#guidehop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thriving Dallas Startup, GuideHop.com, Announces Ustream Founder As Advisor

DALLAS, Texas (April 26, 2012) – GuideHop today announced that Brad Hunstable, co-founder and CEO of Ustream (www.ustream.com), the leader in live online video, will join Guidehop.com’s advisory board. Hunstable will bring his product strategy, business development, and operational experience and expertise in leading successful web startups to an advisory role at GuideHop. This marks a significant step in Hunstable's ongoing efforts to build a thriving startup community in his hometown, Dallas, Texas. Ranked among 50 "Digital Power Players" by the Hollywood Reporter in 2010, Variety also listed Brad as 1 of 25 Visionaries, Innovators and Producers for his work at Ustream through the Vanity Producers Guild of America Digital 25. As co-founder and CEO of Ustream, he is responsible for guiding the company's strategy and growth through partnerships, technology innovation and product architecture. His vast experience in these areas as well as his extensive industry contacts, are major assets to Guidehop as the new startup moves forward. “There is a flourishing ecosystem of entrepreneurial communities in Texas and tremendous opportunities to develop more incredible innovations that will change the way we work, play, and live” said Brad Hunstable, co-founder and CEO of Ustream. “I’m excited to be part of the Guidehop team and look forward to contributing to their growth and development.” GuideHop allows locals to post their own guided activities for curious experience-seekers to book. Offerings ranging from urban unique to out-there outdoorsy are welcome, including spelunking to an art gallery in Austin and discovering local music in Dallas. The site (Guidehop.com) launched just last October and has found relative success with hundreds of activities posted across the globe. “Brad is an integral part in  devising Guidehop’s scalable business plan for 2012 -2013, advising on business development strategies including strategic partnerships, sales, product enhancements, and marketing plans to lead more widespread adoption and awareness” says Ryan Schmitz, CEO of Guidehop.com. "We are excited to have Brad Hunstable join GuideHop as an advisor. His track record of successful growth in a competitive marketplace makes him an incredible asset to our company." This is just one step in Hunstable's mission to help bolster the Dallas Fort Worth startup community, and to help establish the city as a major hub for innovation. "Dallas is my town and web startups are what I do. Nothing would make me happier than seeing my city thrive in an ideas-based economy," said Brad Hunstable. GuideHop, which launched in Q4 of 2011 currently offers approximately 1000 unique activities around the globe. ###

GuideHop got a great mention on WorldNomads.com thanks to our partners at iStopover! Read more below or click here to read the entire article.

Experience London Like A Local - With A Local!

You’ve heard of all the “touristy” places to go: Big Ben, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. But let’s be honest, an exciting part of exploring a new city is getting to know the nooks and crannies that are off the beaten path. Knowing where the locals go to get the best food in town or where to discover that great little bar on a Friday night can make your trip that much better. That’s where GuideHop comes in.

GuideHop connects travelers with locals who offer various types of adventures, tours and activities in their hometown. Feel like taking a guided tour of the best pubs in London? How about a nighttime photographic tour of London? It’s easy to find these activities and more on GuideHop. Each tour ranges in price, so you can pick an activity that fits your budget. 

Exploring the markets on Portobello Road. Photo by wilski

Perhaps most importantly, make sure that you find the perfect accommodation for your stay in London. As a trusted partner of WorldNomads, iStopOver offers travelers unique short-term rentals from a community of Hosts who have extra space to rent. iStopOvermakes it easy to find accommodation in any price range and in any neighborhood across London. Say goodbye to stuffy and expensive hotels, and say hello to the comforts of your own London flat!

If you’re traveling to London this summer and the Olympics aren’t really your thing, make sure to check out these alternative events and truly experience that local vibe. It’s the perfect chance to see how these different events reflect London’s unique cultural history.