Digital Signage Expo has been around for many years and has long become the must-attend annual event for those involved in digital signage and digital out-of-home advertising.
I talked with Andrea Varrone, the Show Director at Exponation LLC, about this year’s trade show and conference that will take place on March 28-31 in Las Vegas.
What will be different at DSE 2017, compared to previous years?
We have added some new programs to broaden the experience for DSE attendees this year. First and foremost, we have created several industry-specific Breakfast Keynote sessions as opposed to one General Keynote session in previous years. Because our show speaks to over 20 Key Vertical Markets, we wanted to help create a more specialized experience for attendees. There will also be a “general end user” Breakfast Keynote for those that wish to have a broader overview.
Secondly, we have added a New Attendee Bootcamp to help assist first-timers with mapping out a game plan for the week.
Thirdly, we have developed DSE Central Park – a meeting ground and learning center for attendees in the heart of the show floor. Central Park will house our expanded On-Floor Workshop Theater, New Products pavilion, Concession area, and Interactive products on display such as Virtual Reality (courtesy of our new exhibitor, Basha Media).
Lastly, if you are an OOH network, you won’t want to miss Tuesday’s DOOH Strategy Summit produced by the Digital Signage Federation. Topic will include buzzworthy sessions regarding Smart Cities, Programmatic ad buying (a rapidly growing component of digital signage), Ad Tech, and Global Customer Experience.
Andrea Varrone
As the digital signage industry continues to grow, the trade shows and conferences covering it also multiply. How would you define DSE’s strengths over competition?
It’s simple, we are the only worldwide trade show and conference with a dedicated focus on digital signage. Many other shows are introducing digital signage, but no other event has over 100 speakers and 200+ exhibits with such a dedicated focus.
It seems like this year you are putting more emphasis on the DOOH advertising aspect of digital signage. Why is that?
Digital signage is finally at the forefront of advertising. Cable is no longer the only option. The networks are popping up everywhere, which is a bonus for the entire industry. DSE is a place where you can learn how to successfully implement a digital signage network that fits your needs.
What are the newest trends in the composition of exhibitors? Attendees?
Newest categories of exhibitors include Holograms, Transparent Screens, Beacon Technology.
Newest trends among attendees – we are seeing a huge uptick in Corporate Communications and Higher Education. Cities are also starting to attend to look at options similar to the LINKNYC project.
What would be your advice to those who will be attending the show for the first time?
Attend the New Attendee Bootcamp on Tuesday afternoon. This is a free session that will arm you with the tools to make the most out of your experience. I would also recommend reaching out to our Attendee Relationship Manager Tara Grooms. Tara can assist you with Registration to make sure you are making the most of the week. You can reach Tara at tgrooms@exponation.net or 770-817-6190.
And your advice to first-time exhibitors?
Please take advantage of the pre-show marketing we offer exhibitors. You can’t rely solely on setting up a booth and hoping the right attendees stop by. Reach out to your Sales Rep and let them assist you with getting the word out. Utilize the Exhibitor Invites program that Exponation is paying for. We don’t consider DSE a success without return exhibitors year after year.
To learn more, visit the Digital Signage Expo web site.