Digital signage is the fastest-growing, most lucrative AV market out there and, simply put, Digital Signage Expo (DSE) is the world’s only trade show exclusively dedicated to showcasing the medium’s range, scope and diverse applications. With more than 200 exhibitors packing into the Las Vegas Convention Center plus a robust education program including 75 unique seminars on top of workshops and roundtable discussions, DSE is the conference that gives key industry decision makers from across verticals the chance to maximize face-to-face interaction with networking contacts as well as hands-on engagement with the technology itself.
The main difference with DSE 2017 is that the digital signage space has grown, and there is more innovation to explore including but not limited to holograms, virtual reality, smart city infrastructure and beacon technology. With the addition of industry-specific keynote sessions rather than one general keynote and eight preshow events, including the Digital Signage Federation’s program for the out-of-home networking sector and the Guided Installation Tour highlighting real digital signage hotspots in and around Sin City, there’s truly something for everybody.
Don’t have the budget for a conference pass to make use of all those educational opportunities? Don’t fret. In addition to the traditional seminar sessions, there are several free workshops to casually drop in on around the show floor. And speaking of the show floor, new offerings include a New Attendee Bootcamp to help first-timers map out a game plan for the week as well as something we’re calling DSE Central Park—a huge common area at the heart of the show floor that will house the expanded On-Floor Workshop Theater, New Products Pavilion, concession area and more.
And if you simply just can’t wait for those helpful tips at the New Attendee Bootcamp on Tuesday afternoon of DSE week, check out the breakdown of product categories below to help you start organizing your short list of must-see technology:
Connectivity Solutions
Connectivity solutions are products that enable digital signage to function optimally with the right message at the right place and time to the correct audience. Media delivery, file forwarding and system monitoring, to name a few, all rely on quality connectivity. Digital Signage Expo (DSE) puts all of the major companies that deal with connectivity solutions under one roof in Las Vegas.
Content Management Solutions
Sometimes referred to as Content Management Systems (CMS), Content Management Solutions are computer software application tools that allow for the creation, management, storing and scheduling of various forms of digital content. Some of the most popular and well-known include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Digital Signage Expo (DSE) gathers all of the major CMS providers in one room for you to learn more about their solutions.
Control Systems
Control systems provide software for tying data, video, graphics and animations together from the back end. The content can then be sent to your digital display system for digital signage or live event presentations.
Installation Services
Installation services refer to a host of tasks that a digital signage integrator can perform on behalf of a client or company. These include network design and integration, on-site technology repair and refresh, multisite deployment and support, project management or a combination thereof.
Interactive Technology / Kiosks
The digital signage world is increasingly gearing itself towards kiosks, touchscreens, and other interactive technologies. These types of installations or signage all physically interface with a user for a self-directed and personalized experience. DSE provides a one-stop shop of more than 200 exhibitors with all of their most interactive technologies on display for to you experience firsthand.
Media Players
A media player is a computer program for playing multimedia like movies, music or digital signage content on any public digital display. They’re small devices that run digital signage software and plug in directly to your TV or other display via HDMI, VGA or even DVI. DSE provides an exhibition space for all of the major companies offering countless player models.
Mounts and Other Accessories
Displaying your digital signage solution correctly can make all the difference. Whether it’s tilted, curved around an environment or mounted on a wall or ceiling, these racks and accessories will ensure that your display or screen is safely and securely installed while living in an ideal spot for content delivery.
Network Management
Network management refers to the broad subject of managing, monitoring and remotely controlling computer and digital signage networks as they grow to several hundred or more players and screens. Network managers oversee a wide range of functions including remote configuration, maintenance, and playout audit reports.
Repair / Maintenance
When a digital display or network of digital signs goes down for one reason or another, it’s important to have quick and reliable support. Whether it’s helps from a third party or a solution you can implement yourself, repair/maintenance is an essential part of correctly managing digital signage. Back up your systems and ensure contingencies for any situation with contacts you meet at DSE!
Software Solutions
Software solutions is a broad, umbrella term referring to the myriad of products and services that help administer digital signage. They can help design and build the digital content or help deliver it to displays and signage networks. All of the major players dealing in Software as a Service (SaaS) will be waiting for you at DSE.
Video Walls
A video wall is usually a large digital signage installation consisting of several monitors and/or projectors used to make up one giant image or message with minimal bezel separation. Typical display technology types include rear projection cubes, LCD panels, and Direct View LED arrays. DSE offers more than 200 exhibitors to help you with all of your video wall components.
Digital Signage Expo 2017 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 28-31. For more information, visit www.DigitalSignageExpo.net or contact DSE’s Attendee Relationship Manager Tara Grooms at tgrooms@exponation.net or (770) 817-6190.
About the Author
Andrea Varrone, DSE Show Director
Andrea is the Show Director for Digital Signage Expo (DSE). She joined Exponation, LLC in 2008 as a sales associate. She was promoted to Sales Manager in 2011, after achieving significant sales milestones in her territory. That combined with her increasing knowledge of the industry and relationship building within the digital signage community led to her promotion in 2015 to Show Director. She completed her Digital Signage Experts Group Certification in July, 2012. Andrea is a graduate of the University of Georgia.