Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau’s commission voted to purchase a year’s subscription to Placer.ai, a location intelligence and foot traffic data software that provides location analytics, including trends, trade areas and visitor demographics, with a 96-98 percent accuracy.
“Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau is investing substantial funding that will provide the tourist commission with up to five years' worth of information on Shelby County hospitality amenities that include specialty properties, hotels, parks, trails, restaurants, shops and more,” said Rachael Ackley, Executive Director of the bureau.
Placer.ai acquires information through geofencing – using GPS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create a virtual geographic boundary around locations such as downtown Shelbyville area, fairgrounds, Blue River Memorial Park, the I-74 and I-65 corridor through Shelby County and more.
When a mobile device enters or leaves a specified area, it’s recorded by the software, providing clients with data including age, sex, location and education. The software platform tracks where visitors come from and where they head afterward and uses algorithms that extrapolate to include people who don’t have smart phones. Placer.ai also created heat maps, which show where most visitors tend to congregate at an event.
“The thorough information we are able to ascertain from Placer.ai’s strong geofencing technology will be able to assist us in strategic plans for years to come and ensure we are assisting those entities that truly need our help in promoting our communities,” said Ackley.
The tourist commission gets unlimited use of the data, which can be used to provide projections for the next five years. They can also access other county’s data. The local tourism bureau also can share the information with local businesses and event organizers through a shared structure fee system.
The platform can provide demographic data on visitors, including the median income and how that compared to the state. Placer.ai also collects information on visitors’ family makeup, employment, ancestry, how much they earn and their disposable income.
“The fact we’re going to have strong, verifiable data to make our decisions ensures we are good stewards of our monies,” said Bill Rasner, treasurer of Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau.
For more information on the shared fee structure, go to www.visitshelbycounty.com
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
Third Annual Riding with an Angel Ride remembers daughter's legacy
FSSA To survey SNAP recipients about Smart SNAP
Area Indiana State parks install new playgrounds
Riverton Parke looks to bring regional baseball crown home
IDEM forecasts statewide Air Quality Action Day for Thursday
Clinton man arrested on child molest charges
South Vermillion looks to, preps for the future
South Vermillion Superintendent reflects on strong first year
Rockville Retro to host Artisan Shoppe & Studio Grand Opening Saturday
Nominations open for 2026 Golden Hoosier Award
Indiana State Fair announces first wave of Hoosier Lottery Free Stage concerts for 2026
Vermillion County receives grant to aid home repairs, upgrades
North Central Parke Schools ready to embark on PH Connect
Greencastle Police ask public's help searching for man missing since 2024
Grade realignment shelved for now at North Central Parke
Road closure to impact State Road 236 near Marshall
