San Diego -- The meetings technology company, StarCite, and large site-selection company, HelmsBriscoe, today unveiled a marketing package for convention bureaus at the annual meeting here of Destination Marketing Association International.
The package combines a preferred listing and marketing messages on StarCite's meeting-suppliers search engine with marketing messages in newsletters and reports that HelmsBriscoe sends to its 700 sales associates, who are independent contractors.
"In combining access to the buying power of HelmsBriscoe with the global reach of the world's largest online meetings marketplace, we offer destinations greater visibility, marketing, and keen insight to deliver results," said StarCite chief executive John Pino.
Said HelmsBriscoe CEO Roger Helms, "For the past 14 years, hotels have relied upon HelmsBriscoe to bring them business. Now, in partnership with StarCite, we are introducing an innovative marketing program designed to bring that success to the CVB segment."
The package, which costs $18,000 annually, includes the following:
--StarCite's largest enhanced-supplier listing, with information on destination highlights, hotels, convention facilities, and alternative venues; up to 20 graphics; banner and tile ads; special-offer posts; marketing messages; newsletter sponsorships; and a higher listing in search results.
--A banner ad in HB Express, Helms Briscoe's proprietary supplier-search website, which is powered by StarCite; a listing in HB Insite, a database that compiles the collective knowledge of Helms-Briscoe associates; quarterly city production reports; competitive analysis report; reduced registration fees for the HB Annual Business Conference; access to HelmsBriscoe regional offices for destination presentations; and the opportunity to co-sponsor Helms-Briscoe events.