Huntsville (Ala.) Wins Social Media Contest to Host SoMeT13

April 14, 2013

When the Social Media Tourism Symposium (SoMeT13US) had to choose a host city for their annual summit, they practiced what they preached and let their community decide via Facebook voting.

Voting began in March with eight cities competing in a bracket-style contest on Facebook using the Woobox voting app. The winner of each round would advance until finally, on April 2nd, the final round of voting took place.

While it’s certainly an interesting and social way of selecting a host city, it’s benefits go beyond entertainment. David Serino, founder of SoMeT, explained that the voting process raises awareness of the economic impact of events far beyond those who are in the business.

Competing cities get their entire community involved in the voting, not just those businesses directly related to tourism and events. Soccer moms, plumbers and retirees also take part and, as a result, they are exposed to the business of meetings and events.

Jessica Carlton, marketing manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said of her city’s win, “We were so humbled and excited to see the community come together to help us. Huntsville is a very competitive area by nature. In the 1960s, we literally helped put a man on the moon, so it’s ingrained in our culture.”

Ad4! Group is one such Huntsville business that embraced the idea of competition. They created a video featuring Huntsville residents and business owners telling their own story of why they love Huntsville. “We didn’t ask them to do it, they did it out of the goodness of their hearts” Carlton said.

The final round of voting came down to a battle between Huntsville and Missoula, Mont., with Huntsville winning the contest by just 3000 votes out of about 24,000.

But Missoula and the rest of the competitors were in no way losers. Through the contest, all cities involved generated plenty of awareness and media attention for their towns. Huntsville newspaper columnist Mark McCarter wrote a tongue-in cheek-piece about the competition with Missoula. 

In that piece McCarter wrote, “I wanted to stand up today and scream, Maul Missoula. Except now I want to go there. On my bucket-list, drive-across-the-northern-U.S., Missoula is now on the route.

Last weekend, the Huntsville/Madison County CVB hosted a celebration for their community to say thank you. Carlton said, “It was a good chance for us to have an open house and thank them for the SoMeT vote.”

The SoMeT13US Symposium will take place Nov. 6-8. The people of Huntsville are looking forward to not just this event, but also many others, as now they are a part of this business of meetings.

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.