2010 – The Year of 85 Different Architecture Tours
Social Media Huge Factor in Success
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Chicago, IL – Social media has been at the forefront of the success of the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Around Chicago in 85 Tours Challenge.
Jennifer Lucente, the social media expert at the Chicago Architecture Foundation has completed her year of taking tours—taking all 85 tours in 2010. The challenge that began last January with a tour of the Board of Trade building has ended with the architecture foundation’s newest tour: Razzle Dazzle – featuring the Loop theater district followed by a celebration at the Chicago Theatre.
The challenge attracted followers through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the challenge blog at www.85tours.com. This is the first and only 85 tour challenge and brought new audiences to the Chicago Architecture Foundation through social media. Jennifer tweeted during the tours and encouraged fellow tweeters to join her in the challenge. Tens of thousands of followers later, she says, “There is no shame in being a tourist in your own hometown. Chicago has so many hidden gems and amazing stories about the architects and buildings that make this city great.â€
She fared bad weather, pigeons, and dancing hot dog street performers during her tour challenge but all of it was worthwhile, having accomplished her goals and attracted a new audience.
All of the tours were open to the public and participants were welcome to join in. Participants followed online for comments, pictures, videos, questions and interesting facts. People were encouraged to share photos, upload videos, and connect with others who love Chicago and its amazing architecture. In addition to attending tours, everyone was welcome to participate in various ways: Blog: www.85tours.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/chiarchitecture Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicagoarchitecture Website: www.architecture.org/85tours
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, and youth and adult education programs. The current exhibition, Chicago Model City, includes a highly detailed scale model of Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Foundation is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.
For further information visit www.architecture.org or call 312.922.3432 or become a facebook fan: www.facebook.com/chicagoarchitecture or follow on twitter: www.twitter.com/chiarchitecture