The 2008 Affordable Meetings National Conference and Expo came to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center September 9 and 10. A new component of the conference this year was the Event Technology Expo, showcasing new event capabilities and gadgets. More than 1,700 attendees took in the conference's 42 educational sessions (such as how to host greener meetings) and checked out the new technology on display. LinkedIn co-founder Allen Blue, the general session speaker, discussed the power of events, specifically the public's fascination with who’s attending what.
New technology included Mingle360, an infrared connection that replaces the need for business cards at events. Attendees tested out the Minglestick, which works by connecting to other sticks, exchanging contact information with a click, and uploading it to a computer. Other new technologies included MapYourShow, an interactive floor plan-management software program; and SpotMe, a communication device that combines audience response, Q&A sessions, messaging, lead retrieval, social networking, attendance tracking, and electronic feedback forms.
