Mapbuilder by ExperiDigital
MapBuilder by ExperiDigital is a web-based application for booth-space sales, sponsor-space selection, and attendee wayfinding. Fundamentally, MapBuilder is a 3-D map of an exhibit hall or corporate event. Since the software integrates with an event's exhibitor resource center (ERC) and customer-relationship management (CRM) system, users, e.g., exhibitors and sponsors, see only the available spaces that meet their specific criteria. An administrative portal receives a notification once a space selection is made, and the map is updated in real time. Buyers Choice judges agreed that their lives would be much easier if all show managers adopted this system. Further integration with the event's registration system allows attendees to receive relevant recommendations based on their registration data. Contact: Mirror Show Management, Webster, NY, 585-232-4020, www.mirrorshow.com HoloPresenter
The HoloPresenter from Exhibitry uses cutting-edge hardware and software to add augmented-reality elements to live presentations in conference rooms, exhibits, and theaters. A wireless, AR-enabled video camera placed in front of the presentation area maps the space and streams its footage to proprietary software. On command, this software can "place" a predesigned AR object anywhere in the video camera's field of vision, say, directly in front of the presenter or at one side of the stage. The AR-enhanced scene is then projected in real time onto a projection surface at the back of the presentation space. Using a handheld controller, the presenter can manipulate the AR object, e.g., turn it in multiple directions, zoom in on key components, etc., giving the audience an experience that transcends even the most elaborate PowerPoint slideshow. "I've never seen anything like this before," said one Buyers Choice judge. Contact: Exhibitry, Houston, 281-240-2212, www.exhibitry.com Innovate LED Poster
Measuring a mere 1.4 inches thick and tipping the scales at just 75 pounds, the Innovate LED Poster from Abcomrents offers versatility and practicality in spades. Its roughly 23- by-77-inch monitor boasts a pixel pitch of 2.7 mm for razor-sharp viewing at close distances, and the unit can function as either a freestanding display (thanks to its kickstand support) or be wall mounted in either portrait or landscape orientation. The LED Poster's built-in media player supports myriad types of content, and files can be uploaded via Wi-Fi or an integrated USB port. For even more impactful messaging, multiple units can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration. "This product has so many uses apart from trade shows and corporate events. I could see us using this in our home office," said one Buyers Choice judge. "Plus it's very easy to set up and will cut costs on graphic printing." Contact: Abcomrents, Itasca, IL, 630-250-9393, www.abcomrents.com
OneView
Exhibit and event mangers need to rely on numerous vendors to execute their marketing objectives, and coordinating their efforts with these external partners often requires monitoring multiple inventories (e.g., exhibit properties, graphic assets, printed literature, giveaways, etc.) and production and/or event calendars. OneView from ExhibitForce brings all of these ever-changing elements into a single integrated platform – a feature that prompted one Buyers Choice judge to call this software program her Holy Grail. Powered by Ef Event Suite, OneView enables face-to-face marketers to place orders and track and allocate all of their programs' assets while also allowing individual vendors to keep their inventories up to date and respond to client questions and requests for proposal. Meanwhile, a shared live calendar gives marketers and their partners the ability to forecast inventory availability. Contact: ExhibitForce, Houston, 713-541-2241, www.exhibitforce.com eLead Card
Make your lead-form paper trail a thing of the past with the eLead Card application. After scanning attendees' badges, an exhibitor can immediately email prospects a link to an online form. Using their own smartphones, attendees can then input their contact information, answer customized questions, and request specific product or service info. The online form is also accessible via a Quick Response code or a short URL. In addition, the app can collect feedback after an in-booth presentation or as part of an exit survey. Results are instantly delivered to an administrative dashboard so exhibitors can track incoming data in real time. Buyers Choice judges loved how this system allows sales reps to sidestep entering lead-qualifying info. Contact: Reality Engineering Solutions LLC, Camas, WA, 360-448-6361, www.realityengineering.com Casonara 360° Light Box Displays
Makitso USA's line of patent-pending Casonara 360° Light Box Displays wowed Buyers Choice judges with how it combines the installation ease of a tensioned-fabric-style frame with the smooth finish of silicone-edge graphics. The framing assembles without tools and at a slightly reduced size to facilitate hassle-free insertion of SEG graphics. Once the graphics are in place, a tightening mechanism pushes the frame out to its full size for a taut, professional presentation. Double-sided LED arrays cast even illumination on all four graphic panels for can't-miss messaging in any direction. The Casonara line currently comprises 6-, 8-, 10-, and 20-foot-wide wall displays and four counters ranging from roughly 1.6 to 9.6 feet wide. Additional structures, e.g., towers and rigged elements, will be released later this year. Contact: Makitso USA, Stafford, TX, 888-495-2859, www.makitsodisplays.com