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If a destination is looking to recruit a well-known spokesperson to lead its marketing initiatives to meeting planners, finding a nationally known MVP is a good idea. Indianapolis had to look to look no further than its home field to find the right celebrity. NFL Superstar Peyton Manning, Quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, will represent the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association in a new promotion and marketing campaign that emphasizes the attributes of Indianapolis as a destination for meetings, conventions, trade shows and other events.

"No one better personifies our new brand position, 'Raising the game,' than Peyton Manning," declared Don Welsh, President/CEO, Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. "Peyton's competitive spirit and continuous effort to be the best mirrors our brand perfectly; his positive and professional image is renowned globally.”

Manning, who will be donating his time to the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association for the campaign, will be featured extensively on visitindy.com, the association’s website, as well as in targeted messages to meeting & event planners and the leisure travel market. The convention, trade show and large meeting appeal of Indianapolis is expected to grow as the Indiana Convention Center completes an expansion project that will double its size by 2010. "This community has been tremendously supportive of me throughout my career with the Colts, so I am happy to do what I can to encourage others to experience the vibrant Indianapolis I have come to know and love," said Manning

The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association will utilize an Indianapolis-based agency, Young and Laramore, to design and implement the campaign. Manning's voice and image will be featured in a variety of multi-media, marketing initiatives. "Peyton Manning's involvement with the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association reflects our commitment to the city," said Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

"We understand Lucas Oil Stadium is more than just the home of the Colts, but part of a larger strategy to continue the growth and the success of Indianapolis as a premier hospitality and convention destination.”

Manning, only one of  two three-time NFL MVPs (his most recent MVP was for the 2008 season), is statistically one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, holding NFL records for consecutive seasons with over 4,000 yards passing and the most total seasons with 4,000 or more yards passing in a career. He is the all-time career passing yards and passing touchdowns leader for the Colts franchise.

In addition, Manning is considered one of the NFL's most marketable players, appearing in commercials for some of the NFL's biggest sponsors. He was also the spokesman for Xbox's NFL Fever games and hosted Saturday Night Live. In Indianapolis, Manning is also revered for his charitable activities, which include his Peyback Foundation, whose mission is to help disadvantaged children. Two years ago, St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis renamed its children's hospital to "Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.”

“Peyton's overwhelmingly positive image as a representative of the Colts and of the city of Indianapolis is certain to resonate with the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association's customers," added Irsay.