WINGATE INNS® PARTNERS WITH FunkyTalk.com, THE FIRST AUDIENCE DIRECTED ENTERTAINMENT WEBSITE (3/00)

In an effort to target Generation X consumers, Wingate Inns International, Inc. is partnering with Internet company FunkyTalk.com, the first audience directed entertainment website. This exciting new kind of website content format allows FunkyTalk.com website visitors to direct the plot of each FunkyTalk.com "show" though suggestions and votes on the website. The format will allow Wingate Inns to target the brand to specific customers that are apt to respond to the hotel chain's enabling technology amenity package.

As the official hotel sponsor for FunkyTalk.com, the brand will kick off its sponsorship with the Internet show, "uDrive." The show takes three entertainers on a journey from Miami, FL, to San Diego, CA, with audience members determining what cities they visit, and their activities while there. The FunkyTalk writers tabulate the winning vote each day and post textual, video and audio dispatches about the adventures as previously directed by the audience. As the group travels across the country, they'll be staying at Wingate Inn hotels, and they'll be speaking about the brand through editorial references about the Wingate Inn locations that they visit during their travels.

"The content of FunkyTalk.com is meant to be playful, somewhat irreverent and edgy, which is ideal for expanding Wingate Inns' appeal to Generation X and Y consumers, who represent existing and future business travelers," explains Janis Jarosz, vice president of marketing for Wingate Inns International, Inc.

Jarosz continues, "In addition to editorial references and our logo placement on their website, our alliance with Funkytalk.com includes a link to our wingateinns.com website, which allows visitors to book hotel rooms. Everyone of our guestrooms offer a myriad of amenities designed to allow guests to stay connected while traveling. Having the "uDrive" cast reference and visit our hotels is a great way to showcase our product."

David Mandell, vice president of marketing for FunkyTalk.com, adds, "We're excited about the partnership with Wingate Inns. The interactive nature of 'uDrive' offers a wonderful contextual opportunity for Wingate Inns to develop a brand image on the web that goes beyond the banner model by linking the brand to a positive, relevant experience for the target audience."

Wingate Inns International Inc. is an all-new construction hotel chain that opened its first franchised hotel in July 1996. Its focused service, upper mid-market franchised hotels feature sophisticated, consumer-based technology and comfortable, oversized rooms that were created in response to business travelers' needs. All Wingate Inn hotels are independently owned and operated under Franchise agreements. Reservations can be made by calling Wingate Inns' toll-free reservation center at 1.800.228.1000.

FunkyTalk.com is the first company that shifts control over the power of creative entertainment from Hollywood to the audience. For anyone seeking a creative outlet or a new type of active entertainment experience, FunkyTalk.com provides a dynamic environment for original programming, audience-directed content and two-way communication - FreeStyle Entertainment.