Poken, the 360º event platform, today announces a partnership with Reed Exhibitions, which will include the Poken event technology platform employed throughout ibtm america, taking place June 9-11in Chicago, in the Skyline Ballroom at McCormick Place West.
This year’s event will move away from the former trade show format to concentrate on mutually matched, pre-scheduled meetings, which will be conducted in exhibitor meeting pods.
Measuring and tracking meeting attendance at the event is integral to Reed Exhibitions’ objectives and Poken will be used to track buyers’ attendance at their scheduled meetings. On arrival all attendees will receive a Poken interactive USB device which they will use to check into each meeting, by touching it to a small wireless reader embedded in a coaster on each meeting table.
Through wireless Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the participants will also be collecting exhibitor information digitally, via Poken’s Touch-to-collect platform. In the event of attendees not checking in on time for their meetings, automated reminders will be sent via the Poken platform, helping to drive efficient meeting etiquette.
ibtm america will also run a number of knowledge forums and networking sessions where attendees will be able to use their Poken device to exchange and collect contact information and digital brochures, adding a level of benefit to the ibtm events experience.
At past events using its networking and meeting check-in technology, such as this past week’s Middle East Forum on Safety in Healthcare in Qatar, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs’ National trade show in Atlanta, Poken demonstrated a behavioral shift among participants, helping drive better results through enhanced punctuality. Digital document and business-card collection was also seen as a key added value for exhibitors and participants alike.
Ramon Zurbuchen, General Manager of Poken in the US, says: “We are thrilled to be working with Reed Exhibitions on this event by creating new ways for attendees to engage in this environment.
“Reed is constantly redefining the marketplace through continuous innovation and vision and using Poken at the event adds a new dimension to the ibtm america event format.”
Jaime McAuley, ibtm america Event Director commented: “We are delighted to have Poken on board as an official partner for this year’s new show format. Our objective is to empower all of our attendees with leading-edge tools to maximize their show experience and we are excited to offer Poken’s solutions at our event.”
