Tech News: Custom HipMaps for Events; Zenus Attendee-Tracking; Deondo and Popshap Partnership; Boostlingo Rebrand
November 3, 2022
Event tech continues to evolve at warp speed, this time through everything from a custom smartphone map app for events, a new attendee-tracking solution powered by AI, an alliance to combine event pods and interactive touch-screen kiosks, and a rebrand of a multilingual event platform. Read on to learn more!
HipMaps
HipMaps, an award-winning, custom smartphone map app for events, businesses and destinations, released a personalized, deeply informative map for the recent IMEX America 2022 show in Las Vegas, demonstrating the company’s ability to design unique maps for events of any size.
“HipMaps was created to make events fun, easy and less overwhelming,” said Rachel LeRoy, CEO and founder of HipMaps, “The app is free and easy-to-navigate, making sense of either unknown destinations or complex events by easily guiding users to either scheduled events or desirable locations that have been personally recommended by the host.”
LeRoy added that this was the first HipMap created for IMEX America, the company’s largest event to date, with more than 12,000 attendees, and for Las Vegas, and was very well-received by attendees.
The HipMap included the main conference events as well as recommendations from locals for restaurants, bars, shopping experiences, activities, entertainment and wellness options. Comments and details about each location, as well as GPS-enabled directions for users via Apple Maps or Google Maps, are also embedded within the HipMaps app.
HipMaps also designed a customized map for the Wedding Merchants Business Academy, set to take place in Las Vegas Nov. 7-9 with approximately 5,000 attendees.
All HipMaps are designed to have a completely different feel from one another to match the event’s brand.
HipMaps is the winner of the 2022 Best Industry Innovation Esprit Award by the International Live Events Association. The company specializes in branded maps for events, conferences, weddings and other special occasions, as well as for the hospitality industry, including resorts, wineries and destinations.
Zenus
Zenus launched attendee-tracking technology at the recent IMEX 2022 in Las Vegas. Designed to be the industry’s most effective attendee-tracking option, the new technology addresses the challenges event professionals have with existing services: They are expensive and hard to install, accuracy is always an issue, and privacy is often neglected, according to Zenus.
Zenus spent years perfecting cutting-edge computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with broad applications. Its system analyzes people’s faces to compute foot traffic, dwell time, positive sentiment, demographics and more. Reports are generated in real-time on a polished interface.
Zenus deploys its proprietary AI models on specialized IoT devices assembled in Texas.
The footage is processed locally, addressing bandwidth, cost and privacy challenges.
Because Zenus does not process information linkable to an individual, it falls outside the scope of U.S. state privacy laws and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In addition, Zenus' proprietary solution may scan badges automatically and from a long distance.
The organizer or exhibitor may retrieve the attendee journey for those who opt in.
Zenus is dedicated to creating the most innovative solutions for business events. The company’s awards include Eventex Best New Technology and Event Tech Live Best Use of AI.
Deondo and Popshap
The Deondo Company, the exclusive provider of NOOK Event Pods, and Popshap, a leader in interactive touch-screen kiosks, established a partnership to jointly offer the companies’ products to the trade show and events industry.
The new offering pairs Deondo’s and Popshap’s success in the event industry to maximize branding and digital awareness for show organizers’ sponsorship programs. It also provides attendees with a unique information gathering and audience wellness area on the show floor.
“With hybrid events becoming the norm, it is important to offer wellness areas for attendees and exhibitors that are tech rich,” said David Liddle, president and CEO of The Deondo Company. “The NOOK Event Pod’s ability to add interactive technology is a key element as the event industry returns to in-person meetings.”
Liddle added, “What we are missing is a way to provide additional information and experiential capability. Popshap’s touchscreen kiosk is the perfect technology to add for touch-screen check-in zones, a registration section and networking areas.”
Popshap’s partnership with The Deondo company is a natural step in the company’s growth, according to Eitan Magid, CEO of Popshap.
“Adding the Popshap technology to the NOOK Event Pod elevates the customer experience and creates an accessible, easy-to-use platform for our clients.”
Boostlingo
Boostlingo, a leader in the interpretation technology industry, announced the rebranding of VoiceBoxer, the company’s comprehensive multilingual event platform, to BoostEvents. The rebranding is part of the organization’s long-term plan to incorporate all aspects of VoiceBoxer, which it acquired in March, into the Boostlingo product suite.
Boostlingo offers interpretation technology to meet every interpretation need, including video and phone interpretation, simultaneous (conference, meeting or event) interpretation, interpreter scheduling and management, and on-demand interpretation. BoostEvents is the company’s simultaneous event interpreting platform for hosting fully multilingual hybrid or online events.
The Boostlingo organization chose the name BoostEvents to acknowledge the growing demand for multilingual onsite, hybrid and online events driven by continuing globalization.
“Boostlingo has always tried to be at the forefront of the interpretation industry,” said Bryan Forrester, Boostlingo’s CEO and co-founder. “This rebranding is our team’s recognition that the event interpreting space will continue to grow, and that we want to be leaders in meeting multilingual event needs.”
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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