RAVEN5 Ltd., Celebrating 20 Years
December 7, 2023 Andrew Procyk
From Paper to Promotions, JBM to RAVEN5 Ltd.
Two decades is a huge milestone for any company especially in the fast and constantly evolving world of digital marketing. When it comes to adapting and changing with the times you won’t find a better example than RAVEN5. Presently known as RAVEN5, the multi-generational company originally stems from Bickerton Multigraphing Co., a printing press founded in 1920 by Michael Bickerton’s grandfather Joseph Bickerton and located in the heart of Toronto.
Over the next hundred years, Bickerton Multigraphing Co. continued to change with the times becoming Bickerton Litho Ltd. in 1955 with the integration of coloured printing. Later becoming James, Bickerton & Moore Ltd. (JBM Ltd.) in 1990 and started taking on a more hands-on creative and design role.
No longer a printing press or paper based at all RAVEN5 focuses solely as a the “World’s first Sweepstakes Marketing Agency & Contest Marketing Agency” and continues to dominate this niche as the primary focus of the firm. RAVEN5 is a one-stop shop for everything from legal to creative, and development to fulfillment for contests and sweepstakes. RAVEN5 creates custom and unique incentivised marketing.
The next leap being in 2003 as JBM Interactive becoming laser focused on digital marketing. Achieving its final form as RAVEN5 just 11 years later and now completely immersed in the digital realm.
campaigns for both end clients and their agencies alike. For an in-depth summary of the history of RAVEN5 over the last 2 decades and conception over the last 100 years visit our history page. (https://www.raven5.com/history/)
Some Notable Campaigns
United NYC Win United Plane Tickets 2023
Only 3 days to promote a successful marketing campaign? No Problem! From March 16-18, 2023, RAVEN5 ran a 3-day sweepstakes for United Airlines that gained 6.7K entries. One lucky winner won the grand prize for 2 United Airlines International round trip tickets. Four more secondary prizes of 2 United Airlines Domestic First-Class tickets were also rewarded to follow-ups.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Giving Joy 2023
The Giving Joy Contest by Norwegian Cruise Line rewards US & Canadian teachers with cruises on Norwegian ships, like the Norwegian Joy. Running from May 8 to June 9, 2023, it granted 20 teachers and guests 7-day cruise certificates, with the top 3 also winning a four-day voyage on Norwegian Viva in November 2023. Utilizing nominations and votes via a user-friendly microsite, the initiative engages consumers in celebrating exceptional educators. Participants nominate, vote, and share entries, aiming to appreciate teachers, engage existing customers, attract new prospects, and involve the public in recognizing outstanding educators. Gathering over 3,800 nominations, 338,000 new users and over total 769,000 views the NCL Giving Joy is the gift that keeps on giving.
Cinema Barilla Win Italy Trip/Experience 2023
To help promote awareness of the Barilla brand by conducting a month-long sweepstakes during Italian Heritage Month in June. The Grand Prize was $6,000 CAD cash prize to cover the price of the tickets to the Venice Film Festival, Ruffino VIP wine tour, flights to Italy and hotel for 2 guests. From June 1-30, 2023, there was 102,620 entries indicating a very successful campaign that garnered plenty of interest and grow brand awareness.
Sportbet.io Win a Lambo 2021
When it comes to dealing with Big Prizes RAVEN5 does not shy away. A perfect example of this was the 3-day campaign done for Sportbet.io to promote their betting site at the BitCoin convention in Miami. Contestants could enter for the chance to win a 2021 Lamborghini Huracan EVO valued at $274,250 USD or an optional $250,000 USD worth of BitCoin.
Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy 2019
There are many different examples of successful campaigns over the years at RAVEN5 but NCL’s Giving
Joy campaign in 2019 stands out. With over 4.6 million visits to the microsite, 1.44 million votes, 46 thousand nominations, and 223 thousand social media shares hit and succeeded all targets. This was all capped off with Donald Trump Jr. himself tweeting his support for a teacher an
Schwarzkopf Professional 2016
Giving away a Lambo is great but when it comes to total volume and overall value it’s hard to top Schwarzkopf’s COLOR & WIN campaign. They had 14,265 instant prizes and 4 grand prizes valued at a whopping $500,000. It was a successful sweepstakes with 26,000 pins being claimed over the months of March and April by 16,977 entrants.
RAVEN5 Ltd. Gives Back to the Community
Save Glen Abbey the Heart of Oakville
With our main office in Oakville, ON, Canada, it means we reside near Ontario’s Greenbelt and the Glen Abbey golf course designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus in 1976. Having hosted 28 PGA events and being the HQ of Golf Canada, it would have been tragic for Oakville residents to lose such a historic landmark and beautiful green space. Personally, every time I play the 18th hole there, I can remember vividly Tiger’s shot from the bunker in the rain to win the 2000 Canadian Open.
RAVEN5 was a key contributor in getting the message out to those local to Oakville, surrounding areas, and golf enthusiasts coast to coast. On July 9, 2021, Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced that Glen Abbey would be preserved.
On April 4, 2022 RAVEN5 Ltd. was rewarded with the key to the city of Oakville for their contribution to Save Glen Abbey the Heart of Oakville.
Children’s Camps International Win a Truck
Helping raise over $80,000 for children to go to summer camps with 16,633 total responses. The partnership with Children’s Camps International not only raised substantial funds but also facilitated memorable experiences for children, culminating in heartwarming success stories like the giveaway of a 1966 Chevy pickup truck.
Furthermore, RAVEN5’s commitment to community welfare is evident through initiatives like the campaign to preserve Glen Abbey, Children’s Camps International, and Make a Wish Canada. Below are links to the case studies created by the RAVEN5 team showcasing the success of the campaigns.
100-year evolution & 20 years of RAVEN5 Ltd.
From its roots as a printing press in 1920 to its present-day dominance in Contests and Sweepstakes marketing, the company’s transformation embodies the essence of progress. With each reincarnation, from Bickerton Multigraphing Co. to Bickerton Litho Ltd. to JBM Interactive and finally, to RAVEN5, the company has consistently evolved to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of marketing.
Over the 20 years of RAVEN5, I learned to adapt and embrace the fast-evolving marketing landscape. RAVEN5’s century-long evolution from a printing press to a digital marketing contest forerunner is a testament to adaptability and innovation. Their success in pioneering impactful campaigns, preserving heritage, and supporting communities reflects a commitment to excellence. As they celebrate 2 decades in the digital realm, RAVEN5’s story embodies resilience, growth, and a relentless pursuit of success in an ever-evolving landscape.
Cheers to RAVEN5’s remarkable journey and the promise of continued brilliance in the years ahead!
Don’t take my word for it why don’t you read testimonials from some of our recent and current clients? On the link below
https://www.raven5.com/testimonial/
Andrew Procyk, RAVEN5, December 2023
Andrew Procyk, December 2023
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