(Pictured above: AllSpace has pivoted a substantial portion of its work into solutions for the post-COVID workplace)
Change is coming, and just as the early sprouts that break ground at the beginning of spring, the tradeshow industry is tentatively beginning to show signs of life. But how will that new life look once it blooms? In the latest exploration into how the event and convention industry is getting ready to reopen the doors, meet the innovative thinkers who are paving the way to what will hopefully be a temporary stay in the “new normal” of excessive regulations.
by Amadeus Finlay
Nestled in the lee shore of Cape Cod, Mass., sits the cozy seaside settlement of Bourne. Best known as a gateway to the beaches of the rich and famous, Bourne has recently found itself at the forefront of the changing face of the tradeshow and convention industry. On June 4, the town’s event registration, business intelligence and lead management firm, Convention Data Services launched DigiBadge, an event check-in solution m
anaged directly from a personal mobile device, and it is already creating waves.
Considered a “fundamental part of CDS’ Touchless Toolkit,” DigiBadge (pictured right) provides a safe, touchless, and efficient self-check-in registration solution for all event types and sizes. Not that this way of thinking is anything new for CDS. Over the past 30 years, CDS has focused its attentions on creating innovative registration solutions, and DigiBadge answers the market’s call for a touchless onsite environment.
“Our top priority is moving attendees through registration with care and ease,” explains John Kimball, president and CEO. “DigiBadge allows us to securely track attendees and create safe interactions.”
A simple process, users download the app onto their mobile device and follow an entirely digital course through to registration. In-built data allows users access to the show floor, without once ever needing to engage in analog processes. Simple, and really quite genius.
But CDS isn’t the only mover and shaker in the Bay State. A little under 40 miles to the north of Bourne is Brookline Transportation (BTI) of Hannover, Mass. A Mayflower Van Lines agent specializing in commercial, lab, medical, science and residential moves, BTI has been developing office solutions with an eye on the business landscape of tomorrow.
In preparation for adjusted work norms and behaviors in a post-pandemic workplace, the 77-year-old firm recently expanded its offerings with exactly that in mind. Understanding that the focus on hygiene and sterilization is so acute some companies are even opting to gut their spaces and try again, BTI steps in and offers stress-free solutions, whether decommissioning some office furniture or removing pieces of technology.
“BTI’s retrofit services focus on revamping or removing items from office space and other facilities going through a downsize or upgrade,” explains owner George Rohlfing. “Those services can range from decommissioning old workstations to installing—wait for it—cubicles. We took the cubicles out when everybody went to an open floor plan. [But with social distancing now in place] we can help in putting some version of those cubicles back if that’s what companies want.”
In the Midwest, industry veteran The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group has launched four new solutions for companies operating under COVID-19 guidelines. Designed to enhance marketing and operations during the “new normal,” these services range from virtual alternatives to in-person events, and DIY packaged exhibits (shipped directly to the show floor—just add water) to rental structures designed to make workplaces safer (pictured left, an Automatic Disinfection Channel).
“In talking with our clients, they are asking for new ways to market their brand, while keeping their employees and their customers safe,” reveals Karin Roberts, marketing manager at TTNMG. “They are seeking creative approaches to telling their brand story. Our virtual exhibit experience is one innovative and unique way to do that.”
Rounding off on a global note, the AllSpace Group of Las Vegas, Canada and Italy, recently announced a line of products exclusively designed for a post-COVID environment. Having pivoted a substantial portion of its focus over the past few months onto effective developing solutions for tomorrow’s workplace, the comprehensive nature of the new AllSafe line of products underlines AllSpace’s position as a definitive tradeshow and event company of the future. Among the many innovative new designs are smart symptom-testing stations, sanitizing gateways that emanate dry, sanitized mists (pictured right), and even safe stations for kids.
“Instead of just waiting for tradeshows to restart,” explains CEO Tanya Miller, “we wanted to create something that could help push for the reopening of tradeshows. But slowly the choice became bigger and bigger, and now we have developed products for all businesses that have to reopen.”
“The feedback has been amazing,” she concludes.
Upcoming stories in this series will feature companies and individuals who have risen to the occasion to build temporary medical facilities, masks and whatever is needed during the current crisis. If your company is going above and beyond to assist in this fight, please email us at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com and Amadeus at amadeus_finlay@hotmail.com for inclusion in future stories in this series.
