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Montreal Alouettes select GuestAssist

GuestAssist is pleased to announce that the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League  will be the first CFL team providing their unique fan texting service to fans at Percival Molson Stadium this coming season. The Alouettes join a growing list of teams and venues that are using GuestAssist to deliver an elevated game day experience for ticket holders. These include stadiums and arenas in the NCAA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and now the CFL. 

"We are very pleased with our growth in Canada with end users from the NHL, MLS and now CFL adopting GuestAssist. GuestAssist allows guests to  use their cell phones to text a venue specific keyword into stadium operations, opening a discreet conversation. Issues relating to security, medical and guest services can be qualified quickly and the appropriate personnel can be dispatched to serve the guest", said GuestAssist founder Jeremy Konko. 

"Montreal Alouettes fans are passionate about their team and football. Ownership is committed to providing the best game day experience possible and believe that GuestAssist will help us deliver on that commitment. Our guests are our most valued asset and we believe the GuestAssist platform opens a new communication channel that will support and grow  that valued relationship ", said Mark Weightman, VP, Operations and Events. 

“GuestAssist gives large venues such as stadiums, arenas and theme parks a proven tool for communicating with customers and managing and responding to operational needs and ticket holders’ requests,” Konko said. “Text messaging is the ideal communications vehicle in loud stadiums and it allows for secure, anonymous communication and real-time response.” 

GuestAssist will also provide the Alouettes with post-event reporting and analysis of guests’ concerns to help the team’s front office improve staffing, fine-tune security procedures and better understand fans’ common questions and further concerns. 

Houston-based GuestAssist is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

 
 

About the Montreal Alouettes

A charter member of the Canadian Football League, the Montreal Alouettes were founded in 1946 and have won five Grey Cups. The East Division's most successful team over the last decade, the Alouettes have won six division titles since 2000 and are the current defending division champions. The Alouettes play their home games at Montreal's Percival Molson Stadium. For more information, visit MontrealAlouettes.com. 

About GuestAssist

GuestAssist is an enterprise feedback management platform that gives your customers easy access to you, and gives you a vehicle to engage them. It is text and web-based and allows stadiums, conferences, event managers and hoteliers to talk to their guests via text messages using their own mobile phones.  GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across North America, such as:

•    Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)

• Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (Texas Rangers)
• Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
• Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
• M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
• Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
• FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
• MacAfee Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
• Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
• Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
• Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
• Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
• Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)
• RFK Field (DC United)

• BMO Field (Toronto FC)
• Jordan Hare Field (Auburn University)
• GM Place (Vancouver Canucks)

Trinidad Ministry of Education using qtags text messaging to deliver testing results

The Ministry of Education is using text-messaging by qtags to deliver SEA results to parents & students, and to encourage registration for classes & additional testing.  The program, created by imedia goes live in the Summer of 2009 and is the first of series of planned programs with the Ministry of Education in Trindad & Tobago and other locations in the Caribbean.

qtags text messaging works on a shared short-code 78247 and is operational throughout North America and the Caribbean.

 

Auburn University Partners with GuestAssist to Improve Fan Experience and Security

Houston, TX (PRWEB) April 2, 2009 -- Auburn University Athletics has selected GuestAssist - the industry-leading spectator communication system - for use at Jordan-Hare Stadium beginning this fall.

GuestAssist Stadium Service

On football Saturdays, Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes Alabama's fifth-largest city, with more than 87,000 fans in attendance

We selected GuestAssist because of its proven track record in the National Football League and Major League Baseball, and we're proud to be the first college in the U.S. to offer the service.

GuestAssist gives large venues such as stadiums, arenas and theme parks an additional layer of security to serve their operational needs and the ticket holders' well being

Text messaging is the ideal communications vehicle in loud stadiums like Jordan-Hare, and it allows for secure, anonymous communication and real-time response.

GuestAssist - a service of Houston-based qtags - provide instant two-way, text messaging-based communication between ticket holders and event staff, allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest services.

Auburn is the first NCAA school to implement GuestAssist, which is currently used by a number of major sports franchises and facilities throughout North America.

"On football Saturdays, Jordan-Hare Stadium becomes Alabama's fifth-largest city, with more than 87,000 fans in attendance," said Auburn Associate Athletic Director Jeff Steele. "Maintaining safety and security and providing responsive customer service to Tiger fans is a priority for the university, and GuestAssist will improve our ability to do that efficiently and effectively.

"We selected GuestAssist because of its proven track record in the National Football League and Major League Baseball, and we're proud to be the first college in the U.S. to offer the service."

GuestAssist provides a simple text message code that will permit Auburn fans to send questions, concerns or requests via their mobile phones to the command and control center at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The number will be communicated to fans via signage, public address announcements and other means.

A single staff member can handle and respond to incoming requests through GuestAssist's customized software interface. The operator can send reply messages directly to the fan's phone to answer questions or obtain more information, and, if necessary, can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.

"GuestAssist gives large venues such as stadiums, arenas and theme parks an additional layer of security to serve their operational needs and the ticket holders' well being," said Jeremy Konko, founder of GuestAssist. "Text messaging is the ideal communications vehicle in loud stadiums like Jordan-Hare, and it allows for secure, anonymous communication and real-time response."

GuestAssist will also provide Auburn with post-event reporting and analysis of guests' concerns to help the team's front office improve staffing, fine-tune security procedures and better understand fans' common questions and further concerns.

Houston-based GuestAssist is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

About GuestAssist
GuestAssist is an enterprise feedback management platform that gives your customers easy access to you, and gives you a vehicle to engage them. It is text and web-based and allows stadiums, conferences, event managers and hoteliers to talk to their guests via text messages using their own mobile phones. GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across North America, such as:

• Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
• Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
• Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
• M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
• Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
• FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
• MacAfee Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
• Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
• Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
• Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
• Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
• Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)
• RFK Field (DC United)
• BMO Field (Toronto FC)

About qtags llc
qtags llc designs and provides mobility solutions that ENGAGE customers, call them to ACTION and help them REMEMBER the message. qtags offers program solutions to stadiums, arenas, conference centers, government agencies and corporations throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more at www.GuestAssist.net.

Vancouver Canucks Team Up with GuestAssist to Improve Fan Experience, Security

Vancouver Canucks Team Up with GuestAssist to Improve Fan Experience, Security

Read Full-Release Here.  

Houston, TX (PRWEB) March 30, 2009 -- Canucks Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, have selected the industry-leading GuestAssist spectator communication system for use at General Motors Place.

GuestAssist provides instant two-way, text messaging-based communication between ticket holders and event staff, allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest services. The Canucks are the first NHL team to implement GuestAssist, which is currently used by a number of major sports franchises and facilities throughout the U.S.

"Canucks Sports and Entertainment is dedicated to ensuring our guests at General Motors Place have an outstanding fan experience," said Chris Zimmerman, President and CEO, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "GuestAssist will improve our ability to provide a safe, secure and responsive environment for Canucks fans at General Motors Place. GuestAssist is an industry leader in stadium communication services, with a proven track record in a wide range of facilities that host professional and college sports and we believe this new service will allow our fans to better enjoy the game."

GuestAssist provides a simple text message code that will permit fans to send questions, concerns or requests via their mobile phones to the command and control center at General Motors Place. The number will be communicated to fans via signage, public address announcements and other means. A single staff member can handle and respond to incoming requests through GuestAssist's customized software interface. The operator can send reply messages directly to the fan's phone to answer questions or obtain more information, and, if necessary, can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.

"With GuestAssist, venues such as stadiums, arenas and theme parks have an efficient and cost-effective layer of security to serve their operational needs and the ticket holders' well being," said Jeremy Konko, founder of GuestAssist. "We're proud of the many positive success stories we hear from venues that are able to respond more quickly and effectively to fans' concerns and needs."

GuestAssist will also provide the Canucks with post-event reporting and analysis of guests' concerns to help the team's front office improve staffing, fine-tune security procedures and better understand fans' common questions and further concerns. In addition to the Canucks, GuestAssist is expanding its customer base to a wide range of other major college and professional sports venues and even non-sports events such as concerts and festivals, Konko said. Houston-based GuestAssist is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

About GuestAssist
GuestAssist is an Enterprise Feedback Management platform that gives your customers easy access to you, and gives you a vehicle to engage them. It is text and web-based and allows stadiums, conferences, event managers and hoteliers to talk to their guests via text messages using their own mobile phones. GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across the U.S. such as:

• Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
• Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
• Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
• M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
• Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
• FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
• MacAfee Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
• Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
• Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
• Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
• Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
• Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)
• D.C. United (RFK Field)
• Major League Soccer (MLS)

About qtags, llc
qtags llc designs and provides mobility solutions that ENGAGE customers, call them to ACTION and help them REMEMBER the message. qtags offers program solutions to stadiums, arenas, conference centers, government agencies, and corporations throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more at www.GuestAssist.net.

2009 Seminar to feature GuestAssist Fan Communication Service

NEW YORK (January 2, 2009) -- When the 2009 Soccer Operations Seminar runs January 20 - 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, GuestAssist by Qtags will be in the starting lineup. Major League Soccer has selected GuestAssist to improve attendees' experience at the annual event, attended by soccer professionals throughout the industry as well as various corporate partners.

GuestAssist provides instant two-way, text messaging-based communication between event attendees and event staff, allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest services. MLS is discussing implementing GuestAssist into events throughout the 2009 season. Seminar participants can register their mobile device now and get the 2009 Soccer Operations Seminar mobile agenda on their phone. To register, simply text MLS to 78247 and Guest Assist will keep you posted with important information and program updates.

"Our soccer fans are our most valuable assets, and providing each guest with the safest and best possible experience watching their team is paramount in our objectives," said Evan Dabby, MLS Senior Director of Operations. "GuestAssist is an industry leader in providing fan-based communication services, with a proven track record in facilities across the National Football League and Major League Baseball."

GuestAssist provides a simple text message code that permits fans to send questions, concerns or requests via their mobile phones to a stadiums Command and Control Center. The number can be communicated to fans via stadium signage, public address announcements and other means.

A single staff member can handle and respond to incoming requests through GuestAssists customized software interface. The operator can send reply messages directly to the fans phone to answer questions or obtain more information, and, if necessary, can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.

"Attendees at the Soccer Operations Seminar will be able to experience GuestAssist live during the entire event," said Jeremy Konko, VP Operations for Qtags, "and we're excited to share this opportunity with the sport in support of its growing fan base."

The 2008 seminar featured presentations on stadium operations, game operations, game production, security & safety, and staff training, as well as tours of local professional sports facilities. Past participants have included all MLS teams, CONCACAF, United Stated Soccer Federation, The FA, Bundesliga, the United Soccer Leagues (USL), and many other corporate partners and professional associations.

Houston-based Qtags is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

About GuestAssist
GuestAssist is a web-based communications service that enables one-to-one text messaging communications between fans and guests and central stadium or facility operations. GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across the U.S. such as:

Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
Oakland-Alameda Country Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)

About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and features many stars from the U.S. and around the world. Set to kick off its 14th season in March, the 15 teams in MLS are: Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC and expansion franchise Seattle Sounders FC. A Philadelphia expansion team will debut in 2010. For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official website at www.MLSnet.com.

About Qtags, LLC
Qtags, LLC provides mobility solutions to stadiums, arenas, conference centers, government agencies, and corporations throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more at www.GuestAssist.net.

GuestAssist featured in USA article NFL Targeting the Unruly Fan

Count Washington Redskins season-ticket holder Rick Cable as a big supporter of the NFL's new Fan Code of Conduct.

During the Redskins' 23-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 3 at FedEx Field just outside Washington, Cable says, an obnoxious Steelers fan kept waving a "Terrible Towel" in the 47-year-old Cable's face and screaming "Redskins suck!" Rather than escalate the confrontation, the Lusby, Md., resident quietly sent a text message to the stadium's security command center. Security people responded quickly. When the Steelers fan gave them a hard time, he was ejected.

"It worked great," Cable says.

qtags' GuestAssist provides the text-messaging program described above for The Washington Redskins -

Read Full Article from USA Today here.

Yankees select GuestAssist by qtags to Improve Fans' Game day Experience

When Yankee Stadium opens in April 2009, GuestAssist by qtags will be in the starting lineup.

The New York Yankees, Major League Baseball's most storied franchise, have selected GuestAssist to improve fans' game-day experience at the state-of-the-art facility, currently under construction in the Bronx.

GuestAssist provides instant two-way, text messaging-based communication between ticket holders and event staff, allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest services. The Yankees are the first Major League Baseball team scheduled to implement the system for the upcoming season.

"GuestAssist is the clear industry leader in stadium communication services, with a proven track record in facilities across the National Football League," said Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn A. Trost. "We believe it will make a big difference in our guest services, enabling us to provide the best possible experience for Yankees fans watching their team play in Yankee Stadium."

GuestAssist will provide a simple text message code that will permit fans to send questions, concerns or requests via their mobile phones to Yankee Stadium's Command and Control Center. The number will be communicated to fans via Stadium signage, public address announcements and other means.

A single staff member can handle and respond to incoming requests through GuestAssist's customized software interface. The operator can send reply messages directly to the fan's phone to answer questions or obtain more information, and, if necessary, can quickly dispatch safety/security, medical or guest services staff to the appropriate location.

GuestAssist will also provide the Yankees with post-event reporting and analysis of guests' concerns which will help the Yankees improve staffing, fine-tune Yankee Stadium security procedures and better understand Yankees fans' common questions and further concerns.

Trost further stated, "This key feature will allow us to identify issues and make adjustments, all based on the input we receive from fans. It could be anything from where to station support personnel to improving directional signage. GuestAssist's post-event reporting will enable us to see trends and respond as needed."

GuestAssist has a number of new features under development to expand the system's capabilities, said Jeremy Konko, chief operating officer of qtags. But it has already had a major positive impact for professional sports franchises using it.

"One of the best GuestAssist stories we've heard is one about season ticket holders who traveled two hours to a game only to find they had left their tickets at home," said Konko. "They used GuestAssist to quickly contact Guest Services and were helped within minutes. That's the kind of situation that used to cause a great deal of frustration for guests. Now, for teams like the Yankees and others who are using GuestAssist, it's an opportunity to showcase excellent customer service."

In addition to the Yankees, GuestAssist is expanding its customer base to a wide range of other major college and professional sports venues and even non-sports events such as concerts and festivals, Konko said.

Houston-based qtags is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.

About GuestAssist

GuestAssist is a web-based communications service that enables one-to-one text messaging communications between fans and guests and central stadium or facility operations. GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at venues across the U.S. such as:

• Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
• Georgia Dome (Atlanta Falcons)
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland Browns)
• Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh)
• M & T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens)
• Giants Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)
• FedEx Field (Washington Redskins)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
• MacAfee Coliseum (Oakland Raiders)
• Texas Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
• Invesco Field (Denver Broncos)
• Ralph Wilson Stadium (Buffalo Bills)
• Gillette Stadium (New England Patriots)
• Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts)

About qtags, llc
qtags llc provides mobility solutions to stadiums, arenas, conference centers, government agencies, and corporations throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more at www.GuestAssist.net.

Jeremy Konko presents Mobile Strategies at HiMa Interactive Strategies Conference

The verdict is in --

The HiMa Interactive Strategies Conference was held 10/08 and featured over 13 experts in Digital Media, Social Media, and Search Marketing.

Bills add text messaging to gameday hotline - with GuestAssist

The Buffalo Bills announced Thursday they have implemented a new web based text messaging system called GuestAssist, to provide fans the ability to text message the team’s Guest Services department for game related issues during home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium (RWS). GuestAssist will be operational beginning with the Bills vs. Jets game on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

For the first time, fans are able to text the team with important and/or emergency information on the day of the game that will help alleviate guest service related issues. To report an issue, fans may text “BILLS” <space>, followed by their location and issue to 78247. Once the text message is received from Guest Services, the appropriate staff will be alerted to respond. Calling the team’s fan hotline number 716.312.8933 and asking stadium/team personnel for assistance will continue to be an option for fans.

Six years ago the Bills began the Verizon Wireless text alert system that provides the team with the ability to contact fans via a team text message containing important and/or emergency team information. Verizon Wireless text alert subscribers have since grown to over 10,000 since the program began in 2002. The growth in cell phone technology and increase in text messaging by fans was a factor in implementing GuestAssist.

The implementation of the text message option is also partially based on feedback from fans that had difficulties leaving their seats to report issues. In addition, some fans had issues with crowd noise when making cell phone calls to the team’s fan hotline number from the seating bowl. The text message option allows fans to discreetly contact stadium guest services for assistance.

“We continue to look for ways to improve fan safety as well as fan convenience,” said Chris Clark, director of security for the Buffalo Bills. “Text messaging will provide fans another avenue to communicate and it will allow us to quickly address any concerns or questions they may have.”

The text messaging option for fans to report an issue on the day of the game is another element the Bills have put in place for the 2008 season as part of the NFL’s Fan Code of Conduct program. Other elements supporting the Fan Code of Conduct and team’s “Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Considerate” guest services message include an increased focus and presence from the Bills security and police assigned to work the games, additional stadium signage, scoreboard announcements and public address announcements. Also, guest service messages from the Bills remind fans to have fun but be responsible, watch out for each other and report incidents to any nearest stadium personnel.

Now, to report an issue to the team, fans can also simply text message “BILLS” <Space> Location and Issue to 78247.

For more information regarding Verizon Wireless Mobile iNzone where fans can sign up for Bills text alerts and buy ringtones please visit www.bills.vibesinzone.com/.

Buffalo Bills Start Text-Messaging System with GuestAssist

From the Democrat & Chronicle - 10/31/08:

In an effort to make Ralph Wilson Stadium more fan friendly, the Bills will debut a text-messaging system Sunday when they host the New York Jets that will allow fans to report problems or emergencies in their sections via their cell phone.

The system, called GuestAssist, will allow fans to send text messages to stadium personnel who can then assist them with their problem, be it a health emergency or dealing with an unruly fan sitting next to them.

"We're always looking to do new things, and this just kind of made sense," said Andy Major, the Bills executive director of marketing

Qtag’s new service enabling attendees at a sporting event or a concert to contact stadium authorities about a medical situation or unruly fans

From 10/20 RCR Wireless article -- GuestAssist noted as short-code application providing consumer benefit of communication and security.

From the perspective of a consumer, text messaging provided via short codes is no different from ‘phone to phone’ text messaging that uses a longer code. There is no reason to distinguish the regulatory treatment of short-code text messaging and ‘phone to phone’ text messaging simply because of the length of the address used to send the message,” the public-interest groups stated. “Yet, the carriers’ documents confirm that wireless carriers often discriminate against would-be providers of text-messaging services via short codes based on the content of the information or the type of services they seek to offer.”

The public-interest organizations insist wireless providers are abusing their role as gate-keepers of short codes and thereby undermining an increasingly important means of basic communications for schools, public safety, voter registration and other entities. The groups scoff at the notion that short codes are simply a medium for marketing and billing, calling the view simplistic and misleading in view of “the increasingly vital role that text messaging via short codes plays in our society and democracy.” They said short codes are being used for the United Nation’s new ‘text messaging for peace’ campaign; Mobile Voter’s effort to encourage voter registration; Qtag’s new service enabling attendees at a sporting event or a concert to contact stadium authorities about a medical situation or unruly fans; a Boston police program to curb crime by texting tips to law enforcement; and donations to the Red Cross. Such applications of short codes, according to the public-interest entities, are not included in MMA’s list of acceptable uses.