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Can a Texting Program Make Schools Safer?

Expert Says Yes and Reveals What Your Child's School Needs NOW

 
San Francisco, CA —

In a continuing effort to keep students safe, some high schools in Oakland, CA have just launched a new "text-a-tip" program (created by GuestAssist). This cell phone texting technology provides students with a quick and anonymous way to notify campus policeabout situations such as bullying, drugs, and fights. This specialized program, used by the NFL in many stadiums so fans can anonymously text security about unruly behavior in the stands, was first implemented in Pennsylvania by Pottsgrove High School Principal Christopher L. Shaffer in November 2009 after two students were tragically killed in acar accident.

To date, Shaffer and his team have been able to help over 187 students andeven immediately intervene to stop a suicide attempt.

Why don't more schools offer this service?

As America's leading "texpert" and cyberbullying prevention expert, Shawn Edgington says that more parents need to beaware that this technology even exists. She and Principal Shaffer can tell your audience how the program works, its effectiveness, why every school in America needs thissystem, and how to have it implemented in your child's school. They can also provide your audience with a roadmap to understanding the benefits and dangers of parenting in a digital world.

Invite Edgington and Shaffer to answer:

 

• Can concerned parents also report drinking, drugs, and violence through this texting program?
• Does protection from retaliation increase the number of reported incidents?
• Is there an increase in false accusations because texts are anonymous?
• How has this program improved school safety?
• Is it easy to implement this program in your child's school?

••••
CREDENTIALS:  Shawn Edgington is America's leading texpert and cyberbullyingprevention expert, and the author of Read Between the Lines: A Humorous Guide toTexting with Simplicity and Style and The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media, which is slated for release next month. Her mission is to raise public awareness about textual harassment, online predators, sexting, and cyberbullying prevention.

She teaches parents how to limit potential harm to their children from the nasty side of technology. Edgington is featured in the upcoming documentary Submit:The Reality of Cyberbullying, by Fox Business, Imus in the Morning, ABC-7's View from the Bay in San Francisco, KRON 4 News in San Francisco, CNN Radio, the San Francisco Chronicle, The San Diego Union-Tribune, CBS Radio, The Leslie Marshall Show, and American Cheerleader Magazine among others.

AVAILABILITY: Northern California, nationwide by arrangement, and via telephoneCONTACT: Shawn Marie Edgington, (925) 249-2850 (CA);[email protected]; www.shawnedgington.com

TechRadium, GuestAssist Partner on Enhanced Communication Tool for Sports, Hospitality Industries

GuestAssist – the industry leader in real-time, two-way, enterprise-to-customer communications – is partnering with TechRadium, Inc., on a new multi-modal service that will make it easier for organizations in the stadium, arena, public facility and hospitality markets to communicate with event-goers during security/safety emergencies

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) January 27, 2010 -- GuestAssist – the industry leader in real-time, two-way, enterprise-to-customer communications – is partnering with TechRadium, Inc., on a new multi-modal service that will make it easier for organizations in the stadium, arena, public facility and hospitality markets to communicate with event-goers during security/safety emergencies.

The new service, featuring TechRadium’s patented IRIS (Immediate Response Information System) software, will be incorporated into GuestAssist’s upcoming real-time command and control console (RTC3) that enables security and event staff to centralize information collection and management and prioritize decision-making.

TechRadium’s proprietary IRIS software is used by educational institutions, utility companies, government entities, military organizations, non-profit associations and commercial businesses to send mass notifications via multiple devices simultaneously, including land lines, mobile phones, SMS, digital pagers, fax, wireless PDA devices, e-mail and more. IRIS will power the mass notification feature embedded in GuestAssist’s command and control center, allowing security and event staff to deliver mass notifications.

“Our RTC3 integrates best practices and latest technology from a wide range of industry leaders in areas such as emergency notification management, surveillance video analytics and anomaly detection, and remote mobile video streaming,” said Jeremy Konko, president of GuestAssist. “The objective is to provide our clients with a real-time situation management console that offers the best available technology all in one package. We’re pleased to include TechRadium and its patented IRIS software in our upcoming release.”

Ryan Rodkey, chairman and CEO of TechRadium, said the partnership with GuestAssist opens up new markets for his company.

“IRIS has been tested in any number of real-world events and our customer base continues to grow because of the value that our software provides,” he said. “Being part of GuestAssist’s new RTC3
enables us to show organizations in the stadium/arena and event markets how they can provide safety and security, as well as benefit from using IRIS as their mass notification tool of choice.”

The initial release of GuestAssist’s RTC3 is scheduled for the first quarter of 2010.

About GuestAssist
GuestAssist is a unit of Houston-based qtags llc. 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 many of the top professional, college and high school sports stadiums in North America as well as live events, conventions and conferences. Learn more at www.guestassist.net.

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.

About TechRadium
TechRadium is a leading provider of high-speed communication services to educational institutions, corporations, non-profits and government entities worldwide. TechRadium gives organizations the ability to broadcast information via voice and text to thousands of people simultaneously with its easy-to-use mass notification service, IRIS - Immediate Response Information System. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, TechRadium is the owner of seven United States patents and has multiple patents pending. For more information, go to www.techradium.com.

A Salute to Veterans from GuestAssist!

Please join me on November 11, 2009, in a tribute and honorary salute to all of the men and women serving in all branches of the U.S. Military - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. Thank you all for your tireless dedication to keeping our country safe.

Sincerely - qtags President, Jeremy Konko

Proud US Navy Veteran

Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Uses GuestAssist to facilitate communication between show management and attendees

The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) featured GuestAssist in a recent EXPO newsletter, outlining how the text-messaging program is facilitating communication between their show management and attendees. 

GHCVB is uses GuestAssist text-messaging for everything from giving directions and providing updates to schedule changes and responding to first-aid needs.

GuestAssist is a product of qtags - a Houston based corporate mobile solutions company. 

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.

 

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)

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.