As the events & conference industry gears up for 2016’s busy season, planners are scrolling through their Rolodex of ideas as to how they can create a more effective general session, promote attendee engagement during breakout sessions, and generate more interaction throughout their multi-day programs. At times, event goers often find themselves disengaged by the 2^nd day because the event agenda doesn’t include the type of technology vital to engagement, and there’s no substance to grab, and hold, your attention. Sound familiar?

Well, as our world becomes more visual, one trend that is keeping event goers focused is touch screen technology. Touch screens are changing the way we present traditional content during events by allowing the speaker or user to interact with the projection surface, or touchscreen, and display their content to small or large audiences. Touchscreens are a great tool to use during events not only to promote a higher level of participation, but also to spice up your company’s message so that it resonates with attendees. Featuring a high resolution screen and a touch layer that allows the user to control the touchscreen similar to your mobile device, their endless capabilities are perfect for enhancing content.

Let’s take a look at some top examples of touchscreen technology in the meeting place:

Touch Screen Whiteboards

Whiteboards allow 1 or more users to draw & write on the board at the same time. Whiteboards work by simply connecting to a computer via USB cable, with the computer connected to a projector. In a recent Successful Meetings article, Les Goldberg, LMG CEO & President explains, “With these boards, you can write on them with your finger or a stylus but, at the same time, other meeting attendees can log into the software and draw into it.”

Touch Screen Monitors for Event Menus & Schedules

Similar to using a “check in” kiosk at an airport, or using the touch screen to order your favorite hoagie from Wawa, these interactive monitors allow attendees to scroll through an event agenda or schedule at their convenience. You can create content that you want attendees to view as they interact with the touch screen, allowing for a more effective way to communicate and learn. Even event registration can be done by placing the touch screens near entrance ways for your attendees to check in. Attendee contact information can all be saved in the cloud for easy access when needed.

Touch Video Wall

Go big or go home. If you really want your conference to stand out among the others, plan to have a touch video wall to wow your audience and reinforce your message. A true giant among the top trends, the visual impact of video walls are second to none, and allow users to scroll through content or display videos for learning purposes. Many sales conferences will use a video wall for the purpose of instilling games into their agendas, as a moderator can influence and heighten competition within their sales teams. Event planners often will use the video wall to immediately attract attendee attention by placing the video wall near a main entrance. With such a bold display greeting attendees at the entrance, attendees immediately know that technology and visual display of content are core components of the event.

Other areas great applications for video walls include:

• Corporate events
• Trade shows
• Conventions
• Conferences
• Lobbies
• Broadcasts
• Digital signage
• Theater presentations
• Any indoor event

Watch as Julie Renninger demonstrates a touchscreen monitor in action

 Article written by Brian Spencer, National Account Manager

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