Category: Promotion Planning and Trends

Sweepstakes Void in Florida, New York, and Rhode Island?

One question we hear frequently: Why are so many sweepstakes void in Florida, New York, and sometimes Rhode Island? The answer is simple: The states of Florida, New York, and Rhode Island require sweepstakes registration and Florida and New York also require bonding. Many Sponsors of sweepstakes either don’t want to deal with that requirement, don’t want to spend the extra money, or they have run out of time to

July 20, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes or Obtain a Sweepstakes Waiver in Florida

Does the approximate retail value (ARV) of your sweepstakes prize structure exceed $5,000? And, is your sweepstakes open to residents of the State of Florida? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, then this blog is for you. Game promotions offering prizes totaling more than $5,000 must file with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) seven days prior to commencement of the game promotion. Even game promotions

July 17, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes in Rhode Island

When preparing to conduct a Sweepstakes, it is important to be aware of the regulations and laws that are unique to the states where your promotion will be running. One great example of this is the registration requirements that several states enforce. If you read our blogs or have worked with us in the past you may already have some knowledge of which States require registration… but if you don’t,

July 13, 2026

How to Register a Sweepstakes in New York

As you have read in previous blog posts, sometimes you have to register your sweepstakes with certain states if the approximate retail value “ARV” of all prizes offered is over a certain amount. The states of New York and Florida require registration and bonding when the total ARV exceeds $5,000; and the state of Rhode Island requires registration only if the ARV is over $500. You do not have

July 13, 2026

Back to School Promotion Planning

There are a lot of shoppers and eyes online in July, August and September. Perfect timing for running online promotions geared toward back-to-school. And now is the perfect time to start planning! Simple Back to School sweepstakes with great prizes is always popular as there is low or no barrier to entry, yet the reward can be high. A social sweepstakes may work for a campus event. User-generated content contests

June 30, 2026

10 Hot Summer Prize Ideas

The weather is getting warmer, which means everyone is starting to make their summer plans! Everyone deserves an escape, something fun to do, or a way to simply cool down. When summer is on everyone’s mind, now is the time to start planning your summer sweepstakes with Marden-Kane. Here are our top 10 picks for the hottest prizes this summer: 1. The Ultimate Family Fun Vacation Who doesn’t love a

June 1, 2026

How the High Cost of Gas Affects Your Promotional Offers

High gas prices have driven a shift in consumer behavior and marketing tactics. Americans are driving less and changing vacation plans, leading companies to reallocate marketing budgets toward digital giveaways. Sweepstakes now increasingly focus on offering “free” gas money and food to attract cash-strapped consumers. The current combination of higher fuel costs, inflation, and restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed the national average for regular gasoline to

May 21, 2026

How to Avoid Deceptive Advertising

In the context of sweepstakes, deceptive advertising occurs when a promotion uses misleading statements, omissions, or visual trickery to give a participant a false impression of their odds, the prize value, or the requirements to win. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state Attorneys General monitor these closely. If a “reasonable consumer” would be misled by the advertisement, it is considered deceptive. Common Forms of Deceptive Advertising 1. The “False

May 20, 2026

Best Practices for Running a Pet-Themed Promotion

When running a pet-themed promotion, you are tapping into a deeply emotional space. For many, pets are family members, and the stakes for health and safety are much higher than a standard giveaway. Here are the essential do’s and don’ts for a successful and ethical pet promotion: The Do’s: Focusing on Health and Safety DO prioritize safety standards. Ensure any physical prizes (toys, treats, or gear) meet rigorous safety certifications. Avoid

April 30, 2026

Everybody’s Using Social for Everything! But Are They Really?!?

There’s basically no such thing as doing any type of marketing without social platforms being part of the grand plan. Their reach is undeniable. While social platforms are an integral part of today’s marketing landscape, each one of them has their own restrictions and rules to abide by, and they’re not always easy to figure out. Platforms such as Instagram & Facebook (Meta) specifically state that they will not provide

April 22, 2026