Request for Expression of Interest for Marketing Services

West Virginia Department of Tourism

The buyer is seeking expert agencies to provide marketing services in three areas: Brand Strategy, Creative, & Media Buying; Public Relations & Experiential Marketing; and Content & Social Media. The buyer aims to leverage its $40+ million annual budget to grow state visitation. Agencies may bid on one or more areas of expertise. The buyer's goal is to deliver best-in-class creative, public relations, and social media strategies to promote West Virginia as a world-class destination.

• 7/24/2024 - Written questions submission deadline
• 7/31/2024 - Written answers provided
• 8/7/2024 - Proposal Due Date
• 8/12/2024 - Notify finalists for oral presentation
• 8/19/2024 - Oral presentations
• 8/26/2024 - Selection and negotiation process begins

• Minimum of five years of experience in the applicable field
• Designate at least one dedicated full-time employee as account representative
• Representative on call for emergencies 24/7 with maximum 2-hour response time
• Travel at Tourism's request, expenses not reimbursable
• Financial capacity to execute the contract
• Capable of performing advertising services outside of the United States
• Agree that all content developed becomes exclusive property of Tourism
• Willing to work collaboratively with all other partners contracted by Tourism

• Develop and implement cutting-edge advertising and marketing strategies to boost visitation
• Create and implement media strategy to increase brand awareness and drive visitation
• Manage and expand cooperative advertising program for Tourism's brand campaign
• Develop strategies for public relations and experiential marketing
• Implement content and social media strategies to grow tourism's economic impact
• Plan and execute seasonal content shoots to produce high-quality photo and video assets
• Develop best-in-class email and SMS marketing campaigns leveraging first-party data
• Propose and manage strategic partnerships with harmonious brands
• Assist in strategic long-term planning and research gathering
• Develop strategies to promote tourism and hospitality as career fields