Pulling out a phone during a party might be considered bad form, but custom invitation company Evite views the phone not as a party pooper but a party starter.
The West Hollywood company recently formed a partnership with ConnecTV, a New York maker of a mobile video application, so people can use Evite to organize in-home and virtual TV-viewing parties via smartphone.
Josh Pendrick, director of marketing at Evite, said the idea was to create more opportunities for fans of popular television shows and sporting events to put on parties using the company’s online invitation and party-planning services.
“The thought is with Evite we kind of preplan to set the stage for you and your friends to get together and talk about whatever show or upcoming program you’re excited about,” said Pendrick.
A user can send out Evites for a real or virtual party, then those who participate will download ConnecTV’s mobile app. The app allows users to record six-second clips of their favorite TV moments with their phone, personalize them with comments and then share then through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
For example, a Denver Broncos fan can create a Super Bowl party using Evite’s Super Bowl-themed invitations. He then emails the invitation to his friends, and when Super Bowl Sunday comes around, the participants can use the app to record and share clips, regardless of their location.
Evite was launched in 1998 and has a staff of 100, with additional offices in Chicago and New York. Its invitation services are free, including ConnecTV’s mobile app. Revenue comes from advertising.
Pendrick said the ConnecTV parties will also be supported by advertising and sponsorships by major brands and TV networks. Both companies plan to promote events based on shows such as the Super Bowl, the Oscars and “American Idol.”
Fans will also be able to win prizes for clips and pithy comments about them. The winners will be selected by the two companies during the shows.
“If it’s the Super Bowl, it might be the best tackle or the funniest or craziest moment of the game,” Pendrick said. “People will clip it and we’ll give out prizes for these clips.”
– Subrina Hudson
