Jan 15, 2021 by SmartSource
Tips and Tricks for Presenting Virtually Let’s face it, a lot has changed within the past year, and knowing how to present yourself in an online meeting is more important than ever.  Your audience wants to see a polished presentation that informs, delights, and steers clear of technical snafus. In addition to the right attire, there are four technical areas of importance when considering equipment for a virtual session – lighting, video, audio, and streaming source (computer). Sta...  

Dec 21, 2020 by SmartSource
Providing ROI for exhibitors and sponsors is hard, and many feel they are not getting the same value in the virtual space. Everyone started out by trying to replicate the tradeshow floor experience, but we all quickly learned that things are not the same in a virtual world.  Yet sponsors and exhibitors have not changed their goal of reaching the right audience to sell their products or services. Education regarding how to engage in new platforms is critical for success. Set Your Exhibitors and...  

Dec 17, 2020 by SmartSource
SmartSource recently partnered with the Bronx Zoo to help bring its annual Holiday Lights attraction to life with holiday sounds throughout the outdoor venue. With over 200 acres of ground to cover, SmartSource sought to complement the venue’s stunning twinkling winter wonderland with the sounds of classic and newer holiday favorites throughout the zoo’s attractions. It was imperative that SmartSource rely on its expertise when working within the constraints of weather and natural enviro...  

Dec 15, 2020 by SmartSource
For many, the best part of being at an in-person function is catching up with industry colleagues, sharing ideas in a classroom setting, and having a cocktail or dancing the night away after the event ends. Though we find ourselves thrust into this Zoom world, the need to connect, network, and share in a meaningful way is still there. We know that engagement is important, but it’s difficult to achieve in the virtual world. In fact, 30% of participants of our recent webinar stated that attende...  

Dec 08, 2020 by SmartSource
While it may take a bit more time for in-person face-to-face events to safely re-open, the needs of attendees will not change. Attendees are still looking to be educated, inspired, motivated, and searching for that next product or tool that will further their business objectives. On the flip side, exhibitors and sponsors are still looking to reach attendees. So how do you differentiate your experience by adding value for your attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors? And how do you put a price on it?...  

Nov 25, 2020 by SmartSource
We are all hopeful that live events will return soon, but consummately prepared event planners are equipped to ride the virtual and hybrid wave a bit longer. This means event professionals need to understand virtual meeting platforms, the benefits and limitations of each, and when to call in professionals. Platforms are not events; events require coordination and people working behind the scenes with the goal of delivering your message and bringing people together. A virtual meeting platform ...  

Oct 14, 2020 by SmartSource
For SmartSource®, an ABCOM Technology Group company, one of the nation’s leading providers of IT, audio visual (AV) and interactive technology solutions, delivering value is always a top priority. As a designated Collaborator Partner for the CEIR Predict 2020 event, CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference, SmartSource was charged with providing virtual event services. Given the event’s outward looking approach, it was important to event organizers that their partners be forwa...  

Aug 11, 2020 by Shannon McNealy
When it came to showcasing its innovative, award-winning ctrlX AUTOMATION in a hybrid press conference, Bosch Rexroth turned to an industry leader known for its technical expertise and extensive inventory of leading-edge technologies, SmartSource®, an ABCOM Technology Group company. SmartSource was called upon to implement a hybrid press conference which included multiple presenters, a production staff and all attendees – 63 participants in total — teaming up remotely from their homes fo...  

Jul 01, 2020 by Shannon McNealy
Today, more and more businesses recognize the value of working with an outsourcing partner to help address various Information Technology (IT) needs. The top benefits businesses derive from outsourced IT solutions include significant cost savings, access to the most up-to-date, leading-edge IT solutions, alleviating internal staff of certain tasks enabling them to focus on tasks reflecting their core competencies, and the ability to optimize internal IT operations. All outsourcing IT partners, h...  

Jul 01, 2020 by Shannon McNealy
By now, we have all participated in numerous online conferences, working remotely. The data suggests that the number of virtual conferences and meetings have been steadily increasing since the pandemic forced the shutdown of thousands of businesses, schools, and retail operations. Remote working and long distance learning have prevailed across the world. On April 9, 2020, Microsoft Teams reported that it observed a new daily record of 2.7 billion meeting minutes in one day, representing a 200...