Should you rent touch screen technology for your next event? It can be a cost-effective solution for your next meeting, event, or conference. Lets explain the technologies available and potential applications for a more engaging meeting.

Fundamentally, there are three types of touch screen units:

  1. Touch Panel Kiosks
  2. Touch Screen PCs, such as an iPad or Tablet PC or
  3. Touch Screen Smartphones
What are the differences between the three and how would you use them at your next meeting or event? Let’s take a look at each and determine how they fit.


TOUCH PANEL KIOSKS

 

Computer Kiosks are large and floor standing. Touchscreen KioskKiosk rentals have a PC, monitor, and software built into a locked unit. They are best used to display public, non-personal information where a minimal level of interaction is required. Because kiosks bring color and video to the message, it is thought that touch screen kiosks are stimulating and aid in retaining information by the attendee. Great applications for kiosks in the event meeting services industry are:
  • Digital Signage
  • Presentations
  • Meeting Agendas
  • Speaker Profiles
  • Sponsorship or Advertising
  • Up-to-the-minute information about the event
  • Product Launching Events
  • Self Check-In for a Conference
Touch Panel Kiosks will attract attendees and keep them engaged due to their simplicity, functionality, and branding opportunities.


TOUCH SCREEN PC – iPad or Tablet PC

 

Touch screen computers come in many formats, but one of the most popular ones is the slate PCs., another is the iPad. These units are small, light, and do not require a keyboard, mouse, or even a stylus. They usually have wireless Internet capabilities and can be hooked up to a printer or other external device if necessary. Touch Screen PCs are to be used by attendees. Rent iPads or Rent Tablet PCs if any of the following uses make sense for your next meeting or event:
  • Registering AttendeesiPad Rental
  • Placing all handouts and binders on the iPad or Tablet PC
  • Attendees will be taking a lot of notes
  • PowerPoint presentations will be annotated
  • Surveying Attendees
  • Expect many last minute changes or announcements during the event

TOUCH SCREEN SMARTPHONES

 

These phones, such as the iPhone, are becoming more and more prevalent in the industry today. In the next year, more applications will be integrated into these units that were previously dedicated to PCs. The key to implementing any of the smartphone applications into an event, is everyone has to have a smartphone that can run the same application across various manufacturers. Not an easy task. Another challenge is making sure everyone at your event has one. According to The Nielsen Company findings, only 21% of the US population owns a smartphone and they estimate 50% will do so by the end of 2011. Assuming everyone at your event does have a smartphone some of the applications can be:
  • Email broadcast to attendees as updates and reminders come in
  • Taking surveys
  • Downloading PDFs and handouts
  • Sending presenters questions while they are presenting
  • Taking notes
  • Gathering contact information
AV Event Solutions are touch screen experts. Talk to them about interactive technology tool rentals such as computer kiosks, iPads, Tablet PCs, and laptops.