StarCite Announces Online Community Powered by i-Meet

Launch of Social Media Platform Available to Meeting Planners and Suppliers
PHILADELPHIA, May 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- -- New Partnership Connects Customers and Embraces Open Communication --
StarCite, Inc., the leading provider of Web-based solutions to strategically manage corporate meetings and events, and i-Meet.com, the professional and social network for people who plan meetings and events, today announced a strategic partnership and launch of an online community available to customers and prospects worldwide. Leveraging i-Meet's fast-growing network to power its offering, StarCite's new Online Community will feature connections to industry-leading technology and a communications platform for users to connect with over 20,000 industry professionals around the world.
"Over the last year we've observed a heightened interest in social networking among our customer base, and the desire for an online collaboration feature available through our global marketplace," said Greg Dukat, chief executive officer, StarCite. "We're pleased to partner with an organization like i-Meet, which offers an industry-specific social networking approach. This partnership will give us the ability to deliver a unique experience to our customers in line with the way people are conducting relationships today."
StarCite's Online Community will enable business connections with, and between, customers, prospects and suppliers. Through meta-tags, keywords and matching member interests, the community will publish important industry and brand information on a one-to-one basis directly to its members. Supporting the emerging "relationship economy", StarCite and i-Meet intend to lead and help shape a new and effective approach to helping planners and suppliers connect and interact globally.
"When you're looking to create a platform like this you have to take a step back and make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, ultimately meaning that it will create value," said John Pino, founder and chief executive officer, i-Meet. "Between StarCite's technology and our ability to provide a collaborative channel through our global community of industry professionals, we are providing a beneficial solution that offers advantages for everyone. Our ultimate goal will be to show a positive ROE (return on engagement) for active members around the world."
"While Facebook and Twitter are important to our overall social media strategy, the implementation of this new Online Community will give our customers and users a more rewarding and in-depth social media experience," said David O'Donohoe, supplier senior vice president, StarCite. "This is an industry first, providing relevant content to our customers and suppliers, access to our technology and search engine, and a series of "hot spots" to communicate what's on user's minds."
In addition to connecting users with a thriving global network, StarCite's Online Community will also offer a series of "hot spots" or groups that will be available and hosted by industry professionals. They will serve as virtual forums for members and can be either open or private. To round out the experience, additional features include "friend-ing" others, "following" suppliers, and subscribing to existing blogs or publishing new ones. New members can join the group at http://www.i-Meet.info/StarCite.html for more information.
About StarCite, Inc.
StarCite, Inc. provides a technology platform that makes meetings and event planning, booking and management simpler, easier, and more cost-effective for corporations, hotels, venues and meetings suppliers worldwide. StarCite delivers visibility, cost savings and control over meetings spending for businesses and enhanced revenue opportunities for suppliers. Through Web-based, on-demand technology, StarCite automates and supports every key element of the meetings planning and procurement process: planning, budgeting, buying, attendance, payment, and results measurement. Using StarCite's proprietary online marketplace, meetings buyers can connect and conduct business with over 93,000 hotels, venues, destinations and suppliers globally. StarCite is based in Philadelphia, PA. Its equity holders include Internet Capital Group, TPG Growth, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP), and TL Ventures. For more information about StarCite please visit www.starcite.com.
About i-Meet
Created by the Founder of StarCite, www.i-Meet.com is focused on building the industry's most relevant worldwide online community for the meeting and event industry. With 20,000 members from 130 countries around the world to date, i-Meet brings social networking, web 2.0 tools, work flow and relationship opportunities, and industry intelligence to its members and suppliers.

About i-Meet
Created by the Founder of StarCite, www.i-Meet.com is focused on building the industry's most relevant worldwide online community for the meeting and event industry. With 20,000 members from 130 countries around the world to date, i-Meet brings social networking, web 2.0 tools, work flow and relationship opportunities, and industry intelligence to its members and suppliers.

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This release was published on openPR.