Otsego County Tourism Launches Mobile Marketing Program

What's On Deck and What's On Deck Today

Related Media

What's On Deck Program Flyer

COOPERSTOWN, NY (06/26/2012)(readMedia)-- This summer, as visitors to our region explore our various attractions, arts and recreational venues, you might find them taking pictures of signs instead of landscapes. What's On Deck offers an easy-to-scan QR Code (Quick Response) on signage throughout area locations for visitors to discover themed activities and daily events.

"The increased use of smart phones and mobile devices provide an opportunity to get information out to folks efficiently and immediately, in a format that's become very popular," according to Deb Taylor, Otsego County Tourism Director. "This program promotes our local tourism businesses and events by providing information at the touch of a button."

When visitors scan the QR code, a menu of themed options appear on their mobile devices – Family Fun; Grown-up Gatherings; Big City Arts in the County; Let's Go Shopping; Cooperstown-Area Tours. People can then chose which attractions under the various themes they would like to visit. They also can map the locations and see the distance in miles from where they are located.

Visitors to the QR code also have an option to receive daily messages about events throughout the county. What's On Deck TODAY is a program facilitated by Central NY Mobile Marketing. The daily messages include a growing list of activities, from attraction information to special arts and recreational opportunities. Visitors simply "opt-in" to receive the daily information; opt-out when they leave the area. (Text "ONDECK" to 96362 to sign up/Reply "STOP" to stop messages). Businesses that wish to have activities listed must fill out forms and submit information a week in advance.

"This technology provides people who may be undecided about what to do next with a last-minute push to an event or attraction," said Susan O'Handley, president of Central NY Mobile Marketing. She adds, "It's a wonderful opportunity to let visitors know what's going on, as well as build business and move people around our county."

"The QR Code had almost 100 scans on the first day," according to Taylor. "We are looking forward to helping visitors make the most of their stay."

This new use of technology is a collaborative effort: Under the direction of the county Tourism Program, AdWorkshop, the county's advertising agency, provided the QR code and mobile phone application technology; Central NY Mobile marketing coordinates the information and implements the What's On Deck Today program. These are pilot programs that put Otsego County on the cutting edge of tourism marketing.

Otsego County businesses interested in sending daily messages can sign up by contacting Deb Taylor, Otsego County Tourism Program at 607-643-0059, or Susan O'Handley, Central NY Mobile Marketing, at 607-643-5680.