A New Take on a Classic Tradition

The air was crisp, the streets of downtown Kalamazoo buzzed with excitement, and the rich aroma of simmering chili filled the air. It was time for the 20th Annual Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off, a beloved winter tradition that brought together food lovers, families, and local businesses. But this year, something was different. Instead of paper maps and scattered voting booths, attendees pulled out their phones and embarked on an interactive journey that redefined how they experienced the event.

For the first time ever, the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce introduced a digital passport challenge powered by Proxi. With a seamless mobile-friendly map, gamified check-ins, and real-time voting, the event became more than just a tasting tour—it became a fully immersive experience.

The Challenge: Enhancing Engagement & Tracking Impact

The Chili Cook-Off had always been a community favorite, but organizers faced challenges in tracking votes and measuring the event’s impact. They saw an opportunity to improve engagement, streamline logistics, and gather valuable data. The 2025 event introduced a digital passport system to:

Guide attendees seamlessly through the event with a mobile-friendly event map.
Enable check-ins at each chili stop using QR codes.
Incentivize participation with a points-based rewards system.
Streamline the voting process for best chili contenders.

How It Worked

1. Seamless Check-ins & Navigation

At check-in, attendees received a commemorative chili spoon and access to the digital map.
Two QR codes were available: one directing to the event map and another linking directly to the challenge sign-up.
Participants scanned QR codes at each location to check in.
Custom tags helped attendees filter locations based on dietary preferences, including Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free options.
Flyers placed throughout the event and pre-event marketing educated attendees on how to participate.

2. Gamification & Engagement

Each check-in earned points, motivating attendees to visit multiple locations.
Participants could upload selfies at each stop for additional rewards, helping generate more user content.
Live music, family-friendly activities, and convenient shuttle services enhanced the experience.

3. Voting & Rewards

Points earned from check-ins and activities translated into chances to win up to $500 in Downtown Dollars.
Special milestone rewards kept attendees engaged:
- One Chili Down (1 check-in): 200 awarded
- High Five! (5 check-ins): 129 awarded
- Perfect 10 (10 check-ins): 98 awarded
- Fiery 15 (15 check-ins): 50 awarded
- 20/20 (20 check-ins): 21 awarded
- 25/25 (25 check-ins): 25 awarded

The Results: Measurable Success & Community Engagement

The Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Challenge exceeded expectations, transforming a long-standing tradition into an interactive and data-rich event.

By the numbers:

400 participants registered
1,952 location visits recorded
21,879 points earned
50+ user-generated photos uploaded
Awards given for Best Retail, Best Restaurant, People’s Choice, and Judges’ Choice
Significant increase in foot traffic and local business engagement

Event organizers were thrilled with the results. While there were no previous digital metrics for direct comparison, they saw a clear boost in participation, engagement, and attendee excitement. The gamification elements and instant rewards kept people actively involved throughout the event.

The Map!

Why Proxi? A Cost-Effective, Easy-to-Use Alternative

Unlike other digital passport solutions that can cost thousands annually (Bandwango starts at $9,500 per year), Proxi offers an affordable, self-serve solution at just $99 per month. Event organizers appreciated how Proxi allowed them to launch an interactive challenge with minimal setup, making it both cost-effective and easy to use.

Key Benefits of Proxi:

✅ Dual Purpose: The map doubled as both an event guide and a challenge platform.

💰 Affordable Pricing: A fraction of the cost compared to other alternatives.

⚡ Easy Setup: Launch a fully branded digital challenge in under an hour.

🎨 Custom Branding: Tailor your challenge with curated icons, custom URLs, and sponsor logos.

📊 Real-Time Analytics: Gain insights into event participation, visitor engagement, and economic impact.

🏆 Gamification: Reward participants and keep them coming back for more!

Looking Ahead: Future Enhancements

Encouraged by the success of this year’s event, organizers plan to incorporate additional interactive activities next year, such as enhanced selfie challenges, bonus point opportunities, and even more ways to win rewards.

Conclusion

The Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Challenge demonstrated the power of digital passports in transforming a traditional event into a highly interactive and measurable experience. By using Proxi’s platform, event organizers successfully increased engagement, showcased local businesses, and provided a seamless way for attendees to navigate and enjoy the cook-off.