PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The South Dakota Department of Tourism launched the State of Create passport in July 2022, the second free mobile-exclusive pass in our partnership with Bandwango. State of Create was created to make it even more fun for consumers to find the artistic treasures across the state. Using gamification, the State of Create passport encourages people to explore and experience hidden gems found throughout South Dakota.
BENEFITS HOW IT WORKS PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTACT
Summary
With the pass, visitors and locals can check in to designated State of Create locations to unlock a broad range of prizes based on the number of locations visited. The program delivery is seamless, with no app download needed. Instead, the pass is easily accessed through TravelSouthDakota.com. Participant location redemption is followed through GPS-based tracking, with prize notifications automatically sent to participants through SMS and email. Prizes are then emailed or shipped directly to participants. Click below to find a complete summary (PDF) of the State of Create passport program:
Benefits
This free program is designed to attract visitors to lesser-known sites throughout South Dakota, at no cost to participating businesses, events and locations. The Department awards prizes to participating consumers who check in at stops. State of Create prizes range from local artist stickers (10 stops required) to custom Vans shoes and a chance to win a South Dakota vacation (45 stops required). For more information, check out our official State of Create page on TravelSouthDakota.com:
How it Works
The passport is a mobile-exclusive passport with no purchase necessary. The location redemption process is GPS-based, with visitors simply checking in to each location from their phone’s home screen.
Timeline
The first year of State of Create runs July 2022-July 2023. Additional participating location updates will be made throughout the twelve months, and completely new pass locations will appear the following year.
PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS
Locations Materials
Each featured business is provided with a window cling and poster (examples, below). Businesses should display one or both of these elements prominently so visitors know they’ve found the correct location. Redemption instructions should be kept on hand for employees to reference if visitors have questions about the program. Download this PDF:
Redemption Instructions for State of Create
Passport Elements
As a key component of the Department's marketing campaigns, the State of Create passport will receive strong promotion through South Dakota Tourism-owned channels. The passports will be promoted on TravelSouthDakota.com with website personalization efforts, social media pushes and email program callouts, along with display and social promotion through paid media efforts. In addition, partners will be indicated as part of the program on TravelSouthDakota.com and in the South Dakota Vacation Guide.
How to Promote
The Department is excited to promote the State of Create passport through paid and owned media; however, it's appreciated when others want to assist in promoting the program. Here are a few ways in which communities, businesses and locals can promote the passport programs:
- Request Collateral: The Department has posters providing visitors with an overview of the passport program & prizes. Businesses may request posters to display by contacting the Department of Tourism.
- Share on Social: Being a location on the passport provides bragging rights. Businesses, events and locations can share the great news with their social followers. Tout that the passport will bring locals and visitors alike to your community and businesses. In need of a social media image? Download this one:
- Spread the Word: If you are a current passport location or local business, share with visitors the next nearest passport location, assisting passport holders to continue their journey or simply to start their passport adventure.
How to Get Involved
Would you consider your business a hidden gem in the art community of South Dakota? Do you know of one we should include? Each 12-month cycle, the Department will revamp each passport with new businesses, events and/or locations. We’d love to potentially add your recommendations to the program in the future! Contact Erin Weinzettel with the Department of Tourism for more information.
FOR INFORMATION
For more information, please contact Erin Weinzettel, Global Marketing & Brand Manager, at 605-295-4392 or [email protected].