Stephen Nold

Top Technologies for 2008: Cellular Technology
February 11, 2008

Cell phones represent one of the greatest untapped technology tools in the meetings industry.  While CRM solutions, airlines and even publishers have found ways to utilize and profit from cellular and PDA applications, very few meeting industry vendors tackle this vast resource.  No hardware is more abundant or more readily accessible on the tradeshow floor.  By releasing meeting professionals from the restraints of proprietary devices, a smart supplier should some day tap into this resource.

Granted, to provide this service into our market is much easier said than done.  While Windows Mobile and Palm operating platform provide the conduit to a majority of the smartphones and PDA's on a floor, application access and launch can be tricky.  Even reliable wifi or bluetooth signals for internet connectivity do not guarantee device performance.  With increase mobile security, additional barriers make it more difficult for software to automate launch processes.

Nevertheless, a few solutions deserve recognition.  Nearspace is a favorite as they provide touch points for all types of venues and events.  Bluefish Technologies is another supplier that has developed some solutions for our industry.  Many of the suppliers who were around a few years ago have either shifted their focus for these applications and moved away from mobile tools for the meetings industry or have gotten out of the business all together.

In replacement of proprietary devices, cell phones have the vast potential to generate productivity and efficiency on the show floor. In the future, the capability for attendees to access and utilize event and trade show information from their cell phones will become the rule not the exception.

Posted by Stephen Nold on February 11, 2008 | Comments (0)