This week is full of interesting and unconventional marketing campaigns from some of the biggest brands. Dive in to our Weekly Must Reads for inspiration and updates on the news you need to know.

Google’s Special Delivery

Google launched their new Pixel 4 smartphone last week in the cheesiest way. In a partnership with Domino’s, Google delivered the phone to a select group of influencers and salespeople within a special Domino’s pizza box, complete with an actual Domino’s pizza. The phone is housed in a special hidden compartment in the pizza box lid, labeled as a “premium topping,” and accompanied by accessories in a “side orders” box.

The main features of the phone are new hands-free functions, which this group can test out while holding their pizza. Do you think this promotion will help boost Google’s presence in a market dominated by Apple and Samsung? Learn more here: https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/google-teams-dominos-special-pixel-4-deliveries/2207446

Steal a Base, Steal a Taco, Win a Bet

Taco Bell’s “Steal a Taco, Steal a Base,” promotion is back for the seventh year in a row, this time with the opportunity to win a little extra cash. As usual, Taco Bell will give away a free Doritos Locos taco to all customers after the first stolen base is recorded during the World Series. This year, the taco chain has also partnered with BetMGM to encourage fans to bet on which player will be the one to steal the first base – their “Taco Hero,” as they call it. The offer is only available in the sixteen states where sports gambling is legal, so check your state’s status before placing your bet.

According to Taco Bell, rooting for the first stolen base has become a game within the game, so partnering with BetMGM was a logical choice for them. Will you be placing your bet for the Taco Hero this year? Check out the details here: https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/10/14/taco-bell-adds-wagering-its-world-series-steal-base-steal-taco-campaign

Jose Cuervo Showcases Día De Los Muertos

With Día De Los Muertos right around the corner, tequila brand Jose Cuervo announced an unconventional marketing move this week: a series of short films showcasing celebrations of the holiday across Mexico. The first film released is a five-minute documentary highlighting celebrations in the town of Lake Pátzcuaro. Jose Cuervo intends to make this campaign a yearly effort, with plans already in place to produce films next year.

Through this campaign, Jose Cuervo hopes to align themselves with their product’s culture through emotional and nontraditional advertising. In addition to the short films, they’ve released two limited-edition Día De Los Muertos bottles resembling decorations for the holiday. Watch the first film here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/jose-cuervo-sponsors-short-documentary-about-mexicos-day-of-the-dead/565193/

International Tiny House of Pancakes

IHOP is jumping on two major trends: tiny houses and experiential marketing. The pancake chain has partnered with A&E’s TV series “Tiny House Nation” so they can offer a series of tasting menus in a tiny house restaurant located in Los Angeles. The dinner is free, but diners must secure a Yelp reservation for one of just four nights in December. The promotion is only available for MyHOP loyalty program customers, who can also enter a sweepstakes to win an all-expenses-paid trip to LA to attend the event.

The tiny house was built by the “Tiny House Nation” hosts and can seat just six diners at a time. Do you think this campaign will successfully drive new members to IHOP’s loyalty program? Check out more information about how to join the tiny feast here: https://www.businessinsider.com/ihop-tiny-house-dinner-series-free-tiny-ihop-food-2019-10