Tag Archives: Twitter

Does the Look of a QR Code Really Matter?

Last week, a Twitter friend – Chris Augeri – asked me what I thought about “QR art,” specifically, QR codes that are actually designed. That is, QR codes that incorporate some sort of color and/or graphical element that makes it look a little bit more pleasing, perhaps enticing, than a black and white box. Something like this:

My response was that I think QR art is an exercise in design futility. At least right now. I don’t think that the way the QR code looks has any marked difference in how many times it’s scanned.

I think people will scan if they a) like the brand/organization and are just generally interested in what they have to offer or b) perceive that there is some value behind the code. That’s pretty much it. Not because what the QR code looks like. Because of what they can get from it.

So, I offer this up to you. Are you more compelled to scan this?:

Or this?:

Glee’s Simple #Hashtag Lesson

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More and more, people are consuming media through multiple channels at the same time. TV and Twitter seem to be today’s peanut butter and jelly. Same can be said for digital signage and mobile. In fact, last week RMG announced a huge partnership with BlueBite, ScreenReach, and Locamoda (separately) that will enable mobile integration into their massive network of screens all over the U.S. Consumers have the ability and preference to be connected in more ways than one. And they’re doing it. The day of single-channel media consumption is gone.

Last night, when I was watching Glee, I noticed a smart addition (and it’s not Kristin Chenoweth) to the show. The #Glee hashtag watermarked on the screen throughout the entire episode.

Glee is certainly not the only show to advertise a specific hashtag, but it’s the first (that I’ve seen) to do it in this way. Constant. Throughout.

Now, I’d be curious to know if the average consumer knows a) what a hashtag is and if they do, b) how to use them. While Twitter adoption has certainly grown, I wonder about the finer nuances of the tool, like the use of hashtags. It’s an easy concept, though, and just as easy to apply.

Hashtags are used for 1 simple reason: to aggregate conversation around a single subject. Twitter and Facebook and blogs and any other social media channel you can think of have enabled consumer opinion/conversation to be more accessible than ever before. Those opinions and conversation influence what someone watches or buys or even talks about.

From a brand’s perspective, aggregating conversation that is already happening around a product/brand/subject is extremely important. It helps bring the conversation into one “stream” and show the totality of conversation. From a consumer’s perspective, it’s another way to connect and converse with like-minded people.

I think brand strategists and storytellers, who are responsible for telling a brand’s story and/or representing them across the multi-channel media ecosystem (which definitely includes digital signage/any sort of OOH), can take this page out of Glee’s playbook: Add a hashtag to your message/story. Constant. And throughout.

People are connected to multiple devices at any given time. They’re constantly talking to their own social networks. And chances are, they’re consuming media in more volume throughout their days. So, when they consume your media, on whatever channel – in and out of their homes – make it easier for them to connect with others around your product/brand/story. Make it easier on yourself to start to aggregate that conversation. In the end, you’ll be making the entire experience easier on consumers, your fans and yourself.

Friday 4-1-1, “PR”/Social Style

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Back in Dallas today after a whirlwind tour this week. From New York, I flew to Detroit for meetings, then finally made my way home last night. Just in time to see my kids before they went to bed. I’m such a homebody. I love being in my home around my family. My wife and I just sat in silence and talked. It was nice.

Now, here we go again. Back at it. As I’ve said before, the one thing that I don’t like about live-blogging events is that I don’t really get to put my commentary on what I’m hearing. I sprinkle things in here and there, but for the most part, I haven’t found a way to successfully manage that part of blogging events. I think there’s a lot of value to get down what others are saying so all of you can get a glimpse into other perspectives. That’s the primary reason I approach conferences and live blogging the way I do. Do you find value in that? I would love to know if I’m off base.

What I want to do for today’s Friday 4-1-1 is take what I heard from the conference and give you my thoughts on some of the things that stuck out to me. First, as a digital practitioner, most of the “digital” conversation was basic and not new to me. I really enjoyed hearing different approaches to the “types” of work that we’re faced with on a daily basis – the crisis management session really stuck out to me. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been dealing with a few clients on this very thing and it’s a type of work that I’ve never done before so it’s just fascinating in general. But, there were others:

1. I heard multiple times something along the lines of “merging the offline with the online.” This, of course, makes my ears perk up because I want to see how other people are thinking about this concept. It’s clear that people have an intuition that this is becoming more prevalent and possible, but noone talked about any other “screen” than the mobile phone in relation to “walking down the street.” If we think there is a huge need for education in the “digital signage” industry, I’m here to tell you there is a huge need for education across the board. Agencies like mine even have a hard time understanding a) what the “new” OOH is and more importantly, b) the potential of it. Yes, it includes mobile, but it’s much more than mobile. It’s much more than “digital signage,” too.

2. I enjoyed hearing much more talk centered around relationships than platforms. I believe whole-heartedly this is the right way to think about brands touching people. It’s not so much what brands touch people on (platform or channel), it’s about how they touch people and with what (content). Brands need to look no further than what’s already happening on each “platform” for how people naturally use them. The platforms are already being used and used in a way that allow people to connect (in the way they want to connect) with others and build relationships. If a brand is going to be successful in today’s ecosystem, they (and the agencies that support them) should understand that to be sustainable, you have to focus on the relationship, not the platform. Same thing with “digital signage” – it’s not about digital signage, it’s about using this technology in a way that it actively builds relationships between brands and consumers. It’s powerful if used properly and ineffective, just as any other channel, if not.

3. Today, more than ever before, people/brands/agencies are making things up as they go along. This is a new era and people have to come to terms with the fact that there might not be any “example” of a particular type of work – social, mobile, and/or OOH. This is exciting and daunting, for sure. This makes relationships and trust more important than ever – not only with communities, but between agencies and clients. It’s important to think things through and do as much due diligence as possible, but in reality, we are (literally) all learning together. Be smart. Be brave.

4. If you want to be successful in “social” – and this is for anyone – brands, businesses, bloggers – don’t make everything entirely about YOU. It’s not. You and your contribution are certainly important. The way that you contribute can make or break you. It either builds trust or breaks it. But it’s important to recognize your community. Think of ways you can do this. People just want to belong to something, and they’re willing to have brands involved, too. Just as long as it doesn’t become a selfish act and “pushing” anything in their face.

“Uh-huh” – man, the crisis panel and the make-up of the panelists was the highlight for me. If you sat in that session, you would have walked out of there learning more in an hour than you might have in a year. Here are some of the best nuggets that I took away, and they don’t need any additional commentary. If you’re ever faced with a crisis, read this and follow what speaks to you:

If someone asks, “what should my digital crisis management plan be,” your first question back should be – “Do you have a regular crisis management plan?” The approaches can’t be independent of one another.

Brands and detractors have the same tools. Those detractors are smart and resourceful.

If you do not have a social presence and a voice right now, start creating one immediately.

Don’t wait for a crisis to start developing relationships. Again, if you’re not doing this right now, start immediately.

There are no “special” crisis tools to use in a crisis. Use simple, common tools that are at your disposal all the time – search, legal council, email, and your website.

When faced with a crisis, remember 2 simple things – 1) overcommunicate and 2) don’t make the problem worse.

“Duh” – I don’t know if anyone else is tired of it, but I’ve just about had enough of all of this social media speak. I am around it all the time and we always joke about throwing around the buzzwords – engagement, listening, Facebook, Twitter, funnel, interesting intersection – ugh. I tried to separate myself from my body and “hear” what people were saying to me and I just thought, this is disgusting. We should ban those words (not just the above, but all of them. Good resource HERE) forever. Call me out, too. It’s easy to get sucked in and start speaking wah, wah, wah, wah, wah.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone! And thanks for reading!

Panel 5 – Digital PR Summit – Smart Digital Tactics During a Crisis

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Here we go again. Rapid fire today.

Panelist – John Bell (360 Digital Influence, Ogilvy)

5 trends in Digital Crisis Mgt: 1) Everything happens at lightning speed, 2) People demand hyper-transparency, 3) Dialogue is as important as message delivery, 4) Search reputation delivers multimedia, 5) Brand detractors have the same tools

Understanding what to do in the first 24 hours is critical. Don’t have to respond/react quickly all the time.

2-way dialogue is essential. You have to be ready to answer for everything.

Panelist – Dallas Lawrence (Burson-Marsteller) – this dude is no joke. Seems like a real smart guy, straight-shooter, fast talker.

How you sell this crisis planning in the online space? We are great storytellers for our clients, but horrible about telling our own stories.

3 key online threats today: 1) accidental 2) deliberate but uncoordinated 3) organized campaigns

You have to be prepared to tackle any of these threats. Do you have a social presence? A voice?

Good, interesting stats – 75% receive news, 50% actively gather news, 37% create news.

If marketing is running social media, do they know how to handle crisis? There must be integration with corporate communications. If not, it’s fatal.

6 out of 10 members of the House of Representatives are on Twitter and more Republicans on Twitter than Democrats.

Panelist – Gary Spangler (DuPont)

Going to talk about “issues” management, not particularly “crisis” management. Search is a huge component. Paid search specifically. Buy keywords, send them to your content. Yes.

If you deliver your voice in a valid, transparent, caring way, consumers are willing to hear your point of view.

If brand has negative attack and all the brand does is set the record straight on the negative issue, the issue is still going to remain. The brands have to turn it into a positive. Need to leverage relationships/earned media at this point. When writing a press release, make it a social media press release. Create that same piece of content in a way that it can be blogged, tweeted, etc… Don’t have to use them, but you have them.

Between issues, you need to be developing relationships with influencers. Build trust. This is such a vital component to managing any issue/crisis.

Panelist – Sarah Tyre (Ketchum)

Again, it’s important to have a presence. Also, as much as you can, set ground rules/expectations. So, if someone has a complaint w/ their vehicle (let’s say), here’s the person/channel to contact. Secondly, you’ve got to listen and respond. Respond quickly, openly, honestly.

If someone asks, “what should my digital crisis management plan be,” your first question back should be – “Do you have a regular crisis management plan?” The approaches can’t be independent of one another.

Three steps – Diagnose (goals, set focus), Manage (strategize, determine best voice, engage), Redefine (measure, optimize)

Need to train company/organization on crisis response.

Don’t look at social media space in a vacuum.

Questions – what are the most underutilized tools in crisis management? John – SEO/SEM and video. Dallas – Twitter and general council. Gary – email and web pages. Sarah – SEM. (All of these are basic. Smart. Don’t need to overthink “channels.”)

Dallas gives another nugget in the Q&A session: Over-communicate, don’t make the problem worse.

Friday 4-1-1, Twitter Style #friday411screen

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Happy Friday! 2day’s 411 is all about Twitter- what I’ve tweeted this week, inc. character limit. like my new #tag? happened accidentally

1. How Popular Is the iPhone, Really? [INFOGRAPHIC] – not every1 has 1 & not every1 loves/wants 1. For DS, good that 1/4 of US phones R smart.

2. Word-of-mouth still largely an offline phenomenon – ppl still talk face 2 face. Alot of this happens OOH. DS is great connection.

3. How 2 build relationships w social content creators -$179/124 rate 4 blogs/tweets. In future, evryone will be creators. DS opp – aggregate/connect.

4. How Social Media Marketers Can Convert Attention Into Action – um, 1 phrase for you “social media marketers” – digital/interactive signage.

“Uh-huh” – State of LBS & Mktg – great, comprehensive post by 1 of my colleagues here. Only thing missing here & key-DOOH/IOOH integration/connection.

“Duh” – New App Rewards Shoppers 4 Scanning Barcodes – anothr 1 in the mix. For iPhone users only (see #1). Confusing 2 consumers? When’s “2 many?”

Thx, as always for reading. I really appreciate it! Would love to see this #tag used on Fridays (I know it’s long)!!

Microsoft’s Microsoft Tag for Microsoft Office FTW!

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Good post today by my buddy, David Weinfeld, about 2-D barcodes, specifically how much they’ve been used this year, even citing a ScanLife report that shows a 700% increase in barcode scanning. It’s a big number, but you must consider that it almost started at 0 in January. The number of people who actually use this technology is still small. What I found more interesting in the report was a) 1/2 of the barcode users were 35-45 skewing more male (I found this a high demo – would have thought it would be younger) and b) the most popular smartphone platform among users was the Google Android platform, followed by BlackBerry, then by iPhone. It’s one of the few times I’ve seen anything led by something non-iPhone, particularly with the use of new technology.

This morning, I came across a Microsoft ad that featured one of their Microsoft Tags.

I had high expectations for this experience, it being a Microsoft Tag on a Microsoft ad about Microsoft Office. (I didn’t quite get the 3-D thing on the text – don’t know if you can see it, but I looked past it). What I got was a nice, easy site with videos. My first impression was that it was good, but really, it just left me feeling like it was any other code/scanning experience that I’ve seen.

Then, I looked closer and went through the experience again. I have to say, it’s well thought-out and includes some little things that really separate it from others that I’ve seen. First, the videos are highly produced and there are lots of them! And they’re all sharable via Facebook and/or Twitter. The social integration is smooth and it pre-polpulates an #Office2010 hashtag. Besides that, it gives you a blank field to draft your own tweet. (Having done this before, I’ve elected to pre-draft the entire tweet for the user, including the hashtag, just for the ease of experience. In the end, people are used to drafting tweets on their phone so I suppose it doesn’t make much of a difference). The most important aspect here is that this feature extends the brand experience beyond this particular “channel.”

They extend channels via another feature, too – an email sign up to “receive details on how to get a free trial of Office 2010.” This not only drives the user deeper into the brand, it drives them one step closer to purchase, which is the end goal, right? Smart.

And on top of it all, navigating this mobile site is like navigating any good website on your computer.

This is what I expect from one of these experiences, particularly from a maker of this type of technology. I’m glad I looked again, because it gave me a chance to notice things I should notice. It doesn’t always have to be unique right off the bat, upon first glance. Often times, regardless of what technology or channel it’s in, the elegance is in the details. As is the case here.

700% shows awareness of this technology. That’s a great indicator of widespread adoption. What’s on the other end of the scan, as David and anyone else who’s dealt with/analyzed these technologies says, is going to be the key to real adoption.

Friday’s 4-1-1, Mobile-Style

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It’s Friday and time for the 2nd Friday 4-1-1 series. This installation is all about mobile, particularly the specific enabling technologies associated with mobile that have an opportunity to make brand interaction richer & deeper when coupled with OOH/DOOH/IOOH. If you’re a new reader, I think there is a difference between what makes “digital” Out of Home and “interactive” Out of Home – “digital” is made possible through display technology, “interactive” is made possible through enabling technologies. These technologies enable deeper interaction with a brand and its OOH/DOOH installation. You can think of it like this:

Enabling technology (and there are many of them) + OOH/DOOH = IOOH (Interactive Out of Home)

Display technology + OOH = DOOH

My premise is “Digital” Out of Home cannot be made interactive without any of these enabling technologies. So, today, I’ll focus on 3 mobile enabling technologies – augmented reality, geo-location, and of course, QR codes. Here’s the 4-1-1:

1. Facebook Places Propels SCVNGR to 100,000 Downloads in 48 Hours – reality check, first of all – the “general” consumer doesn’t use geo-location apps like FourSquare, much less a new app like SCVNGR. The penetration numbers for “digital” users who use geo-location apps are low (~4% according to Forrester). However, I believe there is loads of potential for geo-location apps like FourSquare, Gowalla, FB Places, and SCVNGR (and the others). These apps really enable a feature that I believe is core to a brand’s success in the new “Out of Home” space – reaching consumers where they are (out of home) and driving deep(er) engagement with the brand. There are few brands who have really figured out how best to do this, but there are many who are experimenting. As far as SCVNGR goes, their platform is really based on the idea of a Scavenger Hunt – users go around to different places (called “Treks”), when there, they have to complete a challenge, get rewarded via points, and then ultimately get rewarded with badges. For brands, this platform is significant because it’s a built-out mobile platform, specifically intended to provide challenge-based scavenger hunt game-play experiences. Yes, you can pretty much do the same thing with FourSquare (you have to work through FourSquare) and Gowalla (users themselves can set up “trips”), but they weren’t built for this very thing (neither of them are based on “challenges”). In my opinion, it’s a better way to reward consumers who are loyal enough to your brand to go through a challenge-based scavenger hunt (again, outside of their home) vs. just checking in repeatedly at a single place.

2. Four Seasons Joins Geo-Social Gold Rush With California Campaign – I’ve put together a number of campaigns with Gowalla – it’s not the Austin-based connection that I am high on with them, it’s really the experience they provide vs. FourSquare. (In fairness, if I could put together any geo-location-based campaign, regardless of budget/time constraints, I would probably look at using both of them, but Gowalla is easier/more accommodating to work with. FourSquare has sheer numbers, Gowalla has a more engaging experience, particularly on the brand side, in my opinion.) So, it was nice to read about a brand like Four Seasons hopping on the geo-location bandwagon. Again, this is yet another example of a brand driving engagement with consumers while they’re out and about, going through their normal day-to-day activities. Who would have ever thought that just by “checking in” some place through your mobile phone, you could get rewarded with a hotel-stay voucher.

3. Toys “R” Us Unveils Multichannel Mobiel CRM Tactics – here’s my QR code example this week. Only problem with this is that it’s launching in Hong Kong only. At least right now. Solid concept though – targeted at their loyalty card holders, those loyal consumers can unlock exclusive content through these “R” (what Toys R Us is calling them) codes and from the sounds of it, with each scan, can earn more “loyalty” points, which is of benefit to them with real-world merchandise. QR codes are commonplace in that part of the world, so I suspect this is going to be widely used. Hopefully, the campaign will make its way here and even more hopefully, US consumers will actually know what to do when they see this weird code in front of them.

4. Augmented Reality Campaign for Lustucru Pasta in 500 Supermarkets – pasta + a martian + tomatoes + Augmented Reality = AWESOME. Forget about checking into places, whoever thought they could play a game with a martian just by purchasing a box of pasta? Augmented Reality has come so far in a few short months. Now, instead of needing a black-bound box that serves as a marker and a webcam, all you need is an AR application on your mobile phone. It’s really unbelievable. For this, though, I guess the question is, “does this drive more sales?” Don’t know. After I play the game, would I want to play it again? Does it build? Is there anything deeper? If so, it could be the reason that I’d want to continue buying this pasta when I need pasta. If not, on the surface, it’s a good engagement, but what does it do to achieve longer-terms goals? It makes me smile, though. Check it out:

“Uh-huh” – Reggie Bush hit the Holy Grail by combining geo-location (FourSquare) with social media (Twitter/Facebook) and the real-world (with StickyBits). This is the perfect combination of driving Reggie Bush-brand engagement through the use of various mediums/channels, including a strong OOH play. Basically, Reggie used FourSquare like a scavenger-hunt service (should have used SCVNGR!) so that fans could find autographed footballs around the city of New Orleans in anticipation of last night’s opening NFL game. They could then attach messages to StickyBits for Reggie. Great cross-channel program.

Before I get into this week’s “Duh,” I’ll say this – I think that “OOH” as a media channel has changed drastically in the past few years. My definition of “OOH” is “anything that the user doesn’t have to own to have an experience with.” In these cases, a user needs a mobile phone, but the point in which that experience originates is always OOH and from something that they don’t need to own – checking in at a location doesn’t require you to own the location, using a QR code doesn’t require you to own the QR code, and even playing a game from a box of pasta doesn’t require you to necessarily own the box of pasta. Lines are certainly more grey than they used to be in terms of “OOH” and it’s in this grey area that I believe lives the 11th Screen.

Now, my “Duh” – it’s not an example this week, it’s a piece of advice based on a few experiences that I’ve had this week. Slow down. Life and work move very fast and most often, we make decisions in split seconds. Those decisions can have a profound impact on other people and your own work (substitute “life” with “work” if you want to). There is nothing wrong with slowing down, taking a deep breath, having a think on it, and then moving forward.

I hope you guys have a great weekend. Would love to hear anything you’ve got to say about any of this. Just shout!

A True 11th Screen Example: Nike’s Precious

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Nike one-ups the Chalkbot with Precious – the bike with a brain. This “brain,” made by Breakfast, New York is the ultimate enabling technology. It not only merges the real-world (offline) with the virtual world (online), it actually processes data like a brain and then responds (via Twitter) accordingly. It’s pretty amazing what they’ve made.

They’ve explored an interesting angle here, one that is much more in play here vs. Chalkbot – the thing (bike) is the hero, not the person (bike rider). (I also think it’s way cool that they’ve given a voice to Precious on the website, and taken it away (for the most part) from the rider, as you can see by the picture-only blog). This is a great example of the potential of the things and places around us – not people or true “screens” – that can engage consumers in ways we never thought possible. Technology is key to this. And in this specific instance, this brain technology actually enables the messaging to take on a life of its own. These messages are not customized based on the audience, they’re customized based on the messenger, powered by all of the context leading up to each message.

For marketers this is one of those game-changing ideas and executions. A thinking, talking bike? A “thing” that can provide content with a more-than-decent level of context. It truly learns as it goes. This is what gets me excited. This is the potential that I see in this space – those who are effective (will) understand the power of merging offline (which to me, is “out-of-home”) with online to create deep, meaningful brand experiences for their consumers.

Facebook + QR Codes = A Good Idea?

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Take a picture of it. Go ahead. Before you do, though, you’ll need a QR code reader application on your smartphone. Here are some suggestions:

iPhone: I-Nigma
Android: Google Zxing Readxer or BeeTagg
Blackberry: I-Nigma or BeeTagg
Windows Mobile: BeeTagg
Nokia: I-Nigma

This allows you to “read” the code – you need this to use it. And I’ve already “written” the code by inputting my URL into a simple QR code generator (don’t worry about that, it’s just a minor detail).

So, now that you can actually use it, let me tell you what it is. It’s a QR (Quick Response) code. Just like the name implies, it’s used to take you to an online destination “quickly” from your phone. People – mainly marketers – use them for various things, most notably on print pieces to drive consumers online from the actual print piece. You can also receive SMS texts and coupons through this code, if it is set up right and if your reader application accepts those forms of data. There are many other uses, from self-promotion to personal information (business card-like) to rich multimedia content delivery. They’re really big in Japan/SE Asia, in large part due to the absence of a QWERTY keyboard. They haven’t really caught on in the U.S. But it’s a good concept, right? Take a picture, automatically find more information – all through the snap of a little black and white code.

So now that you know what they are (and how to use them) – and I’m sure someone else might be able to explain it better than me, certainly someone who has a much larger audience – let’s say someone like Facebook, the most popular site in the U.S. – let’s actually do something with them.

First, did you take a photo of mine yet, through your QR code reader application? If so, you found my Twitter account. If not, I’ll make it even easier on you – click here. That was probably much easier than taking out your phone, downloading an application, taking a photo of the code and seeing a mobile version of my Twitter account. It’s a 4-5 step process vs. 1. Not really conducive for a good experience in this scenario, snapping this code on a digital screen like a computer, especially when you have a keyboard right in front of you.

But let’s consider this – the power of QR codes really lies in being able to merge the real-world with the digital world. So, let’s talk through that scenario and leverage it for its strength – out in the real world. Let’s say you want to print stickers, or a T-shirt, or even a bumper sticker (yes, I heard bumper sticker?!?) with your own personal QR code so when people see you out and about, they can snap a picture of your code and be taken online to your own personal Twitter account. Or Facebook account. Even see your FB status. If you’re still in, here’s what you need to do.

For stickers, make sure that you have the most appropriately sized stickers/labels. I’ve found Avery 8395 to be the best because of their size (QR codes are square). They’re a little expensive, though – in fact, all blank labels/stickers are more expensive than you would expect.

You’ll also need to make sure you can format them appropriately – how many rows across, how many columns down? The Avery stickers are 2 across, 4 down for a total of 8 stickers per sheet. But, here’s the rub – you can either go through the process of formatting them yourself (which is not an envious task) or buy a software solution that automatically formats them. This can be had for $20-$40.

Now, make your own stickers. Rinse and repeat if you want to do T-shirts or bumper stickers. Or anything else. Keep in mind the formatting and the actual object you want to print them on.

Whew. It’s a lot. But at least now, the world knows who I am wherever they turn. And as a consumer, all I have to do is wade through all of the black & white QR codes in the real world to find information on the people/brands that I’m interested in.

On 2^nd thought, the browser on my phone is really good and pretty darn quick.

And to all the brands out there – I’ve done this before. I can hook you up. And we don’t have to wait on FB!

Look – all lightness aside – in terms of raising awareness for this technology, Facebook’s endorsement and accessibility should help immensely (if this is all true). In terms of actual application and effectiveness, I fear that it could easily cloud realistic, positive use. This technology can really be effective and provide a lot of value to the brand and to the consumer, if used correctly. As soon as it becomes an enterprise novelty, though, they might die. I hope this is not the outcome.

What are your thoughts?

Interactivity is all Around

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I haven’t had a chance to stop by all of the booths on the showroom floor, but it is safe to say that interactivity is all around us. Last year, my biggest observation was the lack of interactivity. From both hardware and software providers. Now, it doesn’t seem like there is a booth that doesn’t have an interactive solution. On the surface, this is awesome. I’m worried about over saturation. I don’t know who does what better than the next company, so that’s going to be my task.

Initial photos:

This is the entrance to the tradeshow floor. Cool stuff here, but no interactivity. Each screen (and you’re not seeing 2 of them) shows something different and actually, relevant. The vertical screen on the far right is a Tweet stream of #dse2010.

And this is the foursquare, Locamoda, digital signage integration that gained a lot of buzz before the conference. Look at the top right hand corner, from SalmonKangaroo3 (that was me??) – I was here. But this is cool. It lists the mayor of the Las Vegas Convention Center, # of check-ins and tips. Truly integrated 11th Screen material. “Digital” sign that allows you to interact with it via an enabling technology (mobile) phone and share it with like-minded individuals (social).

Waiting on Keith Kelson, “father of the 5th Screen” now. Hope he makes the session….