Community Building, Crowdsourcing contest from REI and Arbor

As action sports marketing executives get more adapt at crowdsourcing contests they are going see its one of the most effective ways to promote community building. A press release just went out about a recent effort by REI and Arbor that I thought I'd share. According the release:

"After careful review of art and votes submitted to its online snowboard design contest, REI, a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, and Arbor, a collective of artists, designers and friends who snowboard, skateboard and surf, announce a grand-prize winner whose design will be added to its 2010 – 2011 snowboard collection and sold exclusively at REI.

“We were impressed with the overall quality and creativity in the designs that were submitted,” said Bob Carlson, Arbor co-founder. “It’s clear many artists who participated in this contest took time to research our brand and use mediums that complemented our focus on blending art, technology and eco-materials.”

The winning design will be sold exclusively at REI within its 2010 – 2011 women’s snowboard line available to purchase in September 2010. The grand prize designer will receive a snowboard featuring their design and a $1,000 REI gift card. Four runners-up were selected by the online community. Eligible runners-up will receive a $500 REI gift card.

“As the women’s snowboarding category continues to grow, we are thrilled to select a women’s specific board design from the top five,” said Kelly Maggs, REI product manager for snowboards. 

Grand prize design:

• “The Hummingbird,” by KCimaging00:

Runners-up:

• Mic Control,” by KCimaging00:

• “The Art of Shred,” by Ryan McD:

• “Thin Ice,” by Jmantastic: 

• “Psychedelic,” by jtfoulks:

“The energy that went into designing the art and submitting votes was inspiring,” said Tom Vogl, vice president of REI Marketing. “It’s incredible to see how many people signed-up to help us choose the top designs they want to use on the slopes next year.”

The free contest was open to artists of all skill levels. The top contenders were selected by members of REI’s online community who cast votes for their favorites from November through January 2010. To view a list of the rules, designs submitted or more information on the winning designer, please visit: http://www.rei.com/arbor-contest (winning designs will be available to view through 2010)."

Pokember |Matthew Chase's Blog | Seattle Marketing Business Consultant  | Matthew's Profile