Accordingly, Expandable Online Ads are an exciting new component of the Maine Beaches Association's 2010 Marketing Plan. Research confirms that during Spring/Summer 2009, 67% of Maine visitors used the internet as a source of trip planning information, and a staggering 82% typically use the internet for destination ideas. Expandable Online Ads initially appear as standard online ad units (squares, leader boards) but when the cursor is moved over them, they expand to approximately 2 to 3 times their original size. In addition to expanding, they contain rich media (video and audio) plus additional images, copy and buttons that allow the viewer to “drill down” by linking to additional information. Click here to see a sample. The Maine Beaches Association will be developing its ad to include a 20 second introductory video with the theme of "Shop, Dine, Stay and Play". Links to the Maine Beaches Region landing page on visitmaine.com will also be embedded in the ad, along with some limited general information on visiting the region. Ads will be placed on several high traffic web sites (i.e. CNN, Boston.com, etc.) in key target markets around the Northeast and Canada. The program will run from May 15-July 31st and we invite your thoughts along the way!