The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) has selected independent San Francisco agency Eleven, Inc., as agency of record in a private review, announces Matt Stiker, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, SFCVB.  This is the second tour of duty with the SFCVB for Eleven, who in 2004 created the long-standing brand campaign and themeline, "Only in San Francisco."
 
"With tourism being San Francisco’s number one industry, it’s vital that the SFCVB invests to continue to promote San Francisco as the most compelling destination in the world," said Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the SFCVB. "Through our new partnership with Eleven, our goal is to create a strategic and innovative new marketing campaign to draw more visitors to San Francisco."
 
In 2008, San Francisco welcomed over 16.4 million visitors who spent $8.52 billion, generating over $527 million in taxes for the City of San Francisco.
 
"In our search for an agency partner, we sought qualities that reflect the character of the city - vision, a creative point-of-view, technological expertise, a true passion for the city, a diverse range of experience, and a sense of fun.  The team at Eleven will truly realize the potential of our 'Only in San Francisco' campaign," added Stiker.
 
Eleven has a legacy of nurturing local businesses and both the agency, and President Courtney Buechert, have been recognized for their innovative, creative and socially responsible work.  Local, San Francisco-based clients include Apple, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Virgin America, and Visa.

Courtney Buechert, president, Eleven, stated, "I’ve lived in the Bay Area my entire life and can’t imagine anything more rewarding then sharing the wonders of San Francisco.  Eleven is a born and bred San Francisco agency.  We’re part of the fabric of the City and committed to local businesses and organizations. Everyone at the agency is thrilled to reconnect with the SFCVB."

The first assignment for the agency is to support the King Tut exhibit currently on display at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. The campaign is slated to launch in October 2009 and target driving traffic from the Los Angeles marketplace to San Francisco for extended stays and weekend get-aways. The work will run through February 2010 and will include a mix of traditional, online, guerilla and social media, in conjunction with partnerships with SFCVB members.