Attendees experienced a full day of technology education through hands-on workshops along with a keynote from Paul Bettner, co-creator of Words with Friends, and a closing session featuring Scott Klososky, an international technology speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and author specializing in translating and bridging technology “mind gaps” to improve business processes.
“Any business professional who hosts large events gained tools to make the process easier, more efficient and productive,” said Ann Windham, president and CEO, Imagine Xhibits. “The best companies need the best tools. We want to put meeting and event planners in the technology driver’s seat by introducing tools that can be used for all aspects of event management.”
At the end of the day, planners walked away with new ideas, inspiration and tips for putting the latest technology platforms and strategies to efficient use in producing events and tradeshows. Whether managing technology, such as QR codes, mobile apps, virtual tradeshows, social media, online asset management, interactive media or live stream video on electronic devices as simple as a mobile phone, attendees were urged to maintain focus on the message.
Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Maura Gast was a featured speaker at the one-day summit. She also participated in a panel discussion on the “Future of F2F Marketing” with fellow meetings industry and technology leaders Michael Dominguez, chair of Meeting Professionals International (MPI); Alex Hinojosa, vice president of Media Operations at EMSI Public Relations; Vicki Hawarden, president of IAVM; and Cathy Breden, chief operating officer of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and executive director of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
“Technology is the medium; what matters is the message,” said Gast. “Technology continues to change so many things about how meetings and events happen, as well as how we communicate and interact with our customers in between. But, as important as all the technological advancements are to make us more creative and more efficient, TSTS ‘13 reinforced how critical face-to-face interaction always will be.”
Imagine Xhibits is a full-service tradeshow marketing company that offers custom design exhibits using modular components, expert face-to-face marketing consultants, quarterly seminars offering continuous education by certified trainers; in-house design services for custom structures, graphic design and brand development; turn-key services and exhibit management program for all logistical needs; and a one-stop shop for meeting planning, promotional products and collateral website. For more information, visit imaginexhibits.com.
Located in Irving’s Las Colinas area, the $133 million, 275,000 square-foot convention center takes a new direction in a landscape of traditionally “institutional” facilities. Its distinctive design and mission for top-quality service mirrors the sense of quality that exists in Irving’s 12,000-acre Las Colinas development.
