3×3 Plasma Video Wall

Blow the crowd away with a 3×3 Plasma Video Wall from SmartSource! Our frameless plasma screens can be configured differently to meet your needs and can be controlled individually or as one giant monitor.OK

If you want to go big, this is big! Essentially a Video Wall is on giant plasma screen that is formed by combining a group of custom 42 inch plasma monitors together. The individual plasma display monitors the form the video wall are custom in the sense that they are virtually frameless, which allows them to be combined together without any gaps or large grid like borders between each of the monitors.

Our professional staff will handle all the setup and breakdown of these video walls, and you can choose what type of video or signal you want them to display. SmartSource Video Walls are flexible in their configuration, and can be assembled to meet your specific demands - although the most common layout is in a 3×3 video wall which is comprised of 9 individual monitors. Each of these monitors can display different video feeds, or they can be grouped or combined to display in groups or as one large image.

The input signal to the video wall is controlled by a easy to use visual interface that runs on a laptop or desktop computer. Again, our professional technicians will setup, show you how to control and operate the video wall, as well as be around should something come up during your event.

View our Plasma Video Wall page for more info about these awesome displays, as well as to see photo slideshows of 3×3 video walls from events.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Florida AV Rentals & PC Rentals heat up

Fall is quickly turning into winter in most parts of the country but it always seems to be warm and sunny down in Florida. Florida AV Rentals and Computer Rentals seem to be as hot as the weather this October and SmartSource Rentals has seen a lot of activity this month from businesses renting AV and Computer equipment in Florida.

SmartSource Rentals has physical offices in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale and both of these branches have been extremely busy this month providing AV Rentals and Computer Equipment to various businesses and events throughout the state of Florida. The most popular rental item (at least for now) seems to be plasma screen rentals and many of our popular plasma screen monitors are literally flying out of the warehouse.

SmartSource Rentals stocks a variety of different Florida Plasma Screen Rentals in addition to LCD Monitors, PC Rentals and just about any other kind of technology rental you can imagine. SmartSource has highly trained in-house technicians that are on the road every day making sure our Florida AV Rentals are delivered on time, setup, and working properly. This combined with a huge inventory of Plasma Screen Rentals and other AV Technology is the reason Florida businesses keep choosing to rent from SmartSource Rentals.

Popularity: 5% [?]

MPIGNY’s Social Media Event a Success

Social Media was the topic and the Westin New York at Times Square was the place to be for last night’s MPIGNY Social Media educational event. There were some high caliber speakers from Facebook, former LinkedIn employees turned entrepreneurs, and Twitter experts all on hand to help explain what all these new social media tools are and how they can be used for business. By now almost everybody has heard of Social Media, but there still remains a big gap between knowing what it is and knowing how to best use it to suit your business needs. This was the goal for MPIGNY at this event, and after walking around to the different speakers and talking to some attendees it was obvious they had achieved this goal.

After some general introductions and overviews, the crowd broke out into different areas of the hotel that focused on the three most popular types of social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). Advice and explanation was offered on how to maximize your LinkedIn profile, how to join groups, what different options were available in setting up your account how it all worked. Another area focused on Facebook pages. The big topic at hand was the difference between personal accounts versus business pages and how to properly set everything up to keep your business and your personal accounts separate. The last area had some Twitter experts going over everything from Tweetdeck, to hashtags to the very basics of what Twitter is and how it works.

Even though I had a good handle on the topics before attending this event, I walked away glad that I had gone and with a few new pieces of knowledge. MPIGNY did a great job of planning the event and the Westin Hotel was a fantastic venue. SmartSource is becoming more active on Social Media and we are always looking to make new friends and connect to people. You can find  SmartSource Rentals on the following networks.

I’d also like to give some credit to the speakers last night who helped to share the knowledge with everybody. Big Thanks to:

• Becca Foy
• David Trencher
• Nathan Egan
• Patrick Baynes
• Carla Bobka
• Ray Hansen
• Andrea Hoffman
• Jared Silverman

Popularity: 7% [?]

SmartSource job postings for October

SmartSource Rentals continues to thrive and currently has open position in a few of our nationwide Computer & AV Rental offices.
If you’re looking to work for the biggest Computer & AV Rental company in the U.S. then look no further that SmartSource. Below is brief summary of the current job openings at SmartSource along with the locations. For more information and directions on how to apply for these positions, check out the full SmartSource Rentals listings on CareerBuilder.com. These are some great opportunities to start working with a well respected industry leader in technology solutions.

• Technical Services Manager Computer, AV, and Event Technology Rentals exclusively for Corporations Location: CA - San Diego         Date Posted: 10/13/2009

• Senior Account Executive-Trade Show Services SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Location: CA - Los Angeles         Date Posted: 10/13/2009

• Senior Account Executive-Trade Show Services SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Location: CA - San Diego         Date Posted: 10/13/2009

• Senior Account Executive-Trade Show Services SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Location: CA - Anaheim         Date Posted: 10/13/2009

• Audio Visual Technician
  Location: FL - Fort Lauderdale         Date Posted: 10/12/2009

• Account Executive
  Location: TX - Dallas         Date Posted: 10/7/2009

• Audio Visual Technician
  Location: TX - Dallas         Date Posted: 9/28/2009

• Field Service Representative / Computer Technician
  Location: VA - Fairfax         Date Posted: 9/24/2009

• Account Executive
  Location: DC - Washington         Date Posted: 9/22/2009

• Government Sales Account Executive
  Location: DC - Washington         Date Posted: 9/22/2009

• Associations Account Executive
  Location: DC - Washington         Date Posted: 9/22/2009

• Accounts Payable Representative
  Location: NY - Hauppauge         Date Posted: 9/15/2009

Popularity: 10% [?]

SmartSource upgrades Boston & San Diego Offices

SmartSource Rentals is continuing to thrive despite the tough economic climate and recently made some moves to improve and grow facilities on both the east and west coast. The company has recently combined some Boston offices into a new 14,000 square foot facility in Westwood, MA. SmartSource also made some improvements to the San Diego facilities, upgrading the lab and workspace areas.

14,000 square feet is a tremendous amount of space and moving out from multiple offices as well as relocating our inventory of Computer & AV Rental equipment in Boston was no easy task. What makes this more impressive is that through the careful coordination of a team of SmartSource employees in different departments, the Boston facility was setup and ready to take new rental orders on the afternoon of the move! The interior of the new SmartSource Boston facility was designed and built out specifically to meet the needs of SmartSource and allows us to continue to provide the highest service to all our Boston area clients.

In addition to moving to a new Boston facility, SmartSource also completed some medium level renovations to our San Diego Computer & AV Rental Facility. This involved re-designing and improving the computer lab, streamlining workspace, and creating some larger areas for staging and equipment preparation (reports on a surfboard repair area have yet to be confirmed!).

Popularity: 6% [?]

SmartSource Completes 18th Acquisition

SmartSource has purchased the Rentsys computer and audio visual division of Dealer Computer Services, Inc. This acquisition is the 18th for SmartSource as it continues to secure its position as a National leader in Computer and Audio Visual Rental Solutions. SmartSource has more facilities than any other provider in the technology rental market, an outstanding track record, and a massive national inventory of computer and audio visual rental equipment.

Read more on SmartSource’s acquisition of the Rentsys computer and audio visual division here.

Below is an exerpt from the SmartSource Rentals Press Release:

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals (Hauppauge, NY), one of the nation’s leading providers of computer, audio visual (AV) and trade show technology rentals and services, has purchased the Rentsys computer and audio visual rental division of Dealer Computer Services, Inc. (College Station, TX). The Rentsys recovery business remains with Dealer Computer Services, Inc. This is the 18th acquisition for SmartSource, a portfolio company of Kirtland Capital Partners (Cleveland, OH). Similar to previous companies acquired by SmartSource, Rentsys’ business model and strengths complement and amplify the core capabilities of SmartSource….

Popularity: 8% [?]

Bright Future for SmartSource Rentals

Despite historically hard times, SmartSource Rentals continues to make strategic investments company-wide and put down building blocks for a solid future as the leading Computer & AV Rental provider to Businesses Nationwide.

Being the Top IT Rental Company has certainly helped to get us through some tough economic times, but like most industry leaders - being #1 is never enough! This past summer SmartSource chose to be pro-active in offering advanced training to employees from almost all 22 Computer and AV rental offices around the nation. This training was designed for our existing representatives to gain further insight surrounding Trade Show Rentals and the unique challenges presented at various conventions centers and exhibition venues around the nation.

Trade Show Services and Rentals are something SmartSource has been providing for years and is planning to expand. We have the unique advantage of having trained personnel and rental equipment physically located in most major Convention & Trade Show destinations. This is a huge advantage to some of our clients for some of the following reasons:

• Local Techs familiar with the area
• Backup/Extras Gear readily available
• Ability to duplicate orders in multiple cities
• Last minute changes/upgrades no problem
• No 3rd party vendor confusion
• One point of contact for your entire show

These are just a few of the reasons SmartSource is well positioned to become one of the leading Trade Show Rental providers, just as we are the Top IT Rental Company. We realize exhibitors, associations, and venues have a lot going on at any given show and having one point of contact, local equipment and pros on the ground in the city, and techs familiar with a show site makes things easier on everybody.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Rent a 17-inch MacBook Pro

The new 17″ MacBook Pro Laptops are as sleek and good-looking as they are powerful, and SmartSource Rentals has MacBook Pro Intel Core 2 Duo laptop rentals just waiting to be rented by your small business or large company.

If you are one of the millions of PC computer users who have always been curious about why people in the Macintosh camp always talk up their computers, then why not rent one and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Everyone knows that the one indisputable thing about any Macintosh computer is the price, which makes renting a Mac laptop from SmartSource a perfect way to test the waters without having to break the bank and purchase one. A lot of people might associate Mac’s with the younger, student ipod crowd but we can assure you there are a large amount of business users and corporate users who get hooked on them for regular business or company use. Everyone should know by now that the MS Office suite runs fine on a Mac Laptop and that you can do just about anything on a MacBook Pro that you can do on a standard PC Laptop. What many executives prefer on the Mac is the durable design, slim size for cramming in your bag to and from the airport, long battery life and of course how easy they are to use.

The new 17″ MacBook Pro Laptops are carved from a single block of aluminum, making them light, sexy and tough - the perfect companion for any road warrior or trade show veteran. They’ll also help you stand out amongst the sea of black PC Laptops that tend to dominate most business meetings or trade show floors. If nothing else you can bring your 17″ MacBook Pro rental home from the office one day to watch a DVD or some movies on iTunes and show your kids you’re still cool!

Popularity: 20% [?]

Volunteerism initiatives launched in Times Square

SmartSource was selected for a National Press Event in Times Square kicking off two major initiatives aimed at ushering in a new generation of volunteerism. EIF (Entertainment Industry Foundation) is tapping into the vast entertainment community to help engage millions of Americans to find ways to volunteer more regularly by launching a multi-year I PARTICIPATE Campaign. In addition, Mayor’s from all over the U.S. have come together to form a bi-partisan “Cities of Service” coalition comprised of big and small cities across the U.S. working to help make a difference in their communities. Each of these new movements was announced at a major press event in Times Square, NYC on September 10, 2009.

This event was attended by a wide variety of celebrities, public officials, companies and organizations all with the common goal of increasing volunteerism. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg served as the emcee for this event after meeting with host of other mayors around the country earlier that day regarding the “Cities of Service” initiative, including Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Dublin, OH Mayor Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher, Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer, Vicksburg, MS Mayor Paul Winfield, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, and West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel. Other celebrities in attendance included Ashton Kutcher, Tyler Perry, Randy Jackson, Christine Baranski, Fran Drescher, Sway Calloway, Kenneth Cole, Rocco DiSpirito, Kelley Menighan Hensley, Bernadette Peters, Cameron Mathison, Tim Daly, Lee Ann Womack, Constantine Maroulis, Jeff Francoeur, and Al Leiter.

Harnessing the power of social media, Mayor Bloomberg and Ashton Kutcher joined forces to reach out to more than 3.5 million followers on twitter and encourage volunteerism, which began to draw immediate responses across the internet.

For an event this large scale that was being hosted in a globally recognized location like Times Square, New York City, it was an easy decision to go with one of the most experienced NYC Sound, Staging & Lighting companies in all of New York City - SmartSource Rentals. SmartSource worked with EIF to provide sound, staging, LED Truck, internet access and other audio visual and technology support to make sure the event went smoothly. SmartSource was proud to be involved in helping two community driven initiatives be announced on a national stage in the heart of New York City.

Resources and Information relating to these initiatives:

Entertainment Industry Foundation
I PARTICIPATE
Cities of Service
Times Square Event Press Release

Popularity: 4% [?]

New Metrolines Magazine is out!

The September/October issue of Metrolines is out and if you haven’t picked it up yet or had a chance to read it - here’s a quick peak at some of the topics covered in the recent issue. Metrolines is published by MPIGNY (Meeting Professionals International Greater New York Chapter) and is a tremendous resource for Meeting Professionals. We’d also like to give a shout out to SmartSource’s very own Ken Edwards (Vice President of Finance for MPIGNY) who is featured on the cover this time around, along with some of the other meeting professionals who all work hard to make this magazine and a variety other events and resources possible.

The latest edition of Metrolines focuses on Edutainment as a theme for this year’s social committee, and if you’re in the NYC Metro Area you can see this in action at the “Tuesday Night Live” event coming up on September 22 in Manhattan. You can check out a video teaser below or register here.

The quote below from Megan Schilt’s  ‘Leadership Lines’ article is a great snapshot of the MPIGNY vision for this season:

“As we kick off the 2009 – 2010 season of MPIGNY, the entire leadership team has unanimously agreed on two things: we will accept nothing but success from our programs, and we are committed to providing intrinsic value at each educational opportunity to our members.”

Here are just a few other features from the current issue:

-Recent Yankee Stadium Tour
-Social Media’s growing impact
-Corporate Marketplace facts
-Meetings Management
-Destination Quebec Golf Outing
-Tech Tips
-Presentation Innovation
-High Definition
-Photos and other news

To learn more about this community of meeting professionals in the NYC Metro area, or other chapters of MPI, visit the MPIGNY website.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Freelance AV Techs Wanted in Boston

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals is seeking Freelance Audio Visual Technicians to assist with the staging and operating of Audio/Visual and IT events in the Boston, MA area.
Update: as of 11/16/09 we are still accepting resumes!

We are a leader in the event technology services business with more than twenty years of experience working with some of the most recognized associations and event exposition organizations in the industry. All applicants must have knowledge and working experience within the Audio Visual field.  Excellent customer service is a must.

How To Apply

Please send your resume to bmarch@smartsourcerentals.com with the subject title ‘Freelance AV Tech’.

Mandatory: Please List Hourly Rates / Service Rates in your resume or email message.

This is a great opportunity to work with a National leader in Computer & Audio Visual services in the Boston area. We consistently handle a high volume of projects involving Audio Visual services for meetings, trade shows, and corporate events. At this time are accepting new resumes from qualified AV Technicians and professionals in the Boston area. Formerly known as ADHandy, SmartSource is committed to providing a wide range of high quality customer service and technical services across a wide range of events.

For more information please visit us online - SmartSource Computer & AV Rentals or ADHandy.com

Popularity: 100% [?]

Webinar Series 3 - Proven Strategies

Chris Brown shares some of the 20+ years experience he has gained in the Trade Show industry in the last of this 3-part webinar series sponsored by SmartSource and presented by MeetingTechOnline.

Chris shares some proven strategies for stimulating traffic and loyalty online and his currently heads NAB’s Conventions & Business Operations division. Here are just a few of the topics that are discussed during this free 1 hour webinar:

* Generating viral marketing results
* Myths and truth on social media
* Designing for long term community growth
* Real world examples

SmartSource was happy to sponsor this webinar series and also happy to be working with the good people and experts at MeetingTechOnline. If you were unable to attend the webinar you can find out more information on it here, as well as register to view the archive of the presentation. There was an enormous amount of useful facts, examples and suggestions during interview and something to take away for everyone.

SmartSource Rentals continues to be a National Leader in Computer & AV Rentals, and has been heavily involved in the Trade Show, Meetings & Events industry for years. We have worked with Associations, Show Producers, Vendors, Management and other professionals in just about every capacity realted to shows or events.  Give us a call at 800.888.8686, send us an email or complete a web quote online to see what SmartSource Rentals can do for your next event or trade show.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Dell Precision M6300 Mobile Workstation

Currently the most powerful laptop offered by SmartSource Rentals is the Dell Precision M6300 Mobile Workstation.

If you or your business has been looking for one laptop that can do everything you need, then this is the rental laptop you have been waiting for! The Dell Precision M6300 comes with the following:

• 2.5 GHz processor Core  2 Duo T9300
• 4GB of Memory
• 200 GB hard drive
• 8x DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
• 17″ WXGA+ Screen
• NVIDIA Quadro FX1600M 512MB Dedicated VRAM
• 802.11a/g/n Wireless

Dell refers to the Precision M6300 as a mobile workstation in part because it has all the power of a traditional computer workstation in the body of a laptop. This means you won’t ever have to compromise processing power for portability - this machine can do it all! SmartSource has a huge inventory with thousands of laptops for rent in a variety of brands, sizes, specs and options. It doesn’t matter if you need to rent a PC laptop, Apple laptop, or rent a computer workstation - SmartSource has what you need.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Top Industry Supplier Award goes to SmartSource

The most innovative and distinguished suppliers in the Trade Show & Meetings industry are selected to receive the Top Industry Supplier Award from Conventions.net. It’s no surprise that the Nation’s largest Computer and AV rental company was selected to receive this award, but nonetheless SmartSource Rentals is proud to be recognized for outstanding contributions and positive impact within the Trade Show and Meetings industry. The Conventions.net Top Supplier Award is the only one of its kind within the Trade Show & Meeting industry for suppliers.

SmartSource has been heavily involved in providing high quality Computer and AV rental equipment and technology solutions to trade shows, meetings, conventions, expos and countless similar events for decades. We have a huge depth of experience among all our staff and a reputation for doing whatever it takes to meet the unique needs of clients leading up to an event, on the trade show floor or meeting room, and afterwards with pickup and teardown.

A large majority of companies, vendors, and small businesses continually come back to SmartSource year after year to handle their meetings and trade show rental needs. These businesses know they can depend on SmartSource in any city, for any size show, for any amount of time. They know that SmartSource owns their own tradeshow rental equipment, has additional items or replacements nearby in one of their 22 locations, and has professional techs with real trade show and meeting experience to help get the equipment setup and running on time and up to spec.

Another advantage to renting Computer & AV equipment from a National leader like SmartSource Rentals, is the ability to provide the same equipment and solutions to every show a business attends throughout the season or the year. There is a major relief in knowing one company has the ability to provide the same order, setup, or equipment to 50 shows around the nation or just 5 shows around the same area. Working with one point of contact who is familiar with an order and can replicate that order anywhere you need it, can save precious time, energy, and money. Nobody wants to keep track of five different companies, five different sales representatives, and five different sets of equipment when they have the same need for their meeting or trade show. This is why businesses and companies continue to choose SmartSource, and this is why SmartSource was awarded the Top Industry Supplier Award from Conventions.net!

If you’re not happy with your current rental provider, or are looking for ways to save money or improve on your existing rental agreement give us a call and see how we can help. 800.888.8686 or fill out our rental quote form.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Webinar Series 2 - Social Media Marketing Shift

Register now FREE - Session 3: Thursday, August 27, 1:00-2:00 EDT
Proven Strategies for Stimulating Traffic and Loyalty

Summary Of  Session 2:
Thursday, August 20, 1:00-2:00 EDT

The Great Marketing Shift: Leveraging “Pull” Social Media Strategies to connect Buyers and Sellers

Harness the Power, MTO Webinar

* The effectiveness of community, content and conversation
* Supporting purpose and passion
* Six rules for viral marketing
* Easy-to-use relationship tools

Speaker:
RD Whitney, CEO, Tarsus Online Media
Through his 19-year career, RD has become an expert developing online and offline communities that bring buyers and sellers together. He has deep knowledge in creating paid content models. RD has an impressive track record of building, growing and acquiring media assets to maximize value for investors.

Summary on the webinar:

This webinar is still available online here and had some great comments and information from RD Whitney on this great marketing shift relating to social media that is going on right now. Customers today are expecting everthing to be available to them whenever they choose to look for it, and companies need to realize this. Social Media is adding a new element to the already search centric world that connects Buyers/Sellers online.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Dual Post Stand

Sometimes the practical items can be the most important factor in your trade show rental experience. With all the high tech HDTV Plasma Monitor Rentals, Touchscreens, and LCD Displays, it can be easy to forget the simple things - like where you are going to put your monitor & how it will need to be mounted in relation to your booth.

One of the most common ways to mount your LCD Rental or Plasma Display at a Trade Show is with a dual post stand. SmartSource usually provides a 72″ dual post stand with most of our larger monitor rentals, along with an optional shelf that can house a laptop, computer, or DVD player. These dual post stands are a simple and space-saving way to get you monitor raised up off the trade show floor so attendees can view it, as well as allowing you some freedom to position around your booth wherever it is most effective. Dual Post stands have a heavy secure base and will support most large monitors.

A 42″ monitor and a dual post stand can fit in a 10 x 10 trade show booth along with a table and enough room left over to interact with attendees on the trade show floor. If you have a larger booth you can even consider multiple monitors on multiple dual post stands in different areas around the booth to maximize your impact.

SmartSource stocks thousands of monitors in all kinds of types, sizes, and brands. We have extensive experience in installing, mounting, & connecting these monitor rentals to your laptop, DVD player or other video signal.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Apple Mac Pro 8-Core Tower

Two Quad-Core processors & upgraded memory (8GB) make these Apple Mac Pro Towers some of the most powerful Mac Pro Rentals available.

Simply put, these new Mac Pro Towers from SmartSource Rentals are AWESOME, and like every Apple Computer, they are as beautiful as they are powerful. Inside these towers are two Quad-Core Intel 2.8GHz processors that combine to produce 8 times the processing power of a single CPU! SmartSource has also upgraded the memory to 8GB, allowing these machines to handle just about anything you could ever want to do!

• (Two) Quad-Core Intel 2.8 GHz processors
• 8GB Memory
• 16x DVDRW Optical Drive
• 512 MB video card - ATI Radeon HD3870
• 320 GB hard drive
• 802.11 g/n wireless

Apple Mac Pro Rentals put the processing power you need at your fingertips without having to spend the thousands of dollars it would cost to purchase an upgraded machine. At the time of this post, the cost to purchase a comparable Mac Pro is over $5,000 dollars! Rent this Mac Pro from SmartSource and save!

SmartSource stocks thousands of Computer & AV Rentals nationwide available for business or event rentals. Be sure to check out our full selection of rental equipment including MacBook Pro Rentals, Imac Rentals, and PC Laptop Rentals.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Social Media Webinar Series

The first of three Social Media webinars sponsored by SmartSource was a big success last week and there are two more coming up fast so be sure to register now! If you are wondering how Social Media can help out with marketing your business, want to learn more from some hands on experts, or just see what all the buzz is about, then these free webinars are a great resource to help you learn. Sign up now and starting getting involved in one of the fastest growing new phenomenons on the web.

• Register for Free Webinar Thursday Aug 20th - The Great Marketing Shift: Leveraging “Pull” Social Media Strategies to connect Buyers and Sellers

• Register for Free Webinar Thursday Aug 27th - Proven Strategies for Stimulating Traffic and Loyalty

The first webinar in this series has also been posted online if you registered but could not attend or just want to review the information that was presented in more detail. You can check it out here.

The first webinar in this series touched on a variety of topics including the social media landscape, tools available, best practices and more. Here at SmartSource we are just getting started with social media but have already found it to be a great resource for communicated with other people who are involved in a lot of the same things we are involved with, or with people who are actively looking for our products and services.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Digital Document Library

A Digital Document Library allows users to browse through a collection of documents much like you might browse for a book in a bookstore. When a user comes across a document they’re interested in, they simply click or touch the screen to retrieve it in a way that is most convenient to them – Download to USB stick, Email, Print on Demand etc. This empowers users to gather information they are looking for in a format most convenient to them. It also allows the company, business, or sponsor providing the Digital Document Library to gain relevant information on the user browsing their documents – either by scanning a badge, business card, or having the user manually enter their information on screen. User information is stored in a secure database along with data on which documents were requested. This information is available after the event in a report for follow up and analysis.

Digital Document Libraries from SmartSource Rentals are quickly becoming a popular way for companies, businesses, and sponsors to distribute information at trade shows, conventions and other similar events. A Digital Document Library can deliver different kinds of electronic documents in a variety of ways - download to USB stick, print on demand, email/upload on demand, etc. Visitor and attendees at tradeshows are able get information they need in their preffered format, and companies are able to gather relevant information on the users requesting their documents. Digital Document Libraries from SmartSource Rentals can run on any desktop PC or Laptop, and are often used with an Interactive Touch screen Kiosk or touch screen monitor.

Digital Document Libraries require some lead time to configure depending on the depth and scope of the documents. Most companies and businesses already have information in digital format that just needs to be added to a library. SmartSource Computer & AV Rentals provides complete Digital Document Library Solutions Nationwide, as well as computer and interactive touch screen kiosks and PC’s to display the library. For more information, visit our main Digital Document Library page.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Robert Lind’s article in MPIGNY Metrolines

Robert Lind wrote an article that was recently published in MPIGNY Metrolines Magazine regarding sound quality and venue location. This article originated on his blog and gives some good advice on what things to take into consideration as you work with a sound vendor for your next event. These often overlooked steps can make a huge impact on the success of your next event and ensure that your audience hears what the speakers have to say. Congratulations & thanks goes out to Robert for writing the article and having it featured in Metrolines!

The Greek Shall Inherit the Earth
By Robert Lind, SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals

There is a very funny scene in Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” where Jesus is giving the Sermon on the Mount, and the characters in the back have trouble hearing him. Instead of “the meek shall inherit the earth,” they think he says the “Greek,” and proceed to get into an argument as to “who is this Greek?” and “why does he deserve to inherit the earth?” As a meeting planner, how many events have you been to where you couldn’t hear the speakers? Meetings are about transmitting a message to the audience. If your audience can’t hear the message, what good are great speakers?

Rather than going into a technical explanation of what makes good sound
and how to get it, I’d like to give you a few ideas to take along with you
when you talk to your sound vendor. With these, you might be able to
improve the sound at your next meeting or event.

Sound systems are designed with three factors in mind:

-The size of the audience–People absorb sound. The more people
in a confined space, the louder the sound system will need to be
to compete with not only the absorption from the audience, but
also the general crowd noise.

-The physical space –Acoustically speaking, there is a large
difference between providing sound in an all-glass atrium and in an
outdoor amphitheater. Although those are extremes, knowing the
size of the room, including the ceiling height, is a good start. It
would also be helpful to know about wall and floor coverings.

-The ambient sound levels–Once again, I would supply two very
different sound systems to a meeting in an office vs. a meeting on
an airport runway. What is the background noise level with which
the sound system will need to compete?

The best idea, of course, is a site inspection. Taking the extra time to walk the venue with your audio vendor will benefit you immensely. At the very least, you should take the time to speak with your audio vendor, making sure all these important sound factors are understood.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Jennifer Weaver new Director of Publications for SFMPI

Jennifer Weaver has been installed as the Director of Publications for the South Florida Chapter of MPI.  In her new role, she is responsible for the news content in both, the chapter e-newsletter, Tropic Topics, as well as Florida Connects Magazine, a Joint Publication of MPI’s Florida chapters.  Jennifer has been a member of MPI since 1994 and is currently an Account Executive with SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals.

Meeting Professionals International’s vision is to build a rich global meeting industry community making its members successful in building human connections to: Knowledge/Ideas, Relationships and Marketplaces.
Our vision will be activated by using four strategies:  EVOLVE to become a global community,  RE-IMAGINE business relationship with its chapters,  ELEVATE the member conversation and experience, and  BUILD a great organization.  Locally, the 500 member South Florida Chapter supports that vision and provides professional development & networking opportunities for meeting professionals for over 25 years in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Collier Counties. MPI is committed to delivering success for its 22,000 worldwide members by providing innovative professional development, generating industry awareness and creating business development opportunities. For more information, visit www.mpiweb.org.

Congratulations Jennifer!

Popularity: 4% [?]

3-Part Webinar Series on Social Media

Learn why Social Media matters in business and what you need to know to use it to your advantage. This three-part webinar series from Meeting TechOnline offers high value workshops presented by social media experts, show managers and Meetings Industry professionals. These are industry professionals that will share some of knowledge and tools they have learned. Best of all, this three-part Social Media webinar series is free!

Schedule:

Session 1: Harness the Power!
Thursday, August 13, 1:00-2:00 EDT
* Defining the social media tool suite
* Building relationships through viral marketing
* Traditional marketing versus new media marketing
* Using social media to recruit attendees and exhibitors
Speaker: Shawn Pierce, Vice President of Divisional Operations, Hanley Wood

Session 2: The Great Marketing Shift:
Leveraging “Pull” Social Media Strategies to connect Buyers and Sellers
Thursday, August 20, 1:00-2:00 EDT
* The effectiveness of community, content and conversation
* Supporting purpose and passion
* Six rules for viral marketing
* Easy-to-use relationship tools
Speaker: RD Whitney, President, Tarsus

Session 3: Proven Strategies for Stimulating Traffic and Loyalty
Thursday, August 27, 1:00-2:00 EDT
* Generating viral marketing results
* Myths and truth on social media
* Designing for long term community growth
* Real world examples
Speaker: Chris Brown, National Association of Broadcasters, Executive Vice President, Conventions and Business Operations

SmartSource Rentals is proud to be sponsoring this event and look forward to participating in the webinar as well. We will  be posting some more general information on each of these free three-part Social Meida Webinars a few days before each event, along with a wrap up afterwards. Click on the button below to register for the webinar, or view more information on the series.

Popularity: 3% [?]

MPI Dallas/Forth Worth Chapter Meeting

SmartSource Rentals was proud to offer support to the MPI Dallas/Fort Worth chapter’s effort to create a new meeting concept for their April monthly chapter meeting. SmartSource’s Live Event Solutions Digital Signage Technology was used to create a game scenario to keep attendees involved and having fun while they learned to work together to solve common meeting planner/supplier problems. The digital signage was also utilized to maximize sponsor value by displaying sponsor messages during networking time.

In Addition, SmartSource Rental’s Digital Document Library solution was used by the Dallas/Fort Worth Corporate Social Responsibility group to eliminate paper waste and shipping costs by allowing attendees to choose sponsor handouts, chapter documents, and meeting information to download directly from computer kiosks to USB Flash drives. The Digital Document Library is both a green solution as well as a practical solution that allows attendees to get information digitally as well as tracking what data is accessed for future reporting purposes.

A Seamless Plasma Video Wall from SmartSource provided an additional point of interest, allowing a highly visible display for presentation material and sponsor content. Seamless Plasma Video Walls leave a huge impression on attendees by displaying a literal “wall” of seamless plasma display monitors that can all be centrally controlled from a laptop or computer.

The Dallas/Fort Worth (MPI D/FW) Chapter is an affiliate of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community with 25,000+ members belonging to 71 chapters in over 80 countries. The D/FW Chapter currently ranks as the 6th largest chapter in the world with over 970 members. The D/FW Chapter is the only MPI chapter to be recognized five times as the Chapter of the Year in 1989, 1990, 1994, 1996 and 2001.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Real Time Wireless Lead Retrieval

SmartSource now offers Swiftium Bluetooth Barcode Scanners for Lead Retrieval! These systems combine a Bluetooth Blackberry device that is connected to a barcode reader, as well as a small Bluetooth printer.

The Swiftium Lead Retrieval Solution from SmartSource Rentals gives you the ability to access your information in real time over the internet as well as the option to download information locally in Excel or Text format. These barcode scanners use the latest technology and have the ability to scan barcodes through at least 3 layers of clear plastic. Swiftium Barcode Scanners have unsurpassed 2D and 1D barcode scanners that automatically store information locally on an SD Card as well as on the web.

SHOW ORGANIZER BENEFITS:

• Access data from all devices in real time

• Monitor all devices for a specific event

The Swiftium Lead Retrieval system uses XML to push data from the device to the show organizer, Association, or Event Management system in real time. There is also a monitoring system that can be run on any Windows platform with an internet connection that  includes battery level, location of device, number of leads, etc.

SmartSource Computer & AV Rentals offer a variety of Lead Retrieval and Attendee Tracking solutions in addition to the Swiftium Bluetooth Barcode Scanners. Event Organizers and Show Management can also SAVE TIME AND MONEY by combining Lead Retrieval with Audio Visual Services & Computer & PC Rental Services from SmartSource Rentals.

* Unsurpassed Bluetooth Barcode Reader
* Sends data wirelessly & stores it locally
* Blackberry 8800 or 8820 provided
* Hold up to 1,000,000 reads
* Remote Setup
* Easy to use Interface for barcode reading
* Full keyboard
* Voice messaging
* Prints to our Bluetooth printer

Popularity: 9% [?]

63rd Annual Tony Awards

Nominations for the American Theatre Wing’s 63rd Annual Antoinette Perry “Tony”® Awards in 27 competitive categories  were announced May 5th, 2009 by Tony Award Winners Cynthia Nixon (Sex in the City) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights). The Nominee Announcement was broadcast live on CBS morning news.

This year’s Tony Award Nomination Announcement was expanded to include 5 plasma screens on a support structure for graphics accompanying the names of the nominees. Audio Visual Services from SmartSource Rentals were selected to design and construct the support structure, provide the plasma display monitors, and aid in the production of the graphics on a short time line beginning the evening before the presentation. In addition providing Audio Visual services and equipment for the Nominee Announcement, SmartSource Rentals also handled the press room operation on the Sunday night of the Tony Awards (June 7th, 2009) providing a stage and sound system for press interviews of the winners, and monitors for viewing of the Tony Awards broadcast throughout the Rainbow Room.

SmartSource Rentals has been involved in the Tony Award presentations since 2000 (formerly as ACE AV).

This event was sponsored by IBM. The nominees were selected by an independent committee of 26 theatre professionals appointed by the Tony Awards Administration Committee. The 2009 Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. Marking 63 years of excellence on Broadway, The Tony Awards was broadcasted live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, Sunday, June 7th, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT time delay).

For more information, please visit the the American Theatre Wing’s Antoinette Perry “Tony”® Awards website.

To view an official press release from the 2009 Tony® Award Nominations, click here.

To view some video from this event, click here.

Please visit us online more information on professional Audio Visual Services from SmartSource Computer & AV Rentals.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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