In preparation for the 2005
Presidential Inauguration, The Madison, an independently owned and
operated luxury hotel located in Washington, D.C., has entered into the
eBay era with the hopes of igniting a bidding war on its Presidential
Inauguration Package. Hoping to inspire some fun and spark some excitement
from eBay enthusiasts around the globe, The Madison created an extravagant
inauguration package available only on eBay with the minimum bid starting
at $10,000. With the entire city gearing up for the inauguration and most hotels
offering inauguration packages, The Madison decided to set itself apart by
using eBay as a tool to market and sell its own inauguration package.

The idea to sell a package on eBay was inspired by The Madison’s general
manager Axel Suray in a planning meeting with his staff. “Until recently I
was working at a property in San Jose, California and eBay was used by
almost all of my employees, I thought if you can sell a car on eBay why
not try selling a special package for the inauguration. eBay has over 125
million registered users and we felt by placing the package on the site,
we would be able to garner more exposure than if we went with more
traditional marketing techniques,” said Suray.

The Madison’s Presidential Inauguration Package includes: * A three-night
stay in a penthouse suite with balcony, which has been specially decorated
for the Inauguration. * Limousine service for airport pick-up and drop off
* Two tickets to the Inauguration Parade * Two tickets to the Inaugural
Ball * Personal tour of the United States Capitol * A specially prepared
menu by Palette’s Chef James Clark served in the privacy of Palette’s
intimate private dining room. Champagne and wine included. * Full American
breakfast each morning * Dinner with James and Dolley Madison in The
Madison’s Federalist restaurant. Champagne and wine included. * A personal
photographer to capture the priceless inaugural moments. * Moonlight
limousine tour of the Monuments * His and her Stetson hats * His and Her
monogrammed bathrobes complete with the Presidential Seal * Commemorative
American Flag which has been flown over the Nation’s Capitol * Special
commemorative amenities at turn down * Two tickets in a first level luxury
suite for the January 21, 2005, Wizards v. Toronto basketball game, a
private tour of the locker room and the chance to meet the Washington
Wizards head coach, Eddie Jordan.
——-