Shel Israel, Co-Author of Age of Context: Mobile, Sensors, Data and the Future of Privacy recently spoke to Mitra Sorrells of BizBash Magazine about the five things to be to be aware of when it comes to technology and how they will impact events in the future.
Here is a synopsis of Sorrells' interview, along with my thoughts on this, especially when it comes to trade show technology.
THE FIVE TRENDS
Israel said to be on the look out for and continue to integrate the following:
- Mobile Technology, especially Wearable Devices
We have already been introduced to some of this with Google Glass and Samsung Galaxy Gear – a watch where you can receive phone calls, texts and emails on your wrist. Smartphones will continue to improve – while tablets and laptops will become faster, lighter and cheaper.
- Social Media
It is hard to tell what platforms will survive in the next 5 years; but this is for sure – whatever social channels we evolve to – they will be apart of our everyday life. This will be true with meetings and events as well. Attendees will become reliant on social to communicate with you, other attendees and your speakers.
- Sensors: things talking to things and/or people
In newer cars, a computer tells you when you need maintenance. Your mobile device will tell you when your appointment is 15 minutes from occurring. This will continue to occur with computers and other devices you use when event planning.
- Geolocation
If you own a smartphone, it can figure out where you are and help you post your location on Facebook, Instagram and FourSquare. It can also help you map directions from Point A to B. There are apps now to show where you are on the trade show floor and those apps will continue to improve throughout time.
- Big Data
This includes data sets with sizes beyond the ability of commonly used software tools to capture, curate, and manage the data – it could have petabytes of data in a single data set.
The biggest benefit of Big Data is the ability to see trends within a person, organization or event.
TRADE SHOW USE
Geofencing uses Global Positioning System (GPS) or Radio Frequency identification (RFID) to define geographical boundaries. Programs that incorporate geofencing allow an exhibitor to set up triggers so when a device enters the booth boundaries, a text message or email alert is sent to the exhibitor as to who entered their booth.
With respect to social media, you can send tweets to your clients and prospects and/or let people know what is happening in your booth via your Video Wall – which can be viewed several feet away.
You can use pinpoint marketing – using Big Data to know where your customers are, what they are doing and what their intentions are – in order to offer them what they want, when they want it.
Take advantage of SmartSource Rentals experience and knowledge with tradeshow displays. Request a quote or call their sales team at 800-888-8686 for more information.
