Inspiring innovation in a competitive environment, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) is launching a new program at its August Executive Conference in Washington D.C., according to society officials.
Competing before SISO executive-level attendees and sharing thinking on business models, technology and talent will be companies with breakthrough event tech or new business models at the SISO Event Innovation Battlefield.
“This is a way we can get forward-thinking ideas in front of the people who can make things happen in a short-time period,” said David Adler, board member, SISO.
Adler and Marco Giberti, president of Reed Latin America, pioneered the program, which is designed to keep SISO members ahead of the curve. SISO members are represented by their respective presidents, CEOs and owners and meet twice a year to exchange ideas, share experiences and launch industry-wide projects.
“The Event Innovation Battlefield will become a hub for innovation, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive director, SISO. “It gives our members the ability to see what’s on the drawing boards now that will drive our industry in the future. Not only does it give SISO the chance to attract the right companies interested in investing in our industry, but we can also help incubate, develop and assist in the delivery of products and services to the market.”
The company that wins the Event Innovation Battlefield title will be mentored by SISO leaders and gain access to some of the largest companies in the event industry. Winning presenters will receive recognition through the SISO website and the event industry press. Prestige from the award allows start-ups to gain a foothold in the marketplace.
An abbreviated version of the competition takes place at the 2013 meeting before SISO brings it to the 2014 Executive Conference in Atlantic City. Executives will experience industry innovations while three vetted presenters showcase their concept, creativity and product benefits. Following critiques by an expert panel, the audience will cast their vote for the product and presentation they found most impactful, and then winners are named.
Battlefield will become a permanent feature in 2014. Only companies that have outpaced the competition throughout the application process will showcase their innovations at the Executive Conference in the categories of Event Technology, Event Business Models and Student Presentations.
