Thousands of tech heads filled the field at Marlins Park November 7 as the second installment of the TigerDirect.com Tech Summit and Holiday Bash took over the ballpark. Some of the tech industry’s top brands showcased extensive toys and trends at their interactive booths, including Intel, HP, Kingston, Western Digital, Microsoft, and Alienware.
Appropriately for the venue, the main concourse featured ballpark-style food and beverage stations, which included complimentary beer, along with pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and peanuts and popcorn. The fusion of technology and baseball brought two unlikely worlds together, giving the progressive, hands-on event a warm, laid-back feel.
V.I.P.s entered the event through the Diamond Club Lounge early at 7 p.m. for an hour-long preview paired with perks such as an open bar and upscale fare. Pop-up bars and food buffets, along with popcorn and cotton candy stations, were anchored on the field level, which was also dressed in white lounging areas, complete with coffee tables, leather sofas, and high-top tables.
While attendees enjoyed gaming stations and tablet and app demonstrations, the event was notable in the copious amount of swag, which attendees collected in TigerDirect knapsacks gifted upon entry. HP handed out portable speakers, while PayPal rewarded app check-ins with portable batteries. Samsonite distributed phone stands and Western Digital gave out toys and mugs.
Attendees who visited at least 20 booths could take a spin on the TigerDirect Wheel of Technology, a virtual spinner that awarded tech-driven prizes. The gimmick proved popular with attendees.
Here are eight of the most interactive displays from the event.
