Company News • 10.05.2011

KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2011 and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2011

The two industry-leading events on self-service and digital signage return, with focus on every aspect of these markets. As well as the core solutions, this year there will be special focus on content development and service provision.

It is just over two weeks before the start of KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2011 and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2011, when 130 international companies will gather to exhibit at the world’s largest trade show for self-service solutions and Europe’s leading trade show for digital signage. This year will see the return of the Digital Signage and Self-Service Open Forum programme, which proved so popular last year. Celebrating its fifth successful year, Hall 1 at Messe Essen will once again open its doors to industry professionals from 24th to 26th May 2011.

KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2011 and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2011 offer visitors the opportunity to find out more about both self-service and digital signage solutions during a single trade show visit. At this cross-sectoral meeting of experts, exhibitors show how retailers, banks, tourism and transportation companies, as well as users from other industries and agencies, can communicate and interact cost-effectively with their customers.
Both suppliers of complete solutions and niche suppliers demonstrate their latest solutions and products. Experts in strategic communication and marketing will introduce their concepts for successfully integrating the projects into the user’s communication mix. Specialists in displays, content generation and management, and network technology demonstrate innovative solutions. Suppliers of touch sensors, ticket printers and applications for payment processes in cash, by card, mobile phone or simply by fingerprint will demonstrate how interactivity at the kiosk can be realised through technology.
These core solutions and technologies remain at the heart of the show. But as the industry matures, the range of exhibitors has expanded to encompass emerging sectors of the market. For instance, with the industry growing, there is now far more after-sales integration and services available from third parties. This will enable SMEs with innovative ideas to compete successfully for projects which previously were only within the reach of large organisations. With major international companies such as Pitney Bowes, DB Kommunikationstechnik, Veritek and PM2S entering the service market and exhibiting at the show, now is the time to come and find out more about this growing sector of the market.
Content creation for digital signage is another sector which is finally being given the attention is deserves. At DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO, leading European digital signage content specialists such as Beam and Visual Art will demonstrate how customers can use bespoke content to achieve clear and targeted messaging, which is the key to successful digital signage. Visitors can learn all they need to know about content creation for digital signage, from implementing individual campaigns to networked feeds and automated content generation.

3D technology, arguably the most important development in the digital media world, will also have a strong presence. A host of companies will be showcasing their cutting edge developments in the fields of autostereoscopic displays, 3D wayfinding systems, and augmented reality.

The Open Forum, with attendance once again included in the entry ticket to the exhibition, this year brings a mix of the best Self-Service and Digital Signage experts to all visitors. Topics to be covered include creating compelling content, design considerations for an industrial kiosk system, and discussions on the effects of digital signage, both on the human senses, and on business. Gerard Meijs of Kodak will discuss the prospects for photo kiosks in a world of smart phones and round-the-clock connectivity. Miquel Martin of NEC will explore how to use technology to understand your digital signage audience. These are just some of the fascinating presentations which have been lined up for all 3 days of the event.

Hailed as a great success last year, this year also sees the return of DS forum moderator and industry guru Steven Keith Platt. Known for his extensive knowledge and forward thinking in this sphere, Platt will be bringing tutors from the Platt Retail Institute plus industry experts along to discuss the outlook for Digital Signage in the EU, the best way to manage digital out-of-home deployments, as well as the potential growth of the e-mobility and what it means for the Kiosk and DS industries. Platt commented “we have assembled industry leaders to present discussions on the most challenging issues facing the industry today.”

Over 130 exhibitors have signed up including 3M, AMD, Provisio, Sharp, JCM Europe and Black Box, as well as Samsung, Star Micronics and Pitney Bowes, who are also sponsoring the event. The blend of the established and the new means that all aspects of these thriving industries will be covered.

“The industry is definitely establishing itself and maturing, and this is reflected in the line-up for this year’s show, explains Jens Schindler, Managing Director of event organiser hf media and events. “Apart from the classic disciplines – displays, CMS, embedded computers, printers and so on – we are now seeing more content agencies, service providers and aftermarket providers entering the market. This is a very positive sign which indicates continued growth for the sector.”

With visitors coming from all over Europe and beyond, KIOSK EUROPE EXPO and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO provide an ideal networking opportunity for companies seeking to expand internationally. Schindler continues “We are seeing new business models being developed which will enable smaller companies to operate internationally. This is where the show really proves its value, as an international meeting point for players from all levels of the industry.”

The quality of the events is now recognised around the world. Steve Gurley, VP Marketing, Symon Communications USA, has commented: “The Expo and Forum provided me with great insight into the EU marketplace. I highly recommend this event.”

The events will be held on 24, 25, 26 May 2011 in Messe Essen, Essen, Germany, and entrance is free for pre-registered visitors. To pre-register please visit www.kioskeurope-expo.com or www.digitalsignageexpo.eu.