Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau Launches New 'IN Guide' App

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched the all new IN Guide app. The app is based on the printed guide which features more than 270 of the city's most loved local spots as deemed by residents. The new app enables users to quickly navigate, explore and discover some of the best things our city has to offer.

The IN Guide app features include:

• Extensive lists of IN spots including seven categories ranging from dining to attractions, complete with descriptions, directions, contact information and tips from locals.
• Geo-targeting maps to show nearby IN spots when users are out and about.
• Custom tours based on the user's interests.
• An "INvent A Day" feature that allows you to shake your phone to create a randomized day trip.
• Social media integration for checking in or sharing IN Spots with friends.
• A nominate feature that allows users to suggest new spots they love.
• INsider Status—earn special titles when you check in, nominate or leave a comment.

The new IN Guide app is an extension of the CVB's IN campaign which launched in 2008 and produced a 90-page guide of Birmingham residents' favorite local spots. CVB President, James H. Smither, said, "The IN Birmingham campaign has proven to be successful for the bureau's efforts in bringing visitors and conventions to the area. Our goal for the new IN Guide app is to not only provide tourists with a mobile interactive guide for the city, but to also remind our locals about the great things there are to do and inspire them to be ambassadors for Birmingham."

The GBCVB will also soon be releasing the fourth edition of the printed IN Guide. More than 40,000 IN Guides have been distributed since launch of the campaign.

The new IN Guide app was designed by local advertising agency, Big Communications, and developed by Kinetic Communications, local interactive agency.

"This is far beyond a Google map search or a user-generated review service," Smither said. "It's a careful collection of our city's culture, by the people who live here and know it best."

"I would encourage everyone to download the app and help us find ways to make it better," Smither said.  "Our goal has always been to make something that instills pride in our hometown, celebrates our locally loved spots, and ensures visitors will enjoy the city as much as we do."

The new IN Guide app is available for iPhone and Android users and can be downloaded at www.inbirmingham.com/app.

SOURCE Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau