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.
From 10/20 Article by Don Muret - Staff writer -
More news about GuestAssist - the security system adopted by NFL teams and others to provide a quick, anonymous way for fans - event attendees to communicate with security teams and keep the environment safe.
The advent of text messaging as a preferred method of communication has made managing NFL crowds more effective, according to stadium operators and security officials. Twenty-six of the 32 NFL teams have incorporated a text message system at their facilities, and league officials expect …
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From Marketing Shift
We often hear about the dangers from text messaging during driving, but here's an example of how texting can increase your saftey.
Anyone who's crammed into a major stadium for a concert or sports game knows there's truth to the saying that there's an idiot in every crowd. In fact, at virtually any college or pro football game, you may find hundreds of them, screaming cursewords,smoking, harrassing other fans,throwing food, or just ruining your family's gameday experience.
For years, the only way to deal with these misfits was to squeeze your way down the aisle to try and find the nearest usher or security guard, but that's not such an easy task when you're wedged in a 12-inch seat, side-by-side in a section of hundreds of people. It's also a frightening prospect to think that you could be stuck during a medical emergency. The NFL remedied the problem of poor fan behavior by banning any drunks from entering a game. Ten stadiums also added the text service called Guest Assist.
With GuestAssist fans can instantly contact a stadium's staff for security or service via a simple text message code to the stadium's control center, and the response is sent to the source. Fans can also get info about the nearest bathrooms,concession stands, etc, with the service. GuestAssist also provides the stadium's front office with valuable data for reviewing their customer service performance.
The press release explains:
Operators receive a visual and audible alert on the arrival of inbound guest requests, and can monitor and respond to text message inquiries from stadium guests. Administrators can view, export and print an archived history of communications with stadium guests and fans for efficient post-event analysis.
The 2008 Tour de Pink - presented by Compass Bank - went off successfully yesterday at the sunny Prairie-View A&M Campus.
The ride is expected to raise over $200,000 to provide breast-cancer screening and treatment for under-served women in the Greater Houston area - and is a cornerstone of the Pink Ribbons Projects' community outreach, which provides among other things, mobile mammography services.
qtags is in its second year of sponsorship, providing marketing & communication assistance as well as text-messaging alerts (simplyalert) to all those who text PINK to 78247.
The PINK alerts include updates on time, weather, training rides and fund-raising opportunities and help the Pink Ribbons Project team communicate real-time with participants and volunteers.
I completed the ride again this year (with my back-burner helper) and thank the PInk Ribbons Project for their tireless efforts to serve those who need breast cancer care. 
Also a big thanks to TYSongs who wrote In Motion for Pink Ribbons Project - it was an emotional finish-line with this spectacular song.
NFL Facilities Turn to GuestAssist by qtags to Improve Fans' Game Day Experience GuestAssist
by qtags - an instant customer communication tool for sports
facilities, conference/convention centers and other venues that host
large gatherings -- will be used by as many as 10 NFL stadia in the
2008 season to improve fans' game day experience.
GuestAssist provides instant two-way, text messaging-based
communication between ticket holders and the venue's event staff,
allowing for improved management of safety, security and guest
services.
GuestAssist is currently licensed for use at:
• 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)
• FedExField (Washington Redskins)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
GuestAssist provides a simple text message code that fans can send via
their mobile phones to the venue's Command and Control Center. The
number is 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 is a simple and effective way to improve the ticket
holder's experience at sports and entertainment events," said Jeremy
Konko, qtags' chief operating officer. "But it is especially valuable
in sports and entertainment venues where there are large, loud crowds.
Since GuestAssist is real time and discrete, it allows ticket holders
to quickly communicate any issues or concerns they may have. It also
provides event staff with a tool that improves their ability to respond
to an emergency or to the needs of a ticket holder both quickly and
efficiently."
In addition, GuestAssist provides post-event reporting and analysis of
guests' concerns to help operators improve staffing, polices and
procedures. It can be implemented in a single day and staff training
typically takes just an hour, Konko said.
The Philadelphia Eagles were the first NFL team to use GuestAssist when
they implemented the system at Lincoln Financial Field during the
2006-2007 season. "GuestAssist enables us to have two-way communication
with individual fans without them leaving their seats," says Leonard
Bonacci, Director of Event Operations at Lincoln Financial Field. "By
using the GuestAssist system, Eagles fans are able to report issues,
ask for information and call for assistance in a fast, easy and
convenient way. For us, it's important to provide our Guests with the
highest quality sports and entertainment experience in a safe, clean
and friendly environment. GuestAssist helps makes this possible."
Houston-based qtags is a member of the Stadium Managers Association and the International Association of Assembly Managers.
About qtags, llc (www.qtags.com)
qtags llc provides mobility-based programs in the United States, Canada
and the Caribbean. Solutions include GuestAssist, SimplyPush and
SimplyAlert as well as keyword based programs that power broadcast,
marketing promotions, contests and recruiting efforts.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 4, 2008 -- GuestAssist by qtags (www.guestassist.net)
- an instant customer communication tool for sports facilities,
conference/convention centers and other venues that host large
gatherings -- will be used by as many as 10 NFL stadia in the 2008
season to improve fans' game day experience.
Startup Houston's Josh Tabin posts about REV -
free, green, transportation today in Going Green with REV Houston.
Josh writes -
Perhaps you were driving around the downtown Houston area recently
and came across a white and green electric vehicle transporting some
environmentally conscious passengers to their next business meeting. If
you see it again, waive hello to the guys from REV Houston
, Houston’s newest FREE and GREEN transportation service.
REV (or Ride Electric Vehicles) currently operates one vehicle in
the downtown-midtown area of Houston with plans to add a second vehicle
in the next few weeks (the second vehicle will be a 6 seater versus the
4 seater they currently have). The vehicles are GEM Vehicles from Chrysler and are 100% electric powered:
“GEM battery-electric vehicles are classified as low-speed vehicles, or neighborhood electric vehicles, and are street legal in nearly all 50 states on public roads posted at 35 mph or less. With a top speed of 25 mph, GEM cars have a range of up to 30 miles on a charge and are great for traveling around neighborhoods, city centers or job sites. GEM vehicles are battery-electric, operate on a 72-volt battery system and plug into a standard 110-volt outlet. What makes GEM vehicles so unique is that they can be recharged anytime, anywhere a 110-volt outlet is available and recharge in approximately six to eight hours.”
To request a ride simply call 1.877.Go.REV.Go or visit one of the company’s “REV Stops” for a code you can text to Qtags (another great Houston startup we profiled last year). The stops are as follows:
(REV1) (REV2) (REV3)The only cost for the ride is a gratuity. The company plans to subsidize their costs initially by selling advertising space on the vehicles.
“It was Opening Day 2007 for the Houston Astros,” states Erik Ibarra, co-founder of REV Houston. “I went for a ride on a pedi-cab and thought, ‘This guy would have it so much easier if he had a golf cart.’ I started looking into street legal electric vehicles for about a year and the concept blossomed from there.”
Ibarra also mentioned that the company plans to test additional markets within Houston for expansion, such as Rice Village, Washington Avenue and Westheimer in the future.
qtags is again sponsoring Pink Ribbons Project Tour de Pink fundraising cycling event.
To learn more about the ride, text PINK to 78247. 
For information, contact:
Kate Bizzell
Ph: 713.524.PINK (7465)
Cell: 713.582.0365
Fax: 713.524.7565
E-mail: Kate@pinkribbons.org
Tour de Pink 2008- September 7, 2008 Fourth Annual Bike Ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project
Pink Ribbons Project presents its Fourth Annual Tour de Pink fundraising bike ride on Sunday, September 7! Presented by Compass Bank, Tour de Pink 2008 starts and ends on the campus of Prairie View A&M University, near Hempstead, TX.
Online registration for Tour de Pink is $25, with a minimum $75 fundraising pledge. To
register, or for more information, go to www.tourdepink.org or call 713.524.PINK. All proceeds will
benefit Pink Ribbons Project, which helps provide funds for breast-cancer awareness, education,
screening and follow-up care for medically underserved women and all those touched by breast
cancer in the Greater Houston area.
This family-friendly event has 12-, 23-, 47-, 63- and 100-mile routes for cyclists of all levels,
plus the Pink Phantom "virtual rider" option for those who like to sleep in. On ride day, enjoy
beautiful Texas scenery, the fun of "Pink Pit Stops" along the way and a festival at the finish line with
food, prizes, and entertainment.
Pink Ribbons Project is partnering with Compass Bank as World Champions for the second year
as the lead sponsor for Tour de Pink. Other sponsors are as follows: Tour Champions include
Continental Airlines, Randalls, and Veltec Sports, inc./Sidi Shoes. Stage Winners include 90.1 KPFT,
River Oaks US Men's Clay Court Championship, Texas Monthly, and Vega Energy. Tete de la Course
sponsors include Bike Barn, DASANI, Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS, and Power Plumbing.
Director Sportif sponsors include ABI Digital Solutions, Hines, Houston Chronicle, OSO Promotions,
Sodexho, and Ty Songs. Pro Level sponsors include Accenture, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, Bridgeway
Management, Carrizo Oil and Gas, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Franklin, Cardwell & Jones LLP, King and
Spalding LLP, Kirksey, Lavaud Staffing Solutions, Martha Turner, Max Lang Belts & Buckles, The
Methodist Hospital, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center/ Children's Cancer
Hospital, OFI, qtags, Dr. Edgardo Rivera & Mr. Donald Rumer-Rivera, and Vinson & Elkins LLP.
Domestique sponsors include Bud Light/ Silver Eagle Distributing LP and Strasburger & Price LLP.
Bike Shop sponsors include Bicycle World and Fitness, REI, and West End Bicycles.
About Pink Ribbons Project: Pink Ribbons Project, in motion against breast cancer, is administered by
Pink Ribbons Project, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. Pink Ribbons Project is dedicated to
raising awareness and educating about breast cancer through its programming, and to providing
mammograms to underinsured women in the greater Houston area.
Pink Ribbons Project Mission: Using the arts, Pink Ribbons Project saves lives and improves the quality of
life for those touched by breast cancer.
For publication-ready logos for Pink Ribbons Project, contact us at info@pinkribbons.org, or call
713.524.PINK (7465).
--
qtags - mobile made simple - is a proud sponsor of the 2008 Houston Celebrate Enterprise event. This 2nd annual celebration takes place in Houston May 13-16 at various well-known Houston locations. The event includes the annual Battle of the Business bands programs - where you can vote for your favorite using qtags text.
This annual event is presented by The Houston Business Journal, Oracle, PKF, Sterling Bank, The Sullivan Group and many other Houston-based and national businesses. Learn more at www.celebrateenterprise.com
When REV Houston launches its first fleet of all electric/zero emission vehicles in Houston, it will receive an extra boost of technology power from qtags, the text message service that will connect its passengers and drivers. Read Full-Release. Story featured in 4/11/08 Houston Business Journal.
When REV Houston launches its
first fleet of all electric/zero emission vehicles in Houston, it will
receive an extra boost of technology power from qtags, the text message
service that will connect its passengers and drivers.
The free short-trip public transportation service will officially begin operations during the grand opening ceremonies for Discovery Green on April 13, 2008 in downtown Houston.
REV Houston's fleet of Chrysler GEMCAR vehicles operate entirely on electricity produced from renewable sources. Its short-trip service allows passengers to request a ride via text messages powered by Houston based-qtags from participating locations. qtags will manage all of REV Houston's text messaging, instantly connecting passengers with drivers.
Participating locations such as The Coffee Groundz in Midtown will feature specially coded decals on windows and doors to inform their guests that a ride from REV is just a text message away REV Houston services are free, with various options to pay for gratuity.
qtags will manage the virtual call center that automates the process for requesting a REV vehicle. Customers will simply text qtags at 78247 (short for qtags) to request a ride, using the special short-code posted at each location. REV drivers will be instantly notified that someone needs a ride, and passengers will receive a text confirming their request.
"REV Houston's qtags-powered system gives us instant access to customers. The system is a simple, fast and efficient method of communication," said Justin Jones, co-founder and director of operations, REV Houston. "qtags has been around for many years and was one of the first to provide spam-free mobile marketing. They understand text messaging inside and out, and how it can help businesses and customers."
