The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (SACVB) received approval to award their multi-million dollar advertising, marketing and public relations contract to Proof Advertising.

City of San Antonio Mayor and City Council approved the agency, which was the top recommendation from staff, and a public/private review committee following a six-month process of evaluation. The contract is estimated to be worth $7.5 million annually, and starts October 1, 2011. Terms are a three-year contract, with one two-year option to renew.

As the destination sales and marketing arm of the City of San Antonio, the SACVB utilizes an advertising and marketing Agency to assist in executing their brand marketing strategies targeting the leisure visitor and convention/group business.

“Proof really impressed the evaluation committee with their significant strategic ability and process, creativity, digital savvy, their experience as stewards of existing major brands and more,” said Casandra Matej, Executive Director of the SACVB. “Their energy, and passion to promote San Antonio was evident, and will be a great match for our team as we work together to take San Antonio to the next level.”

Austin-based Proof will open a San Antonio office. The company has 22 years of experience, and currently employs 86 with clients including 3M, Subway, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Mattress Firm, Baylor University, U.S. Army and Hyatt Resorts.

"We are excited to work with the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau to take its marketing, advertising and communications programs to new heights. Our efforts will focus on leveraging the vitality, the energy, the creativity and the liveliness of San Antonio to broaden the appeal of this fantastic travel destination," said Bryan Christensen, CEO, Proof Advertising.

"We are planning a comprehensive and fully integrated media strategy that leverages significantly more digital, social and mobile initiatives to reach both leisure travelers and meeting planners," he added.

San Antonio is a top destination, with more than 25 million visitors annually. The hospitality industry contributes $11 billion annually, and employs more than 106,000 local residents. To learn more about the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, go to www.visitsanantonio.com.
 

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The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, a department of the City of San Antonio, is funded through the hotel/motel occupancy tax. The bureau is a marketing, sales and service organization dedicated to the promotion of San Antonio as a meetings and visitor destination for the purpose of positively affecting the city's economy.