The Digital Signage Federation’s recent Mix ‘n Mingle event held at the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) and Walrus Pub & Bar on May 4th was an unqualified success. Over 120 digital signage professionals from Toronto and beyond filled the TSN Theater at the HHOF to hear panelists from Maple Leafs Sport Entertainment, LG, Best Buy Canada and Sagenet discuss digital signage use cases, technology choices and procurement decisions. The event, and networking session was sponsored by the DSF Advisory Council.
“The digital signage community in Toronto is one of the most diverse and vibrant and never fails to show up and stand out when we hold events there,” said Len Dudis, DSF Board Chairman. “Combined with an amazing venue and great thought leadership presentations it was a fantastic event.”
During the first panel, Imad Shubassi, Digital Integration Lead and Chuck Roscoe, CTS | Senior Manager, AV Integration from Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment explained the thinking behind and execution of their digital strategy, pre-game, in game and post-game to enhance the customer experience from entry to concession to seat.
Afshin Mahabadi, Manager, Enterprise Sales, Business Solutions at LG discussed how he and his team support the MLSE digital customer experience by providing the right screen technology for the right use case whether that’s behind the scenes or on one of the arena’s customer facing screens. “Technology trends are shifting from one means of technology to another – LCD Videowalls to LED as an example – but by no means is the market shifting away from Digital.” Mahabadi added “The technology is evolving at a rapid pace and Digital Signage is no longer a nice to have, it’s a necessity for viable businesses to survive.”
The takeaways from the panel weren’t lost on attendees. “DSF continues to build out and deliver events focused on real world applications with thought provoking sessions from end users and providers. It’s refreshing to see a panel focused on the greater impact of signage in our expanding digital world,” said Kevin Cosbey, Director of Embedded Solutions at Velasea.
In the second panel Best Buy Canada’s Ricky Hon, Interactive Display and Design Lead, and IV Dickson from Sagenet discussed the steps and thought process behind implementing a thriving digital experience for customers, from designing and testing to monitoring and maintenance.
“Always remember to begin with the end in mind and remained focused on enhancing the buyer’s journey, said IV Dickson, Chief Innovation Officer of Sagenet. “Big success is predicated on getting the small things right. While content remains king and fresh content rules supreme, it is attention to the mundane details – from data integration to physical infrastructure -that will determine sustainable success,” he added.
And while digital in retail isn’t hard the pair explained it is complex, requiring retailers and digital experience providers to work together in a collaborative and transparent partnership.
“Another enriching DSF event. Beyond catching up with people that represent the variety of disciplines that come together and ensure that we, as creatives, have amazing canvases to work with, there were amazing sessions that educate and allow us to elevate what we do,” said Cheryl Catterall, Creative Director at Moment Factory “The highlight for me was the panel by MLSE and LG, speaking on how advances in technology can push the live sporting experience to new levels.”
The DSF will continue its focus on education and thought leadership at InfoComm in partnership with AVIXA. The Digital Signage Federation will host the D=SIGN conference from June 13 – 15 during InfoComm. The conference will explore various digital signage topics spanning from trends in QSR to the next generation of future-proof CMS solutions and look at emerging trends in growing verticals, like arenas & stadiums, hybrid workplaces, and retail. The conference will feature a carefully curated lineup of notable speakers from prominent organizations like the Dallas Cowboys, Noodles & Co., The University of Florida, and Google.
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