CHICAGO OFFICE OF TOURISM WINS SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS FOR
e-POSTCARD AND TWITTER
“Picture Yourself in Chicago” e-Postcard Game Awarded Silver W3
@ExploreChicago Twitter Account Ranked Highest Among Destinations
Chicagoans and visitors alike can create their very own Chicago e-Postcard with Explore Chicago’s “Picture Yourself in Chicago” online game.
The interactive game, built by Chicago-based Mightbytes, Inc., was recently named a Silver W3 award winner by the International Academy of the Visual Arts.
"'Picture Yourself in Chicago' was developed in response to the growing interest in Chicago's neighborhoods," said Dorothy Coyle, Director of the Chicago Office of Tourism, "The game highlights diverse communities such as Pilsen, Bronzeville, Chinatown and President Obama’s own Hyde Park neighborhood through a fun, engaging activity."
Using the game, site visitors upload their photo to create their own custom cartoon character, which can be personalized by adding unique accessories like Chicago sports jerseys, outrageous hairstyles and more. Then, they can choose an iconic Chicago location as a backdrop for the postcard, including attractions like Millennium Park, Wrigley Field or Navy Pier.
The postcards can be emailed to friends or shared on Facebook, Twitter and other popular websites.
Visit www.explorechicago.org/games to make your own Chicago e-Postcard. Other interactive web highlights include the virtual "Chicago Neighborhood Express," which transports visitors to a new neighborhood to learn about and explore; the ‘Life by the Lake’ Flickr Photo Journal series in which five Chicago-based photographers explore the City through their photos; and diverse profiles of everyday Chicagoans offering their “insider” tips.
@ExploreChicago Ranked Highest Among Destinations
The Chicago Office of Tourism’s official Twitter account, @ExploreChicago, has been ranked in the Top 3 Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) accounts for three consecutive months, according to Go See Tell, a website that ranks Twitter feeds of over 450 destinations nationwide on a monthly basis.
Go See Tell rankings are based on scores provided by the third-party group Twitter Grader, which measures criteria including number and “power” of followers, frequency of updates and overall engagement. @ExploreChicago was named #1 in DMOs for the month of September 2009, gaining over 600 new followers and posting an average number of 24.7 updates per day.
The Chicago Office of Tourism uses @ExploreChicago as a seven-day-a-week “Twitter Concierge Service”, offering advice and suggestions about the city. Visitor service representatives answer questions and provide information with a focus on free and discounted events and activities in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.
The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official city agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and providing innovative visitor programs and services.
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.
Contact:
Kristin Unger, 312.742.1080
kristin.unger@cityofchicago.org
