According to PQ Media, spending on WOM marketing rose 14.2% to $1.54 billion in 2008 and this is expected to grow in 2009. As this media type becomes more popular, advertisers are looking for companies that can provide WOM. One vendor that can not only provide WOM, but measure its effectiveness is House Party.

House Party matches brands and party hosts to create a platform where a product or service can be displayed. Consumers can create a profile with House Party and view upcoming parties they may have an interest in. If they find a party they want to host, they are asked to fill out an application that will be reviewed by House Party and the advertiser. Selected hosts invite their friends to a party at their home which features product/displays from the advertisers. Product orders are not taken at the party, which creates a relaxed atmosphere for guests. House parties help build brand awareness, consideration, and create brand advocates.

Best of all, House Party provides measurable results with estimated WOM that each house party generates. They collect extensive surveys with both hosts and guests, to determine how many people they directly told of the event. It is estimated that 2,000 parties with a total attendance of 30,000 will result in 2,979,000 face to face brand mentions.