Prosperity. Happiness Works.

Imagine ‘checking in’ on social media just by tapping your phone against a poster? And gain instant rewards?
An Irish company is making a splash across the pond with a new platform which will offer just that.

Called RewardAble, this new platform from Betapond combines social check-ins with near field communication (NFC) and was showcased for the first time at the recent Innovation in Entertainment Showcase in Sony Pictures Hollywood.
RewardAble CEO Declan Kennedy explains that consumers will be able to ‘check in’ on social media and pick up rewards by simply tapping their phone against a poster or scanning a QR code.
The software, which will be available on all smartphones and integrates with NFC technology, will allow customers to discover new ways to get instant rewards whilst also benefiting retailers by bringing customer loyalty to the next level.
NFC authentications means customers will also have the highest level of privacy and protection.

Budding entrepreneurs who fear the high costs of long-term leases are getting in on the pop-up act. The concept was made popular in Ireland by Crackbird, the temporary restaurant operated by the owner of Jo’Burger.

Pop-ups are temporary spaces used by businesses for short periods. A licence contract is used, and a lease can last anywhere from one day to a year.

Joe Prendergast, co-founder, PopMeUp.ie, says the concept takes pressure off new businesses.

“Some people think they have great ideas, and by going into a pop-up unit might realise that nobody likes their product so they can move on to something else. Or what they thought was something small might turn out to be big and they can expand easily.”

Initially reluctant, landlords are warming to the concept, according to Prendergast.

PopMeUp.ie has a database of tenants and landlords, and will negotiate terms. The firm itself is recruiting a managing director.

Dublin’s designation as World Design Capital 2014 could lead to significant job opportunities, according to John Tierney, Dublin city manager.

Dublin, Bilbao in Spain and Cape Town in South Africa were chosen from 56 other applications.

“The World Design Capital designation is prestigious and brings economic and reputational benefits to the winning city,” he said.

Pivot Dublin, a collaboration of the four Dublin local authorities, put together the capital’s bid. It showcases Irish designers at home and abroad who work at a range of design disciplines, including product, architecture, fashion, graphic design and animation.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen said if the title is bestowed, Ireland will have the opportunity to highlight its talented designers.

“Our bid celebrates ambiguity, diversity and difference and tells a story of a city where there is much talent, a solid tradition of great Irish design and a vibrant informal design scene.”

The winning city will be announced this autumn.

Social media is coming full circle with the launch of a new product that brings it offline.
Dublin- and Blackpool-based firm Blue Apricot brings social media in-store and at events with social media display screens.

Darren Fenton, managing director, Blue Apricot, is hoping to replicate the success this technology has had in the US, in Ireland. He says it can engage potential customers.
“In the process you get to build your marketing lists, social networks and overall e-marketing campaigns.”
The screens provide a mix of applications, user interface design and content management controls.
The idea is that they bring digital signage to life by offering streaming links to social networking sites such as Twitter, Foursquare and Facebook.
The screens can show live streaming from the sites, but content is filtered so only positive messages are shown.
For example, the in-store screens will advertise when customers who check-in to a business online can get a discount.

Andrew and Neil from Vstream recently demonstrated their innovative product for Aviva. This is a 3D experience that speaks to the fevered dreams of many an Irish man, that of pulling on an Irish Jersey and playing for Ireland.

The product is based on a scenario whereby you are playing with a bunch of lads, and next thing your exemplary skills in the Tuesday evening 5-a-side are recognised and you are picked to play for Ireland. Next thing you know, you are on the tour bus, the players are interacting with you, Sky News mentions your name and George Hook is asking you for an interview. And then of course, you are running onto the turf in the Aviva stadium in front of 80,000 roaring fans.
Niall from vStream feels that this experiential marketing product is a highly entertaining format that offers total consumer immersion and brings the client’s relationship with the consumer to a whole new level.
For further info on this campaign:  http://www.vstream.ie/aviva_stadium_3d_experience.html