May 2007
Hot Contractor Technologies
28 new high-tech products and services from official service contractors and specialty contractors to consider for your next show

By Kelly Lanigan

Setting up and tearing down an exhibition has always been and will always be a labor-intensive process. But today’s contractors are working on new ways to use technology before, during and after events to make operations run more smoothly, as well as create time- and cost-saving efficiencies for show management. At the same time, contractors are developing new products and services to simplify the logistics of exhibiting, making it easier for your customers to do business with you. 
New and improved online exhibitor service manuals, online ordering, Web registration and radio frequency identification (RFID) are among the hottest new technologies. What kinds of high-tech features can you look forward to using to make planning your next event a little easier? EXPO asked official service contractors and specialty contractors to identify their latest high-tech products and services, and we highlight some their new offerings here (listed in alphabetical order by company).
 
Official service contractors
1. The Expo Group: cyberservices
The Expo Group has upgraded modules of its business method and exhibitor service ordering system. The company’s cyberservices technology allows exhibitor orders for all services to be placed online 24/7 through a secure Web portal. Originally introduced in 1997, The Expo Group’s cyberservices are used by about 40 percent of exhibitors who order online. To increase usage, The Expo Group has introduced the First Contact module, in which exhibitors are sent an e-mail asking how they prefer to do business. Exhibitors click through to a Web site where they can choose between manual or online ordering through cyberservices. The system has been updated to send an exhibitor service manual or not, and it alerts the customer account manager working with that exhibitor as to his or her preferences.

2. The Freeman Cos.: ExhibitPlanner
The Freeman Cos.’ ExhibitPlanner is the company’s newest collaborative and interactive technology service. The product aims to make event management more convenient, cost-effective and efficient for show managers and exhibitors. ExhibitPlanner, a Web-based application for exhibitors who plan 20 or more events, offers exhibitors the ability to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all exhibit properties, as well as schedule and check in and out properties for individual events. Other features include creating and printing set-up and other logistics details for each exhibit and maximizing inventory usage to minimize expenses for new properties and unnecessary shipments.

3. GES: IntelliKit
GES’ new exhibitor service manuals, IntelliKits, will be available in the second quarter of 2007. Designed on a similar platform as tax software products, the IntelliKits software will provide exhibitors with an electronic version of the current exhibitor service manuals. Even as more exhibitors switch from traditional paper catalogs to a CD format, they’re still required to complete forms by hand and submit by fax or mail for manual input. IntelliKits will offer exhibitors an automated ordering process, which will enable them to place orders while viewing the kit on a computer. Once electronic orders are placed and sent to GES via the Internet, fax or mail, they’ll be processed using bar-coded forms, eliminating the need for manual input. GES IntelliKits will also offer easier navigation and tailored forms for specific products and services available at each show.

4. Hargrove: Client Connection
The Hargrove Client Connection is a Web-based customer service portal that offers live, interactive services 24/7. Client Connection allows Hargrove and its clients to manage the design and graphics process from the time materials are uploaded to final approval. Through the portal, Hargrove clients can monitor all graphics production in one location. The company tailors the interactive portal’s uses to each client’s needs. Hargrove has developed an automated system that improves work process efficiency and establishes accountability for each step of the production process. In addition, Hargrove has improved its in-house graphics printing capabilities by upgrading its print preparation software and reducing the time it takes to get graphics ready to print. The company continues to invest in high-end printers, increasing the substrate options available to clients while cutting production time.

Specialty contractors
5. a2z Inc.: Executive Dashboard
a2z Inc. has incorporated a new reporting module as part of its a2zShow. The module provides real-time performance reporting by month, displaying current revenue, compared with last year’s revenue for each company by show. Real-time reporting is available by week, including net square footage sold, available and reserved, presented as a pie chart. Results are color-coded: red for negative numbers compared with the previous year, yellow for similar numbers and green for positive numbers. The module also runs “what-if” scenarios, allowing the user to enter net square footage and revenue projections. The program then adjusts the numbers, allowing for forecasting.

6. AVW-TELAV: Digital signage
AVW-TELAV’s digital signage supports all popular media types. While units feature multiple zones and overlapping zones, as some are limited to a certain number of zones and don’t overlap, control is centralized over all signs for an event. The company’s digital signage offers detailed scheduling for design changes or message changes and connection to SQL databases. AVW-TELAV supplies the hardware and software for the digital signage, which integrates with the company’s other products.

7. Bartizan: LeadsLightning.com
LeadsLightning.com is an online service that’s free for show organizers, registration contractors and exhibitors who use Bartizan lead-retrieval. Leads captured at an event, including all demographics and qualifiers, are uploaded to the LeadsLightning portal. During and after a show, those with password-protected access to the portal can view all data in easy to understand charts and graphs. For show organizers, LeadsLightning displays aggregated data, such as the number of visitors by job title, purchasing authority, level of interest and immediacy of need, the kind of information that enables organizers to present a compelling case to prospective exhibitors.

8. Capture Technologies: Reader ID Guide
The Capture Technologies Reader ID Guide helps exhibitors manage third-party lead systems. These systems are required to synchronize badge formats used by trade show suppliers who are not held to industry standards. The guide is available to all companies seeking standardization through any third-party product.

9. CompuSystems: Interactive Attendee Web Registration
CompuSystems has developed interactive attendee Web registration. As an attendee registers for a show online, the system provides interactive conference upselling and attendee-exhibitor matchmaking. The system links buyers with appropriate products and services. Attendees are given conference options, as well as show products and services tailored to their needs. In addition, attendees are matched with appropriate exhibitors based upon those same demographics.

10. The CW Allen Group: Ground/Wall FX
Ground Effects is a video-image-based control system that showcases an interactive virtual world where the tracking system reads the position of the attendee at all times, allowing for real-time movement and interaction with the display graphics. Each Ground Effects panel places dynamic and interactive content onto the floor or wall. The Ground Effects system projects an 8- by 10-foot image on the floor in a highly trafficked area. The system may also display an interactive image approximately 8- by 20-feet onto a flat wall surface.

11. Dietze Enterprises: RFBADGE
Dietze Enterprises Inc.’s RFBADGE uses an RFID tag embedded in an attendee’s name badge for lead generation and session tracking. The RFBADGE, which fits into a standard-sized badge holder, uses an electronic storage device and data antenna embedded inside to transmit pre-determined registration information to an RFID-signal receiver. No line-of-sight or swiping of the badge or card is required for the technology to work effectively.

12. EventReady TMI: Info2Go Exhibitor Literature Kiosk
Released in January, Info2Go Exhibitor Literature Kiosks provide interactive technology to a standard literature unit. Screen 1 includes video with audio. Screen 2 is touchscreen enabled for surveys, product and session locator info, lead capture or a new product showcase. Screen 3 is static but can display slides, PowerPoint, jpegs or video without sound. Screen 4 is a backlit panel for a sponsor or association logo.

13. Exgenex: CEU tracking and certificate authorization
Exgenex has developed a system for continuing education unit (CEU) tracking and certificate authorization that integrates real-time individual room session scanning with a survey system that helps qualify individuals for earned credits. Depending on the criteria defined by the client, the session surveys can be tied into an active database that calculates and records earned credits and can issue a certificate once the pre-defined criteria is met.

14. Experient: Connexus Interactive Name Badge Solutions
Experient’s touchscreen interactive name badges for its Connexus Event Data Management (EDM) system are powered by nTAG. The system provides electronic surveys on the badge and automatically tabulates results. A real-time dashboard allows meeting planners to monitor all activities, and send messages to staff and meeting participants.

15. ExpoBadge: Product Access report
The ExpoBadge: Product Access report (EPA) is a paperless, Web-based record of all exhibitors who an attendee visits over the course of an event. During the event, exhibitors swipe the attendee’s badge at their booths. The reports include exhibitor contact information, Web site addresses and product information, all compiled for the attendee.

16. IntroNetworks System: Online event management tools
The new introNetworks System includes interactive profile creation, dynamic matching and searching, patent-pending visualization and community communication tools, community discussion forums, global and personal calendar functionality, spam-free introMail and e-mail notifications, document, photo and video file sharing, a micro-targeted messaging platform and a revenue-generating advertising engine, and community reporting.

17. Leverage Software: EventConnect
The latest version of EventConnect provides social networking and matchmaking for events and conferences. Features include profiles, matchmaking, calendaring, blogs, chats, group and forum discussions, file, photo and video sharing and ratings.

18. NewLeads: MobilePartner II
MobilePartner is an industrial grade PDA made for the trade show floor. It features built-in bar code and magstripe scanners, Bluetooth and 802.11 wireless networking. MobilePartner allows exhibitors to scan trade show badges in their booths or at outside events. MobilePartner has a “Qwerty” thumb keyboard, like a Treo or Blackberry, and allows for handwriting recognition for notetaking. It can capture the same data as a NewLeads kiosk or laptop system, allowing exhibitors to use MobilePartner and other NewLeads systems and combine all leads into one database and reporting package.

19. Next Sphere Technologies: TradeShow Manager
TradeShow Manager is an online service that allows exhibitors to order services online to organize booth space, provides show managers with show management capabilities and allows show contractors to advertise and manage services. These three features are included in one system with an integrated online payment service.

20. nTAG: nTAG Version 2
nTAG Version 2 incorporates new features, including a real-time audience response capability, which can be used to poll an audience and automatically display results onstage. An updated wireless connection between nTAG devices and servers includes the ability to change agendas, locations, schedules, and push out new or updated surveys. nTAG Version 2 badges feature a lighter, sleeker design and a high-resolution, full-color display. A Web-based administrative console provides real-time monitoring of event activities, which allows the event organizer to make adjustments in activities if desired.

21. Passkey: Smart Alerts
Passkey’s Smart Alerts are instant messages that provide show organizers and housing managers with an event report card on the status of their event housing at any given milestone. The alerts are sent to an e-mail address, whenever the organizer wants, throughout the life of the event. Planners have the ability to specify what types of reports they want sent at any preferred frequency.

22. Priority Networks: Bluesocket
Priority Networks has upgraded its wireless technology to incorporate its Bluesocket wireless gateway product. Convention centers serviced by Smart City and Priority Networks will use Bluesocket’s Secure Mobility technology for wireless data and voice applications. Bluesocket’s BlueSecure Controllers provide policy-based WLAN security and management solutions. The technology used in BlueSecure Controllers enables Smart City network administrators to automatically block network access to hackers or worm-infected users, even for “zero-day” attacks, well before traditional signature-based tools have updates available.

23. Registration Control Systems: Photo Shows
Registration Control Systems Photo Shows feature photo badges, photo attendance directories and photo leads. Most photos are received online in advance of the event. On-site registrants’ photos can be taken and transferred to the badge in less than 30 seconds. Once a photo database is built, the same electronic photos can be reused, or the photo database can be voluntarily updated.

24. Showcare: e-wizard
E-wizard is a four-step e-mail marketing program that allows exhibitors to access a selection of e-mail templates with preformatted text, which can be modified to their company’s message. Exhibitors can send e-mails to their existing clients before an event inviting them to visit their booth, or they could send an e-mail campaign to all or a selected number of the leads they captured at the event, thanking them for visiting their booth.

25. SMART-reg International: ShowFloor Detective
SMART-reg International has introduced ShowFloor Detective, which allows attendees to log onto a Web site after the show, enter their name and badge number, and bring up a list of all exhibitors who scanned their badge at the show. The service is free for attendees and show managers.

26. Trakker: T3
Compatible with barcode, RFID and MagStripe readers, T3 reads contact and demographic information encoded on the attendee’s badge and provides exhibitors with the flexibility of customizing various categories within the unit. Lead information is saved to a USB memory stick for compact file storage and transfer in addition to an internal redundant memory for extra security.

27. VoiceLogic: Voicemail Courier
VoiceLogic’s Voicemail Courier is a call center that delivers messages on every call. If the company gets a “live” answer, it reads a script. If the company gets “voicemail,” it delivers a pre-recorded message into the mailbox. This service is used primarily for notifying event attendees, as an enhancement to a direct-mail campaign. It can also be used to deliver a message from an association president, keynote speaker or other industry celebrity to thousands of attendees and prospects.

28. WingateWeb: EventLink
In March, WingateWeb released EventLink, a social networking technology that’s natively integrated into a complete event-management system so that attendees can search for peers, content, exhibitors and surveys simultaneously.

More on EXPOweb.com

Click here to download a list of North American official service contractors and specialty contractors, including complete contact information as well as products and services offered.

Find links to these EXPO archived articles:
Cheat Sheet: RFID, February 2007
Cheat Sheet: Selecting an A/V company, July/August 2006
Best Practices: Social Networking, April 2005
Could your contractor save your show?, April 2003