to start getting, you know, I suppose, sharpen the pencils or, you know, boost up those, those keyboards and get writing because you’ve just opened the entries for all the different categories.

Eileen McGuinness

00:25:31

That’s correct. Yeah. So call for entries is now opening opens, which is very exciting. So there are 19 categories. There’s something there for everyone. And I know, you know, I’d been the other side of the desk trying to put an entry into an awards program and it’s tiny. It is time-consuming you push it aside? Oh my goodness. What are they looking for? You know, how many words submission, but just give yourself some time, prepare, look at the criteria. You know, I get visibility of all the entries and, you know, some people don’t do themselves justice, just give yourself time, look at the criteria, pull together your, your proposal and get it in there because we’ve had some, some really surprising winners over the last three years.

Eileen McGuinness

00:26:14

And, you know, today there’s still speak about it. So, you know, I think if you’re not in, I suppose the old cliche you won’t win. So, you know, get your entries in and get recognized. Totally.

Paula Thomas

00:26:26

And again, as you know, Eileen I in the past have been a judge for M for various, you know, loyalty magazine awards, for example. And I can also say that, you know, the, and the entry criteria is always crystal clear and that’s because obviously, the judges need be able to evaluate, you know, from a very, you know, an independent perspective who is the best winner of each award. So I often saw entries that were in no way related to the category that they were entered in, or they weren’t properly even written, you know, or spellchecked, or, you know, there’s things like that, where if you put the time and effort in, you can have a fantastic entry. And if you do happen to win something, I mean, it’s, it’s a joy and recognition that you carry for your whole career.

Eileen McGuinness

00:27:12

Yeah. And, you know, it’s, it’s the return on winning an award. You know, let’s not underestimate awards have been around for ages, but you know, it’s the stay, you know, that pride, you get on the night to stand up there and receive your award. You just can’t take, it would take from it. You know, it’s fantastic that you can go back to your business, but more, I think more important if you go back to your business and you can fight more to get more loyalty budgets and do more and do better and do better, you know, better to use it to your benefit. That’s what I say. Absolutely. You’re getting, it’s a great night. Absolutely. It’s a great networking night, but, you know, use it to your benefit, go back to your organization and, and, and get your voice heard for your local.

Paula Thomas

00:27:51

Fantastic. Absolutely. So for anyone listening, and I know the website is the Irish Loyalty Awards.com and the entries are open. I know until the 15th of March. And again, that gives you guys then just time to add, to do all of the independent judging. I know you have a panel of some of Ireland’s best loyalty experts and independently looking at all of those to choose the winners. And then obviously if the tickets are on sale as well for the summer. And so April 28th, I know you’re going to be super busy between now and then Eileen and any other dates. Yeah. Yeah. It’s going to be super exciting. And I will say actually I was at a loyalty conference here in Dubai am just in October and the level of joy that everyone felt by, you know, just being back together again, I can honestly say I felt a little bit high.

Paula Thomas

00:28:42

It was just amazing. So exciting to reconnect with people. So, and for listeners, and I will also say that I am personally travelling from Dubai. I’ve already booked my flight. I’ve got my hotel room in Kilkee castle because who doesn’t love to stay in an Irish castle from time to time. So I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the members of the Irish loyalty community, who I’ve probably lost contact with it. But if I’m honest, since I left a few years ago, Eileen, so, so from my side, I’m super looking forward to it. So yeah, it’s great. Great funnel around.

Eileen McGuinness

00:29:14

I think everybody has marked in the calendar. Excitement is starting to gather momentum. We’re all kind of keeping our fingers in our legs crossed nothing. No, no curve balls gets thrown out us again, but we’re not going to go there. We’re going to keep positive and we’re going to help them. It’s all steam ahead. It’s going to happen on the 28th of April, we just really count waste. And you know what, I, you know what I want to say for anybody out there who just wants to talk about us Martin and I are available in the end of it, into the phone call. We’re very happy to discuss your entry. If you’ve got any questions regarding the criteria, we’re always on hand to answer any questions that they would have.

Paula Thomas

00:29:50

Fantastic Eileen. So what I’ll do then is I’ll make sure that we link to both yourself and Marion in the show notes, obviously for this episode. And if anybody just wants to, you know, as, as Eileen said, and connect for example, to discuss entries or opportunities or something about the summers, for example, it’s Eileen McGuinness. I’m not sure there’s too many. Eileen McGuinnesses on LinkedIn?

Eileen McGuinness

00:30:12

Don’t think so. I haven’t checked polar, but there you go.

Paula Thomas

00:30:15

There you go. Great stuff. Any, any closing comments then, other than that, Eileen from your side?

Eileen McGuinness

00:30:21

No, just really a huge thank you to everybody who is supported this Summit and the Loyalty Awards today. Our sponsors, of course, I’ve mentioned them already, but also our judges. And, but more importantly, our loyalty marketing professionals here in Ireland who work every day, tirelessly and busing the best proposition out there to the customers. And we need to keep the flag flying.

Paula Thomas

00:30:46

Okay. Wonderful. Okay. Well, listen, on that note, Eileen McGuinness co-founder of the Irish Loyalty Awards. Thank you so much from Let’s Talk Loyalty. Thank you, Paula. This show is sponsored by the wise market here. The world’s most popular source of loyalty marketing news insights and research. The wise marketeer also offers loyalty marketing training through its Loyalty Academy, which has already certified over 170 executives in 20 countries as certified loyalty marketing professionals. For more information, check out the wise market, tier.com and loyaltyacademy.org.

Paula Thomas

00:31:35

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of Let’s Talk Loyalty. If you’d like me to send you the latest show each week, simply sign up for the show newsletter on Let’s Talk Loyalty.com and I’ll send you the latest episode to your inbox every Thursday, or just head to your favourite podcast platform. Find Let’s Talk Loyalty and subscribe. Of course, I’d love your feedback and reviews. And thanks again for supporting the show.

Publisher’s Note:

This transcript was generated with the help of AI and podcast publishing tools such as Apple Podcast’s transcription service.

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