MasterCard gets into the holiday spirit this week with its annual Priceless promotion, which this year will award five "prizes of a lifetime."
Consumers are entered to win whenever they charge a purchase. Prizes include an African Safari; a visit from celebrity chef Sarah Moulton; a behind-the-scenes tour of Space Center Houston; a trip to England to meet the Jordan Formula One racing team and attend racing school; and a My VH-1 Music Awards experience including tickets, wardrobe, VIP access, and an exclusive party.
The effort is being supported with TV and print advertising, along with a dedicated Web site hosting a separate instant-win game. Eight of MasterCard's 10 largest retail accounts will position a collective 275,000 pieces of P-O-P. Merchant kits include window clings, tent cards, employee buttons, register decals, and check presenter inserts customized for the retail, fast food and restaurant categories. More than 140 member banks are participating.
MasterCard also is extending the program into Canada for the first time. Ryan Partnership, Westport, CT, handles promotions; McCann-Erickson, New York City, does the advertising.
