Jason Cataldi, CTS was interviewed for the "Outlook for 2017" article that appears in the January/February 2017 edition of Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine.

For trends in the year ahead relating to technology and the use of audio-visual equipment and services, Jason Cataldi, CTS, the VP of sales and marketing for IMS Technology Services, Inc. offers up a few predictions.

"For 2017, I think we will continue to see the use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality entering into our meetings and events," he says. "Audience engagement, while nothing new, is a hot topic that many clients are starting to measure much more closely. Companies are asking IMS how they can maximize their return on investment. Our answer is to provide a different return on experience. Think outside the box. Instead of presenting to an audience, create an atmosphere that actively includes them in the dialogue or encourages genuine participation."

He continues, "If you had three co-workers to stand before the same group of peers and ask each of them the same question, would you expect that they would all offer the same response? Of course not. Effective communication is 55 percent visual, 38 percent tonality, and seven percent words. Working closely with a technology partner who understands these principles could be the difference in achieving desired results."

Cataldi also looks ahead to 2017 with genuine excitement about where the hospitality industry is headed as a whole. For the hospitality, meetings and events industry in Philadelphia, I am excited to build upon the successes of 2016. The spotlight was on our community, and we delivered a performance worthy of a standing ovation (with the papal visit and the Democratic National Convention coming to town). With that, Philadelphia is on the rise as a destination city. I see more companies, non-profits and associations looking to hold their conferences and special programs in our backyard. Some for the first time staying closer to home, while others will be traveling across country."

In terms of goals and expectations for IMS, Cataldi says that, in looking forward, it also is important to look back. "As I started to gather my thoughts about expectations and aspirations for 2017, I paused for a moment to do a quick mental rewind of 2016. Hard to believe that my incredible team supported over 1,400 meetings and events covering 32 states and five countries. We provided production and technical support for traditional business meetings and social gatherings, for Pope Francis' visit, the Democratic National Convention, and for President-elect Donald Trump."

"We celebrated another banner year with 135 percent growth, new jobs, and a second brick and mortar location in Orlando, Florida," he adds.

Read the full article including the outlook for trends in meetings, and linens and decor in the current issue of Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine.

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