Perhaps a Custom App for your Business?

Posted on July 31st, 2010 by

This post was originally seen on www.socialmediabeast.wordpress.com.

Talk about leveling the playing field! App Inventor is a new product from Google Labs that allows a novice, even a teenager, to create a simple app for an Android phone. This makes me think back to the day when Brightcove was the only free portal that allowed you to build and create a video console with compressed video. Pick your colors, select a template, add in some snazzy tabs, a logo and the uploading could begin. I built one of the first web video players, before there was a YouTube and before Vimeo, BlipTv or Viddler existed. Then, the floodgates opened.

App Inventor will lead the way in a similar manner. Just as filming video went from needed a broadcast crew, with shooters, producers, sound guys and grips to the Flip, building and creating apps, once the domain of API savvy techies, is now opening up to the masses. And as more business moved to the mobile space, the world of apps is sure to continue growing. While the iPhone4 is getting ripped in the press, and has it’s downside, it has also catapulted the App culture by providing a folder/organizational system for Apps that the 3GS didn’t have. The fact that we even need a system like this is telling. Apps are becoming the new “micro-sites”, with easy access on phones, e-commerce capabilities and even gaming.

It’s another blossoming form of social media and networking and likewise, it developing and maturing at warped speed. Get the RSS for our blog and we’ll keep you p to date. Better yet, follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @socialmediabeast. What do you think of all this app development? Will Android beat out the iPhone after this iPhone4 blunder?

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Illinois Tax Holiday Announced!

Posted on July 30th, 2010 by

Great news for you AND your clients. Just announced is that Illinois will slash its sales tax by 5% between August 6 and August 15th. With great shopping options like Old Orchard, the Mag Mile, Woodfield, and so much more, the options are limitless.

Hotels and shops will be getting a great influx of clientele during the period, and you should definitely steer your guests to this great event! Whether people are coming to town for Lollapalooza, Market Days, or just summer in Chicago, everybody can benefit.

If you run a shop, post a sign, and make sure your clients know of this great discount. Everybody wins.

If you’ll excuse me, I’ve now got some shopping to plan.

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Hear Governor Quinn Speak July 13

Posted on July 9th, 2010 by

The River North Business Association is hosting a luncheon where you can learn about Governor Quinn’s vision for Illinois’ future.

The event takes place on Tuesday, July 13 at the Holidy Inn Chicago – Mart Plaza in the Wolf Point Ballroom on the 15th floor.

Main topics at the event will be job creation, small business tax credits, and more.

The River North Business Association connects local businesses to promote communication, marketing, and advocacy. This luncheon is a great opportunity to meet other businesses and network!

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Register online by clicking here. Each ticket is $60.

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Social Media In, Email Out

Posted on June 30th, 2010 by

The social media craze is in full swing. With facebook, twitter, foursquare, and more, it can be hard to keep up.

Don’t neglect this important connectivity tool! Even more important in today’s hospitality industry than sending out regular emails is creating community, and allowing your clients or guests to help each other.

If you are a physical location to serve clients (convention center, restaurant, hotel, etc.) definitely set up a site on foursquare if you haven’t already. It allows your guests to promote your business for you! Offer specials like discounts or extra treats to those who check in.

To stay on top of these types of issues and opportunities, check out the Social Media Club, a national organization with local chapters all over (including a very active Chicago group). They have regular meetings to inform, connect, and build businesses in innovative ways.

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Plan Your Meeting Chicago

Posted on June 30th, 2010 by

Did you miss the June 17th PYM Live conference? If so, you still can benefit from this great event.

Plan Your Meetings is a great resource for anyone in event or meeting planning (as the name would suggest). It acts as a social resource and publishes an annual magazine with tips, ideas, and thought-provoking articles about the ever-changing industry.

The forum centered around the latest issue of the magazine, which is available here. Check it out and get involved. PYM can help you take your business to the next step!

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Changes in the CVB

Posted on June 30th, 2010 by

There are some new players around town with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bob Marx has taken the helm in Peoria and Amy Brown (of San Antonio) has set up shop right here in Chicagoland.

Mr. Marx, formerly of Marriott, has had extensive experience in marketing at CVBs throughout North America. He assumed the role in Peoria this past February.

Meanwhile, in San Antonio… Amy Brown has set up an office in Chicago to promote tourism and business in Texas. With so many major corporations centered in and around our fair city, it is no surprise that we would attract this kind of attention.

So a big Chicago welcome to Bob and Amy from all of us here at the Chicago Hospitality Insider!

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Promote with Video

Posted on June 30th, 2010 by

This post was originally seen on www.socialmediabeast.com and is written by Laura Levy.

Ok, so you can finally tell me I haven’t been completely off-track shooting, posting, distributing and preaching the word about web video for the past five years. Check out the latest comScore numbers…

-183 million US Internet users watched online video (that’s in May, 2010 alone!), up from 178 million in April, 2010

-US viewers clicked on 14.6 billion YouTube videos, May 2010

-The total number of videos viewed per US Internet user surpassed 100 videos per viewer for the first time, now reaching 101.2 vids per viewer

-After YouTube, Hulu ranks #2 in the web video portal race, serving up 1.2 billion videos

-84.8% or total US Internet users opted to view videos online this month of May 2010.

The barrier to entry into web video, from production, editing, converting, uploading and sharing has been practically eliminated. What more does a firm need to know, outside of the above, to get going on crafting a clever, simple yet engaging web video platform and player. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s here to stay.  Watch a short clip we just finished for our client Tavern at the Park. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get more tips, strategies and updates on the state of social media.

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Chinatown Concierge Dinner Tour

Posted on May 22nd, 2010 by

And your father told you there was no such thing…

Well, he was wrong. This complimentary dinner and tour will help you learn more about the bounties of Chinatown, one of Chicago’s great cultural resources. Presented by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, you’ll have the opportunity to sample more than the food. You will also visit the neighborhood’s most popular bakeries and stores (discounts available!).

The dinner tour is on Thursday, June 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Your transportation options abound; you can park at discounted rates or take the el, but there will be special shuttles provided by Go Airport Express and Wendella Boats & Chicago Water Taxi.

To reserve your spot, you must contact Ms. Man-Men Lee (email is linked) for a registration form. They will limit to two concierges per organization, and all forms must be submitted by Friday, May 28th.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about what Chinatown has to offer!

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Outdoor Dining Advertising Opportunity

Posted on May 12th, 2010 by

Today is a little gray, but the weather is trending towards summer. Soon, you’ll all be hounded for recommendations on your favorite outdoor eating and drinking spots.

Concierge Preferred is listening. Starting in June, we’ll be featuring an Outdoor Dining Directory in our print magazines and online at www.conciergepreferred.com.

If you work with an alfresco dining spot, consider advertising with us! Get your location in the hands of tourists and Chicagoans alike.

Seize the day and contact CP at (312) 360-1770 or email Jim Gilligan for rate quotes and further opportunities.

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Business Changing at McCormick Place?

Posted on April 29th, 2010 by

Even though the economy is turning around, people are most certainly still watching the bottom line. New business strategies are emerging, even in an establishment as strong as McCormick Place.

Last week, Mayor Daley spoke up about his proposed changes to the operations of the convention center. Instead of being the full-service venue that it is, Daley recommends allowing conventioneers to organize their own food, lights, etc. He proposes that McCormick should only do PR and sales.

Change is good, especially if it attracts business. Who knows if this plan will work? We’ll all have to wait and see.

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