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Consumer Electronics Show: Social media -- in it to win it

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For exhibitors using competitions to promote their products at the Consumer Electronics Show, the biggest prize was having social media networks spread the word that giveaways were on the go.

Some posted their competitions on CES’ main Facebook page. Qualcomm used the page to promote Twitter users’ chance to win a Windows Phone 7 device powered by Snapdragon. Notebook accessory maker Ergotron also promoted its computer-stand giveaway on the page, as did Gogo in-flight entertainment.

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Some used more traditional social media campaigns. Electronics maker JVC used its Twitter page to offer prizes, and Facebook “Place” users who check in at its booth also will be entered into a competition to win products.

The first 50 check-ins at the Sony booth each day get $25 Sony Style gift certificates. Sony also runs a daily photo caption contest at its blog.

Kenmore hosted a Facebook sweepstakes where users can vote for their favorite funny videos describing an appliance of the far future.

Sharp used a Foursquare tie-in to market its consumer electronics. Attendees who check in to CES on Foursquare will be eligible to win a daily prize when they visit the Sharp booth. Prizes include an iPod docking station, a Blu-ray disc player, a Sharp sound bar and a 32-inch Aquos LCD TV. If a social media user “likes” Sharp on Facebook and “follows” Sharp on Twitter, they will receive sweepstakes entries to win a 52-inch Aquos Quattron LCD TV.

Swiss-based Sonic Emotion teams with audio products company Coby to launch several social-media-themed competitions to promote its new 3-D sound bar and IP radio products for the U.S. market. It will use Facebook and Twitter, and the Follow Me and Wildfire apps, to give users a chance to win a Coby sound bar.

HeartMath, a healthcare products and services supplier, offers competitions and prizes on its Facebook and Twitter pages and will announce details of product giveaways at its booth.

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Kerry Bohen at HeartMath said engaging its social media fan base at last year’s show resulted in part in the company winning the show’s ‘Last Gadget Standing People’s Choice Award” for its emWave personal stress reliever.

Bohen said: “This experience proved just how powerful a social network can be. Not only were HeartMath customers voting, but they were also posting personal comments about how well the product worked for them.”

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