Article
Education to take center stage at Digital Signage Expo 2009
Annual show adds content and mobile digital signage seminars, continues to grow despite economy.
January 13, 2009
While the focus of many tradeshows is the expo floor itself, some of the most interesting and worthwhile events at Digital Signage Expo 2009 will take place before the floor even opens.
Prior to the doors opening to the largest DSE show floor to date, the Expo will host four educational sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, focused on interactive technology, self-service and digital signage devices.
"We wanted to offer more pre-show tracks this year and really give attendees a choice where to go on Tuesday before the show," said Chris Gibbs, executive vice president of Exponation, hosts of DSE. "The education component of our event is definitely stepping up to the next level, and I think it's our duty to do so."
What you need to know before you go |
Digital Signage Expo 2009 Feb. 24-26, 2009 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas , NV |
One of those sessions is Content Day, where attendees will here from representatives from companies such as 2Hemispheres, Samsung, AT&T and Scala about what works and what doesn't when it comes to creating on-screen graphics and video.
Also running all day Tuesday will be a mobile and gesture-based digital signage summit formally titled "Revolutionizing Interactive Marketing in Public Places: The Mobile and Gestural Imperative." Experts from Avenue A/Razorfish, YDreams, GestureTek and others will look at successful case studies involving some very big brands and discuss ideas for new ways to engage customers.
"Interactive digital signage dramatically changes the context of digital signage from a passive, more one-dimensional medium to a multi-dimensional medium that more fully engages users, significantly expands the audience," said Michael Mascioni, program director for the Mobile and Gestural Digital Signage Day.
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| LG's booth at last year's Digital Signage Expo. |
"I think interactivity and experiential technology is really going to be where a lot of these companies see the effects of what these signs can do to enhance the experience for the customer and the consumer," Gibbs said. "It is really going to create a lot of ‘a-ha' moments for a lot of people. Hopefully they'll say ‘Yes, this is exactly what we need in our museum or in our hotel.'"
For the first time ever, DSE will host the Digital Signage Certified Expert program, put on by the Digital Signage Experts Group and Brawn Consulting. Attendees to the day-long program will be educated on topics such as digital signage hardware, networking, ROI, content and selling digital signage. Those who pass a test at the end of the day will earn the certification.
"The education component of our event is definitely stepping up to the next level," Gibbs said "Most of the thought leaders in this space gather at DSE every year and we want to take advantage of that and get them to share their experiences and knowledge so the industry can continue to grow."
There are also two areas on the floor where presentations will be held throughout the Expo. One is in the new Content Pavilion, surrounded by companies that create or repurpose content specific to digital signage. There will be a small stage where companies in the pavilion can showcase their content in brief 20-minute presentations.
"Last year we heard a lot of people ask for content creation companies. This year we decided that we really needed a place to showcase that," Gibbs said.
The other on-floor demo area will be located in the Out-of-home Network Show, a part of the floor carved out for networks looking to attract advertisers and brand marketers. Networks such as CBS Outernet, Care Media and PRN will be showcasing their networks, including their audience demographics, locations and recent projects in a specialized presentation area.
Cautiously optimistic
While tradeshow attendance across all markets has taken a hit due to the economy (it was rumored that this year's CES had a considerable drop in attendance from last year), Gibbs says he isn't worried about DSE.
"Digital signage is not just focused on retail, or hotels, or restaurants. We have a very wide range of verticals that attendees could come from," he said.
As for the industry itself, it ispredictedto slow a bit due to the economy, but grow nonetheless in 2009.
"This industry is going to have its challenges like any other one," Gibbs said. But what is unique about digital signage is that its newness and high-tech feel is very intriguing to a lot of people. But with the economy the way it is now, we're cautiously optimistic."
The Featured Exhibitors
3M Touch Systems 3M Touch Systems, an industry-leading innovator and manufacturer of touch technology, offers
MicroTouch DST touch for interactive display applications ranging from 32 inches to 46 inches and MicroTouch ClearTek II touch for applications smaller than 32 inches. The company will be exhibiting MicroTouch DST touch technology on digital signage displays ranging from 32 inches to 46 inches and MicroTouch ClearTek II Touch technology on POP displays ranging from 6.4 inches to 12.1 inches. Booth #2213/www.3m.com/touch
AvocentThe Avocent connectivity and control division offers managed AV infrastructure solutions for the professional audio/video market. Our Emerge product family allows industry professionals to deliver innovative wired and wireless solutions for AV extension, switching, distribution and signal-processing needs. Join Avocent at booth #1410 for a live presentation of wireless HD video and video-over-IP extension and distribution. Serial, IR and audio signals are also extended. Web-based central management and monitoring will be on display. Video over CAT5 extension products will be on display, along with Avocent's video-splitting, scaling and conversion products. Booth #1410/www.connectivity.avocent.com
AXIOMTEKAXIOMTEK's industrial flat-panel monitors feature multiple mounting methods for various harsh industrial environments. At AXIOMTEK, we design, manufacture and support award-winning versatile and modularly designed applied computing platforms, panel computers, industrial automation devices, industrial PC platforms, network appliances and storage solutions. Booth #951/www.axiomdisplay.com
Black Box Network ServicesBlack Box is a leading provider of end-to-end digital signage and multimedia solutions, offering more than 118,000 products for video, audio, networking and infrastructure. The company specializes in complete digital signage systems, media players, cabling, splitters, extenders and more. On display will be the company's LiveSIGN Express, wireless VGA projection system, video and audio over Ethernet extender system, and VGA and audio matrix switches. Booth #1651/www.blackbox.com
Delphi Display Systems Inc.Delphi Display Systems is the leading worldwide manufacturer of outdoor digital signage displays. Delphi focuses on outdoor digital signage applications in several retail channels, including c-stores, QSRs, cinema and theme parks. Delphi product solutions include pump-top media displays, outdoor drive-thru menu boards, digital cinema posters and outdoor information and advertising displays. Founded in 1995, Delphi has deployed nearly 20,000 outdoor digital signage displays globally. The company will show pump-top media displays for placement on gas dispensers, outdoor drive-thru menu board displays, outdoor digital cinema movie poster display, and outdoor advertising and information displays. Booth #1521/www.delphidisplay.com
Digital Multi-Media ServicesDigital Multi-Media Services is a total solution provider and will exhibit hardware, software, content creation, LCD screens, hosting, management and much more. The company delivers all the components necessary to achieve a complete digital signage solution for businesses. The company strives to provide a tailor made product specifically designed in-line with budgets and needs. Booth #2042/www.digitalsigns.biz
EnQii EnQii is a global leader in the digital signage and out-of-home media market with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. As one of the world's truly global digital out-of-home companies, EnQii currently services thousands of locations across more than 14 countries. EnQii couples a deep understanding of customer behavior with its powerful media technologies to provide clients with fully managed solutions that enable them to advance their overall customer communication strategy for many years to come. EnQii will exhibit the new EnGage software platform, which will be industry-leading and will propel EnQii's competitive advantage even further. Booth #2405/www.enqii.com
Eyeplay Inc.Eyeplay is a creative firm specializing in video production and digital signage content-creation services. One, "Green Tips," is a collection of 52 animated, plug-and-play factoids for living green that can be customized with your logo. Booth #C2/www.eyeplay.tv/greentips
Harris CorporationHarris provides interoperable workflow solutions that span the media-delivery chain. The Harris ONE solution brings together integrated, cost-effective products that are ideal for emerging media business models and customers upgrading to HD. Harris will preview its new hosted software service, which works with InfoCaster as part of an end-to-end solution, enabling the management of comprehensive advertising campaigns, promotional content, inventory tracking, revenue, billing and reporting. The new business-building software for digital out-of-home networks allows customers to schedule and manage content to better monetize assets and realize new revenue streams. Booth #1810/www.broadcast.harris.com/infocaster
Helius, a Hughes Company Helius, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems LLC, provides digital communications solutions for business. The company helps organizations implement applications such as digital signage, distance learning and corporate communications. The company will show Helius MediaSignage, an enterprise digital signage solution; Helius MediaAuthor, an entry-level digital-signage solution with a rapid content-authoring tool; Helius MediaTraining, a video-based training system; and Helius Learning Management Portal. Booth #2209/www.helius.com
LG Electronics USA Inc.LG Commercial Products, a division of LG Electronics USA, serves digital signage, lodging and hospitality, business-to-business (systems integration and industrial), healthcare and channel markets (education and government). The company will show its TripleView LCD Monitor (three-way viewing of digital signage content on one screen), LCD3 Monitor (three 47-inch LCD screens attached in a portrait video-wall mode utilizing a single video input), and 65-inch LCD Monitor (large-screen monitor with 1080p resolution and LAN control). Booth #1213/www.LGcommercial.com
MagicBox Inc.MagicBox Inc. manufactures Aavelin, a simple turnkey digital signage solution. Aavelin features include scheduling, Adobe Flash, picture-in-picture, overlay regions, IP addressability, RSS feeds and database integration. Simple. Affordable. Effective. The company will discuss EZ Stream, database-integration software that queries and organizes data for display on a MagicBox player. EZ Stream can manage multiple players in multiple locations from a single PC or workstation. Common applications include conference/meeting rooms, manufacturing statistics and call centers. Booth #1653/www.magicboxinc.com
Nanonation Nanonation's software creates powerful ways to interact with customers. Drive sale and fuel profits with innovative tools to create, manage and measure each customer experience. See the latest innovations for digital signage, interactive kiosks, mobile applications and immersive customer experiences. Booth #1617/www.nanonation.net
PARKPARK is a multimedia solutions company that manufactures digital signage displays for LCD TVs, plasma TVs, video walls, STBs and touchscreens and specializes in bringing it all together wirelessly. At DSE, PARK will focus on branding, which creates leads to complete thought leadership. Booth #1448/www.parkdcs.com
Reflect Systems Inc. Reflect Systems provides digital signage customers and network operators the flexibility to control and schedule rich-media content delivery and playback to networks of all sizes from a centralized, scalable system. In addition to software technologies, Reflect Systems offers consulting and professional services to assist in developing and executing turnkey digital signage networks. Reflect Systems' products support the overall digital signage and out-of-home media markets that include merchandising, advertising and training programs. Product offerings include ReflectView, which can be deployed on-premise as a turnkey solution or in a hosted model via SaaS. Reflect Systems also provides professional services and managed services for network monitoring and operations. Booth #1210/www.reflectsystems.com
SIIG Inc.Founded in 1985, SIIG Inc. continues to be a leading manufacturer of connectivity-solution products, serving the point of sale in vertical markets such as retail, transportation, hospitality, corporate and others. Support of digital signage connectivity solutions is a clear extension to SIIG's core competency. These solutions include extenders, converters, splitters and switches and are available for both analog and digital applications. SIIG Inc. will exhibit conversion and transmission solutions. Booth #2151/www.siig.com
SpinetiX SpinetiX is a high-tech, solution-focused corporation with solid expertise in networked digital video and hyper-media appliances and solutions. SpinetiX offers breakthrough technology for professional digital signage and kiosk applications. The HMP100 Hyper Media Player replaces the PC for digital signage and kiosk applications. This next-generation device offers amazing advantages, such as an ultra-compact size, reliability, interactivity, low power consumption and cost-effectiveness. Booth #1838/www.spinetix.com
St. Joseph Content/Alchemy St. Joseph Content provides its clients with every possible advantage to achieve success in today's highly competitive marketplace. Comprised of Pi Media, Alchemy, DW+Partners, G+A and CMI, the company is one of North America's largest and most comprehensive content-creation organizations. The vast majority of digital media technologies allow for the display of different content from store to store, department to department and even from hour to hour. St. Joseph will showcase how various creative approaches can be used to increase customer engagement across different shopper segments. Booth #C1/www.stjosephcontent.com
SVSiSVSi manufactures the only high-definition, live video-over-Ethernet solution available on the market today. Founded in 2003, SVSi leverages more than two decades of experience in digital-image processing and electrical, software and optical engineering. SVSi will exhibit live, high-definition video over Ethernet. Booth #1046/www.easysignage.net
SymonSymon will exhibit its industry-leading content design, management and distribution hardware and software. Symon is a leading provider of venue visual communications solutions (e.g. digital signage, information kiosks, video walls, etc.) to more than 7,500 clients worldwide. Booth #1805/www.symon.com
Tatung Company of AmericaTatung provides local R&D, technical support and service capability to meet customers' special requirements. The company is committed to digital signage and the kiosk industry and brings you high-resolution digital signage LCD monitors, 3D-enabled monitors and a wide range of open-frame LCD monitors from 6.4 inches to 47 inches with affordable prices and shorter lead time. Tatung will exhibit LCD and open-frame monitors with touchscreen options and in a variety of sizes. The company's newest products will be featured, such as the 3D-enabled, 42-inch, open-frame monitor, which creates three dimensional, crystal clear, high-definition images. Tatung also will feature its high-definition, 1080p, 42-inch LCD monitor, which has optional interchangeable modules to satisfy many types of component connections. Booth #1927/www.tatungusa.com
The Insite Group Project management for digital signage installation is The Insite Group's specialty. With 15 years experience in the project management of digital signage deployments, the company manages all aspects and offers extraordinary customer service through scalable systems and customizable solutions including critical measurements and data. An online portal for the customer improves communication and critical date management. The Insite Group has a nationwide network of qualified installers and offers procurement and product logistics and support. Booth #1856/www.theinsitegroup.com
Vertigo Group Inc.Vertigo designs, engineers and manufactures ruggedized outdoor and indoor LCD and digital displays. Vertigo has proprietary thermal-management and enclosure system designs (patents pending) for outdoor LCD enclosures. Vertigo has manufacturing and engineering capacities in plants in Canada and China. The company's engineering design and prototyping is at its head office in Toronto. Vertigo will exhibit a fully integrated outdoor LCD enclosure system that includes: sunlight-readable display, thermal management and remote Web-based health monitoring. Enclosures are suitable for deployment within ambient temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. Booth #1945/www.vertigo-group.com
Visix Inc.Visix Inc. designs, develops and supports a suite of software applications that allow users to create, import and manage their visual communications from anywhere and to deliver those messages to virtually any endpoint. AxisTV digital signage software gives you powerful creation and scheduling tools for multiwindow displays of bulletins, tickers, video, Flash, RSS feeds and a host of news and weather options. Visix will demonstrate its "from anywhere, to anywhere" visual communications solutions. The company's technologies allow corporate and campus communicators to create and import a wide variety of content — text, graphics, video, Flash, PowerPoint, audio, RSS feeds, news and weather subscriptions, event schedules and Web images — and to schedule and deliver that content to an array of endpoints, including displays, desktops, interactive room signs and personal devices like PDAs, cell phones and mp3 players. Booth #1751/www.visix.com
Wireless Ronin Technologies Wireless Ronin is a leader in the digital signage industry with its cutting-edge RoninCast software suite and turnkey services. Control messaging from a central location, create playlists, schedule content and transform any in-store environment. Booth #1800/www.wirelessronin.com
X20 Media X20 Media is a full-service provider of technology and services for digital signage applications. The company offers content design, management, distribution, monitoring, integration and support services for digital signage applications of all sizes. X20's award-winning Xpresenter provides unprecedented ease of use, coupled with the highest quality output at a fraction of the time and cost of higher-end solutions. X20 will present the "X20 Software Plus Services" strategy, featuring Xpresenter Version 2.5. X20 also is launching Xpresenter Xe, the all-in-one digital signage platform. Booth #2223/www.x20media.com
ZipCastZipCast is exhibiting a complete turnkey network deployment. The company will also be showcasing its advertising agency media buyer interface and network affiliate programs. ZipCast provides strategic advertising screen placements in restaurants, taxis, banks, supermarkets and other high-traffic locations. ZipCast enables clients to target and reach their customers, improve brand equity and increase ROI while giving clients complete flexibility to manage campaigns and change creative. Booth #2017/www.zip-cast.com
State of the Art Digital SignageTradeshowsDisplay TechnologyHardwareSoftwareCustomer ExperienceRetail2hemispheresExponation, LLCScala
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