SelfieSpott is a new text-based photo branding opportunity from CTM Events. Planners can create a graphic overlay with their event’s logo and information. Then when guests text their photo to a designated number, they instantly receive a message back that provides a link to their image with the branded content added. The link has a “flip over” option so additional content, such as photos and sponsor information, can be included on the virtual “back” of the photo. Each SelfieSpott image also has social sharing links included so users can share their customized photo on Facebook and Twitter or via email or text. Planners also receive the mobile number or email of users for later permission-based follow-up.
Glisser is an audience engagement system that makes presentations instantly interactive and shareable. It launched in 2014 and recently made several updates, including a PowerPoint add-in that allows presenters to share their slides one by one to audience smartphones as they present. Presenters can also use the system to instantly send polls to the audience and display the results. Audience members can submit questions anonymously to presenters and also vote on the questions that have been asked, which moves the most popular questions to the top. Glisser collects emails and data for every interaction, and the information can be downloaded as a spreadsheet or uploaded into a CRM system. It also has social sharing options so speakers can automatically share slides to Twitter as they present.
Estimote Mirror is a video-enabled beacon, which means the technology can not only communicate with nearby smartphones and apps but also take content from those apps and display it on nearby digital screens. For example, the system can be used to show personalized content on digital signs around a venue as guests pass by or to show product information at an exhibit booth that’s based on the attendee’s interests, needs, and previous buying habits. The system provides data such as the number, frequency, and duration of visitors to each beacon. Estimote Mirror launched in September.
Optoma, a manufacturer of video and audio products, has created an app that enables users to quickly and affordably create projection-mapping experiences for their events. The Projection Mapper app, $4.99, is designed for use with a digital projector and any Android, iOS, or Amazon Kindle Fire device. The app walks users through simple steps to project images and video simultaneously onto multiple flat surfaces or three-dimensional objects. The app launched in October.
Air Events Global is one of the newest entries in the “sharing economy.” It’s an online marketplace for planners who have event work that needs to be done and freelancers who are looking for such work. The system covers all types of services, such as general event staff, catering assistance, entertainment, and more for both corporate and social events. Planners post jobs, including details about the location, time, and rate they will pay, and then they can communicate directly with freelancers whose profiles match their requests. Payments are held in the platform’s secure system until the job is completed. Both clients and freelancers can leave reviews in the system. Air Events Global will be available starting Friday.
Food Network & Cooking Channel's 16th annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival took place February 22 to 26. Wine n Dine app hosted the New Taste South Beach Pool Party—an offshoot event at the Villa, Casa Casuarina—which offered guests treats including honey banana cupcakes with a bourbon-filled pipette from Bumble and Wicked Whisk.
A photo activation from Lollapalooza returning sponsor Toyota turned music fans into rock climbers thanks to some low-fi special effects. The music festival took place in Chicago in July.
