News Release
Anchorage CVB Receives Three Web Site Awards
Anchorage, Alaska – Jan. 3, 2007 – With innovative Web marketing tools like Flat Seymour and the 49th Reel Film Project, the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has pulled in top awards for its Web site, Anchorage.net.
As the destination marketing organization for the Municipality of Anchorage, ACVB continually reviews national travel trends to develop effective sales and marketing plans. ACVB recognizes a shift in consumer behavior related to evolving technology. Part of this shift is the ensuing move by marketers to empower consumers to become ambassadors of their products through the vast system of online social networks.
In response to changing trends, ACVB has continued to develop its Web marketing programs. As a result, Anchorage.net was recently presented with a 2006 WebAward for outstanding achievement in Web site development from the Web Marketing Association (WMA). Founded in 1997, the goal of WMA is to help set high standards for Internet marketing and web development. Each site is judged on seven different criteria including: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use. One judge commented, “the photography and design are the strengths of the site…Use of rich media would make me book a trip to Anchorage today.”
In October, ACVB’s “Flat Seymour” was honored with a Best Idea Program outstanding achievement award by the Western Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (WACVB). The annual Best Idea Program showcases innovative projects and creative marketing strategies submitted by WACVB members.
Flat Seymour is a paper cutout of Seymour of Anchorage, ACVB’s moose mascot and tourism ambassador of goodwill, inviting people around the world to get Wild About Anchorageä! Launched in February 2006 on ACVB’s official Web site, Anchorage.net, Flat Seymour was created with the purpose of growing attendance at community events and encouraging visitors and residents to share their unique experiences in Anchorage and Alaska. Participants are invited to take photos with Flat Seymour at events around town and then load them onto the online photo gallery. ACVB has sponsored several photo competitions in conjunction with events including Fur Rendezvous, Wild Salmon on Parade, and AlaskaFest, generating more than 94,364 page views of the photo gallery.
ACVB also received two first place Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Awards of Excellence for Anchorage.net and for Flat Seymour. The goal of the PRSA Alaska Chapter’s annual award competition is to encourage professional public relations performance and technique and to acknowledge exemplary work in the field.
ACVB continues to develop innovative Web campaigns, including its recent podcast additions promoting Anchorage. To view ACVB podcasts, explore 49threel.com.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
###
Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
