Starting in early June 2011, through iSIGN Media’s technology that allows digital signs to ‘talk and interact’ with guests’ mobile devices, advertisers on the RTown’s Hotel TV network can deliver branded content, special offers and coupons, discounts, loyalty program messages and other rich-media offerings  of guests’ choosing directly onto their mobile devices.  iSIGN Media's IMS 3.1 interactive messaging software will be installed into RTown’s expansive digital signage network of 27,000 hotel rooms in 346 locations across Canada to interact directly with guests’ mobile devices through Bluetooth™ technology, known as proximity marketing.

“With the largest digital signage and in-house TV network for hotels and resorts in Canada, we are very excited to enhance our offering by teaming with iSIGN Media. Through our agreement with iSIGN, we’re now able to give our advertisers the ability to communicate with millions of hotel guests every month via their mobile phones, as well as capture and measure meaningful data.  Our digital signage and TV network, combined with iSIGN’s IMS Bluetooth proximity messaging solution can reach hotel guests wherever they are – in the room, lobby, restaurant, bar or even out on the town. It’s the most powerful way for our advertisers to engage with hotel guests yet,” said Don McQuaid, Founder of RTown Communications.

Marketing to the Always Connected Hotel Guest

• 98% of hotel guests turn on their television set within five minutes of entering their hotel rooms (Hilton Hotels Corp), and;
• 74% of visitors tune into Resort TV on average 2.3 times per day (CustomFit Communications).

The partnership enables hotels to leverage the connected consumer’s habits to increase ad revenues and engagement with the hotel brand – both key factors in creating lucrative repeat business. Both companies and participating hotels and resorts within the network anticipate increased advertiser participation and revenues as the program launches around the country in June.

Hotel Market Embraces New Advertising Technology

According to Don McQuaid of RTown, the hotel and resort market is ready to communicate with guests using the most effective and immediate channels available. "Over the past 12 months, we have seen the demand for in-room television and signage networks promoting hotel services and activities grow significantly. Our agreement with iSIGN enables our participating hotels to send their guests targeted, destination-relevant offerings and event announcements directly to their mobile devices from our TV network in each room, hotel commerce areas, or even outdoors.”

Roll-out will commence with integration of iSIGN’s technology into RTown's existing digital signage network in hotels in Vancouver, Whistler, and Kowlona. The advertising solution will offer measurement and metrics to existing advertisers and attract others who will want accountability and measurement of their advertisments in real-time.

Anticipated Advertising Revenues, Increased Engagement

“Advertising budgets are increasingly turning to mobile and digital-out-of-home channels as they are proving to be so effective. iSIGN's patent-pending Bluetooth ™proximity marketing solution avoids privacy issues or carrier costs that are frequently associated with traditional SMS marketing campaigns, while giving advertisers the ability to capture and measure data in real-time to improve campaign effectiveness and higher ROI. There are massive opportunities for both companies, and the advertisers on the RTown network to connect with guests quickly, cheaply and effectively,” said Alex Romanov, CEO of iSIGN Media.

With a potential reach of more than 5 million guests per month, RTown expects to increase revenue by at least 50% during the 3-year agreement with iSIGN as advertisers and hotel guests benefit from the convenience, relevancy, information and greater interaction throughout each location, at many different touchpoints.

To learn more about the new interactive advertising solution for hotels and resorts from iSIGN Media and RTown Communications, please contact Jennifer Rodrigues at [email protected] or 1.647.867.0093,or visit www.isignmedia.com.