IMS Technology Services provides hard and soft goods for an event at the Sheraton Society Hill hotel in Philadelphia, PA
"More recently," Cataldi continues, "clients are most interested in engaging an audience in a networking or group for- mat. We often suggest a spin on old- fashioned audience response systems (ARS) by introducing the use of iPads at the event. Also, we enhance the traditional seating room layout by replac- ing it with POD seating. This is where groups of 8 to 10 attendees sit at oblong tables that are strategically placed in the room so as to be asymmetrical. This layout in and of itself generates interest,as it is not the norm. Guests can collaborate on questions to determine the best solu- tion, sparking thoughts and ideas among the group as they communicatewith each other. This also encourages teamwork and involvement without anyone having to feel nervous about asking a question during a Q&A session while standing behind a microphone with all eyes on them in the center isle of a ballroom."
Social media plays a big part in produc- ing early analytics when planning a meet- ing or event, says Cataldi. Planning a social media campaign with consistent branding can be invaluable when gener- ating prospective audience attendance interest.
"Scheduled posts at different times of the day and taking into consideration time zone differences will provide initial insights as to who is viewing," he says. "Offering blog content or the ability for the participant to join a community or
52 September October 2014
share ideas is part of a new wave of net- working."
Brinkman says that social media is all about gaining exposure. "Right now, social media provides a significant amount of exposure. Mobile apps are popular and can be cost effective espe- cially for a large event. You can utilize the social media or mobile app to 'quiz' your attendees and see howmuch information they are retaining. It also can be used to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to connect at the event,and you canmake a 'game' out of the event, too, by giving points to attendees for providing various information through social media or the app that is being used."
For those in search of something new and unique, Cataldi offers clients of IMS Technology Services something called 360 Photo Sphere. "A 360-degree photo has been around for some time now," he notes. "Just do a search on Google or any real estate website. The difference with the IMS 360 Photo Sphere is the ability to custom design areas within the virtual environment. We have been using this technology when designing large confer- ences that have many tracks or sessions."
He continues, "Imagine opening a 360- degree photo where you could click on the door of session room and see what topic was being presented. How about a link to a live stream so you can preview it and gauge your interest before walking all
theway across a large conference facility? Visual maps can provide directions to meet up points during the conference. Branding sponsorship opportunities in the virtual world can be sold without the cost of printed
signage.And all of this is hand-held device capable. We offer more information about this technology online:
www.imstechnologyservices.com/360tour."
Offering this product and other innovative ideas allows IMS to bring their clients a fresh approach and a new way of looking at their events, says Cataldi. "Our trusted clients depend on IMS to help bring their vision to reality. When meeting at the beginning of the planning stage, we per- form a full discovery and desired out- come analysis. Our pre-event interview uncovers the facts, issues, needs and dreams as expressed by the stakeholders. By sharing a clear understanding of expectations and what calls to action will be measured,we can dive into a collabo- rative brainstorming discussion.”
Such pre-event meetings are the time to bring everyone on board and work together to make sure that everything will run smoothly, and it also can be the best time to bring in outside help, especially when a planner doesn't know everything about the technology they will need.
As Covington points out, "It is not the event planner’s job to be tech savvy…it’s not what they get paid for. The best advice that I can give is to bring in an
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