Digital Signage Federation DSF Press Releases

For Immediate Release - Digital Signage Federation® Presents 2012 Summer Webinar Series

Lauren Taggart — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:09:59 GMT

Warrenton, VA - The Digital Signage Federation® (DSF), the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry is excited to announce a dynamic webinar series to continue to provide educational opportunities for professional advancement over the course of the summer.

The popular DSF Monthly Webinar series will feature dynamic presentations from Industry experts such as Ken Goldberg, Real Digital Media, Jason Kates, rVue, Bryan Meszaros and Chris Heap, OpenEye, John Schreiber, IDL Worldwide and Jeff Collard, Omnivex, who will share their expertise on a variety of topical issues, including:

June 13th:“The Store Fights Back – Energizing the Retail Experience through Digital Signage” presented by Bryan Meszaros, Director Strategy & Development, OpenEye, Chris Heap Founder and Managing Director, Imperative Group and Sr. Digital Strategist, OpenEye, and John Schreiber, Vice President/Senior Creative Director, IDL Worldwide
July 18th: “Social Media: The Impact and Opportunity for Digital Signage” co-presented by Ken Goldberg, CEO, Real Digital Media and Jason Kates, CEO, rVue.
August 22nd: “Wayfinding Takes a New Direction” presented by Jeff Collard, President, Omnivex

The DSF-BUNN Webinar series, designed for operators of advertising-supported, digital place-based media networks, will focus on areas such as revenue achievement, investment attraction, and operational efficiencies, as:

June 20th: “Digital Place-Based Networks: Understanding Media Buying & Planning”
July 25th: “Digital Place-Based Networks: Using Viewer Metrics to Increase Ad Sales”
August 15th: “Digital Place-Based Networks: How to Sell Advertising for Digital Signage”

NEW for end-users in key vertical industries, the DSF’s Advocacy & Outreach Committee will present a specially designed curriculum for those planning to implement new or expanded digital signage projects, including topics such as:

June 27th: Higher Education: “Campus Signage 101”
July 11th: Banking & Finance: “Taking Digital Signage Beyond the Bank Lobby”
August 1st: Retail: “Is Your Content Management Software Ready for Enterprise?”

To make it easy to attend, Mark Your Calendar Now and go to www.digitalsignagefederation.org to register for any or all of the following:

June 13th: “The Store Fights Back – Energizing the Retail Experience through Digital Signage”
June 20th: “Digital Place-Based Networks: Understanding Media Buying & Planning"
June 27th: Higher Education: “Campus Signage 101”
July 11th: Banking & Finance: “Taking Digital Signage Beyond the Bank Lobby”
July 18th: “Social Media: The Impact and Opportunity for Digital Signage”
July 25th: “Digital Place-based Networks: Using Viewer Metrics to Increase Ad Sales”
August 1st: Retail: “Is Your Content Management Software Ready for Enterprise”
August 15th: “Digital Place-Based Networks: How to Sell Advertising for Digital Signage"
August 22nd: “Wayfinding Takes a New Direction”

George Yunis, co-Chair of the Digital Signage Education Committee said, “Because the Digital Signage Federation is committed to education, raising the level of professionalism in our industry and promoting and supporting the common business interests of the worldwide digital signage industry, we are pleased to make this extensive educational program available for those who are serious about professional development for themselves, their colleagues, subordinates and clients.”

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About the Digital Signage Federation

DSF's Mission is to support and promote the common business interests of the world-wide digital signage, interactive technologies and the digital out-of-home network industries. The DSF is a not-for-profit independent voice of the digital signage industry reflecting the diversity of its membership. It promotes professional recognition through certifications, continuing education, conferences, publications, and presentations offered by the DSF and affiliate groups. It provides government lobbying to leverage the collective strength of members and represent their interests at the higher levels of government and the community. The DSF provides leadership and networking opportunities focused on building a strong foundation for the advancement of the digital signage industry. For more information, visit www.digitalsignagefederation.org.

For more information on DSF contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release - DSF Now Offers Free Education-on-Demand - DSE 2012 Fundamentals Seminar Program Available for DSF Members

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:55:36 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent, not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, is happy to announce that the all new immersive four-part Digital Signage Expo’s (DSE) Digital Signage Fundamentals Seminar Program, designed specifically to prepare those investing for the first-time to deal with initial planning and execution challenges, is now available for viewing on the DSF website.

The Digital Signage Fundamentals Seminar Program was presented in Las Vegas last March at DSE 2012, as part of DSE’s eight-track Educational Conference, which is now available for general market purchase as part of DSE’s post-show “education package” for a cost of $445 – but is free to all DSF members.

Designed specifically for those DOOH network operators of both revenue- and non-revenue generating systems, digital signage (DS) end-users, systems integrators, and installers who are relatively new to the industry, this educational track is intended to provide an introduction to the DS industry by promoting a better understanding of the seven elements that comprise a DS system. Topics that are covered include:

Introduction to Digital Signage: A Roadmap for Success
Emerging Digital Media Trends
Key Considerations for Successful Digital Signage Project Execution
Everything You Need to Know About Making Digital Signage Content

Each session was led by professionals who shared their experience and come from a variety of disciplines within DOOH Networks, as well as end-users from the restaurant and financial fields, along with knowledgeable industry consultants and technology providers.

George Yunis, DSF Education Committee co-Chair, said, “The DS Fundamentals Track is targeted primarily at those who want to learn how to get started in digital signage, as well as a track that remains popular with industry professionals who want to revisit some of the basics from time to time.”

DSF members can view the Fundamentals Track Seminar Program or any of the DSE 2012, DSE 2011, and DSE 2010 educational conference seminars online at www.digitalsignagefederation.org. Viewings of all sessions are free for DSF members. These sessions are also available on a pay-on-demand basis at www.digitalsignageexpo.net at a cost of $445.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

DSF®'s Mission is to support and promote the common business interests of the world-wide digital signage, interactive technologies and the digital out-of-home network industries. The DSF® is a not-for-profit independent voice of the digital signage industry reflecting the diversity of its membership. It promotes professional recognition through certifications, continuing education, conferences, publications, and presentations offered by the DSF® and affiliate groups. It provides government lobbying to leverage the collective strength of members and represent their interests at the higher levels of government and the community. The DSF® provides leadership and networking opportunities focused on building a strong foundation for the advancement of the digital signage industry. For more information, visit www.digitalsignagefederation.org.

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release – The Digital Signage Federation® Announces Standards Committee co-Chairs for 2012

Lauren Taggart — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:39:24 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent, not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, is excited to announce that Ian Stone of Respario, LP and Angela Tang of AOpen will co-Chair the DSF’s Standards Committee for 2012.

The Standards Committee creates and advocates industry standards to ensure continuity and broad industry acceptance in the areas of measurement, integration and messaging, semantics and privacy.

In 2011, the Standards Committee developed a set of privacy standards that have since been adopted industry-wide becoming the first organization in the DS industry to establish and promote a set of guidelines that encourage commitment to strong privacy and transparency standards. By taking the lead in promulgating a set of privacy standards, the DSF, and the DS industry as a whole, have demonstrated willingness to self-regulate, appropriately noted and recognized on Capitol Hill during their hearings on the issue of privacy related to new forms of interactive media.

Ian Stone, President and Chief Experience Officer of Respario, LP said, “I invite and encourage the participation of those in our community to contribute to the debate and development of standards on important issues such as audience measurement and metrics.” He added, “In 2012 and going forward, being proactive on these issues will be key to ensuring that our industry has a voice in and the ability to shape a favorable environment in which to promote our respective businesses.”

Angela Tang, Marketing Manager of AOpen said, “Our mission is to best represent our industry’s business interests and encourage the adoption of guidelines that contribute to continued growth. We plan to be proactive, promote opportunities for self-regulation, and work to maintain control of the conversation to avoid legislative intervention.” She added, “Our efforts on behalf of the industry will work best if industry thought leaders participate in the development process.”

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release – The Digital Signage Federation® Announces Advocacy and Outreach Committee co-Chairs for 2012

Lauren Taggart — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:07:05 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent, not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, is excited to announce that Rich Ventura of NEC Displays and Oliver Vagner of Solution Forge, LLC will co-Chair the DSF’s Advocacy and Outreach (A&O) Committee for 2012.

The A&O Committee creates programs and activities that target specific “growth” vertical industry groups to improve the visibility, understanding, and appreciation of the digital signage industry in each sector. The Committee works through its subcommittees to develop and publish industry guides, stage webinars to help educate targeted end-user communities in the hopes of confirming and expediting their commitment to digital signage, and participate in industry-related events to provide exposure for the digital signage industry.

Industry verticals that have been identified as strong “growth” areas for the digital signage industry and are therefore a focus of the A&O Committee’s efforts, include: Advertising Agency professionals, College & University Administrators & Technologists, Retailers, Restaurant Owners & Operators, and Healthcare and Financial Administrators & Technologists. Program curricula will shortly be available for each end user group, but industry resource guides have already been published and posted on the DSF website to provide a fundamental checklist reference for professionals in all of the forgoing end-user categories and can be found at: (http://www.digitalsignagefederation.org/industryguides).

Rich Ventura, Director of Sales-Vertical Solutions for NEC Display and Restaurant Sub-Committee Chair, said, “The A&O Committee is focused on those sectors that industry research has identified as the biggest opportunities for DS expansion in the next 12 to 18 months. We are committed to supporting and encouraging that growth to help drive business to our member companies.”

Oliver Vagner, Principal Architect of Solution Forge, LLC and Retail Sub-Committee Chair, said, “Our mission is to help professionals in each industry group better understand the benefits of digital signage and the positive impact it can have on their bottom line. There are countless industry studies that substantiate an investment in digital signage and how it can be used to improve profitability through engagement. The A&O Committee’s goal to help ensure our long term success as an industry.”

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release - Digital Signage Federation® and BUNN Present: "The Media Buyer Mindset", First in a Monthly Series of Webcasts for Ad-Based Network Operators, Wednesday May 23rd

Lauren Taggart — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:45 GMT

Warrenton, VA - The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, and BUNN present “The Media Buyer Mindset.” Presented by Amy Vollet, Vice President, Director of Media at The Integer Group, the May 23rd event is the first in a monthly series of webcast curriculum focused on revenue generation, investment attraction and operational efficiencies of Ad-based Network Operators.

Digital Place-based network operators whose business models depend upon generating advertising revenues and sponsored programming must communicate effectively with media strategists, planners and activation specialists to maximize their ad sales success. By better meeting the informational needs of media professionals regarding the value of ad-based networks, operators can reduce their sales costs, increase revenue, and improve their forecasting.

In this session, moderated by Lyle Bunn, Amy Vollet, whose professional responsibilities and expertise encompass traditional, digital, shopper and emerging media, will outline the decision planning process and identify key factors that lead to purchase of time in dynamic place-based media. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, allowing participants to get answers to questions and clarify sales challenges.

Those who attend the free webcast will come away with:

A better understanding of the ad planning, buying processes, and priorities.
Knowledge of how to communicate effectively with media planners to “get on the plan” and achieve ad revenue.
Ways to reduce selling costs.
Insights to improve revenue forecasting.

About Amy Vollet

Amy’s passion for media planning stems from a truly integrated planning approach that unites broadcast, out-of-home and print with emerging platforms in digital, mobile and retail. Her experience in media sales and extensive client experience at McKinney & Silver, Temerlin McClain and TracyLocke on brands like Tabasco, T-Mobile, Cargill, Nationwide Insurance, Audi of America, Verizon, Harrah's Entertainment, Ingersoll Rand-Schlage, Starbucks and Texas Lottery provides a healthy perspective on what it takes to “get the buy”. Amy joined The Integer Group this past January as VP, Director of Media where she leads engagement strategies across traditional, digital, shopper and emerging media for all of Integer's Dallas accounts including BancVue, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Lone Star Steakhouse, Texas Land & Cattle Steak House, LALA and 7-Eleven.

To register for this web event, please go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/585793986.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For more information about BUNN, please contact:

Lyle Bunn

Strategy Architect, BUNN

C: 416-904-4426

lyle@lylebunn.com

For Immediate Release – Digital Signage Federation® Presents “The Value of Interactivity – Not Your Traditional Digital Signage” on Wednesday, May 16th

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:21:29 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry will host Neeraj Pendse, Digital Signage Business Development Manager for TE Touch Solutions when he presents “The Value of Interactivity – Not Your Traditional Digital Signage” on Wednesday, May 16th at 2pm EDT.

Interactive digital signage can influences the customer-buying experience in-store by giving customers all the information they need to make a purchase immediately. By allowing customers not only to see and touch a product, but also to explore their buying options and read reviews, engages them in the buying process and makes a purchase more likely. Further, targeted messaging based on such interaction allows retailers to capture metrics enabling them to learn what their customers really want.

Those who attend the free webcast will learn:

o The advantages of an interactive digital signage solution over traditional “one-way” broadcasting.

o Best practices of adding interactivity to digital signage – and what mistakes to avoid.

o Case studies on how a variety of businesses have realized the advantages of interactive digital signage.

o How customer engagement through interactivity can increase sales.

Karen Varrone, Co-Chair of the Education Committee said, “Adding an interactive component to a digital signage installation is a great way to invite customers to participate in the buying process, while learning more about what triggers their purchase decision.” She added, “Neeraj’s perspective on the type of installations, and how one might best approach the task of incorporating interactivity successfully, should be very helpful to those who are contemplating adding an interactive dimension to their networks.”

To register for this web event, please go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/275742386.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release - Digital Signage Federation® and BUNN Collaborate to Present Training Program to Accelerate Ad-Based Network Business Success

Lauren Taggart — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:07:30 GMT

Warrenton, VA. – April 16, 2012: Digital Signage Federation® (DSF) and BUNN will collaborate to present a series of monthly webinars to improve the business success of advertising-based, digital place-based media networks. These highly relevant webinars, commencing May 23, 2012 will focus on areas such as revenue achievement, investment attraction and operational efficiencies.

“The 369 ad-based networks now operating across North America offer substantial capability” said Lyle Bunn, a highly-regarded industry analyst, advisor and educator, who will produce and moderate the series. He noted, “these networks face similar, well-known business development challenges in this rapidly changing environment.” Bunn added, “At the same time, many corporate network operators are considering the use of advertising or sponsored messaging to offset their costs of operation and growth”.

Webinars will feature specialists in areas such as ad planning, placement and sales, investment attraction, integration with other marketing channels, analytics and areas where operational efficiencies and economies can be gained. “Network operators, their investors and suppliers will gain knowledge and insights that can be applied immediately to improve their bottom line” said Bunn.

Brian Gorg, Executive Director of DSF, said, “The DSF’s mission is to support and promote the common business interests of the world-wide digital signage industry and as such is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities that benefit our members’ businesses.” He added, “This webinar series provides an entire curriculum for digital place-based network operators designed to help their businesses succeed.”

Event information and registration for this series, and all of DSF’s free webinars is available on the DSF website at www.digitalsignagefederation.org.

Mark your calendars for the following Ad-Based Network Operators webinar events:

May 23: “The Media Buyer Mindset”
June 20: “Media planning/buying priorities – Making the Case for Your Network
July 25: “Using Viewer Metrics to Increase Ad Sales”
Aug. 22: “Advertising sales approaches that work”
Sept 26: “Achieving “local” advertising revenues”
Events Oct. to Dec: Increasing investment attractiveness
Events Jan to April: Maximizing Ad-based network capabilities and success

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About Digital Signage Federation:

contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Lyle Bunn

Strategy Architect, BUNN

C: 416-904-4426

Lyle@LyleBunn.com

For Immediate Release – The Digital Signage Federation® Announces Education Committee Co-Chairs for 2012

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:05:49 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry is proud to announce that Karen Varrone, President, The Mission Group and George Yunis, Senior Director, Creative Services, ARAMARK will co-chair the DSF Education Committee in 2012.

The Digital Signage Federation is committed to providing industry education for those who do business within the industry, college and university students who hope to find employment in the industry, and key end-user categories who are vested in or planning to invest in digital signage and interactive technologies.

The DSF’s Education committee oversees and executes the variety of programs that deliver on that commitment including the DSF’s Monthly Webinar Program, the effort to establish additional DSF College Chapters and the formalization of National Educational Standards for the digital signage industry. Under the aegis of the Education Committee, the DSF also offers discounted member access to a host of other educational events as well as professional certification opportunities.

Yunis, also a DSF At-Large Board member said, “Education plays a vital role not only in the mission of the DSF, but is also a huge contributor to the successful growth of our industry. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Karen and all our committee members to make a meaningful contribution to our industry through education.”

Varrone said, “The ability to work with a strong committee team – Margot Myers of Platt Retail Institute, Laura Cison of Tech Global, and Dale Smith of Peerless-AV – helps make the goals of our committee that much more attainable. There is a lot of work to be done in order to build upon prior successes, but George and I are confident in our team’s ability to meet the challenges ahead. We also invite and welcome anyone who is interested in volunteering on the Education Committee to contact us to learn more about these opportunities.”

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Digital Signage Federation Sees Great Opportunities for Members at 2012 ISA Expo

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:46:15 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent, not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry attended ISA Expo 2012 to ensure that its membership and the digital signage industry were represented in force at the International Sign Association’s 2012 conference and tradeshow and to extend its educational outreach to professionals in the static sign industry.

DSF members presented a curriculum designed to educate traditional sign companies and end-users on the benefits of “dynamic” digital signage, and hosted a booth on the tradeshow floor, all of which drew crowds. DSF volunteers were engaged continually by attendees who expressed serious interest, and wanted to know more about how to expand their businesses to allow them to offer “dynamic” digital signage services.

To allay concerns about embracing digital signage, the DSF showcased tools that the Federation has developed to help traditional sign companies incorporate digital signage into their business models. These included the VIP proposal service, DSF educational discounts on Digital Signage Experts Group Certification courses (and complimentary online licenses for new members to DSEG courses), and DSF directory of members.

Brian Gorg, Executive Director for the DSF, said, “All of our DSF members who attended the ISA Expo agreed that promoting a greater understanding of digital signage to traditional sign business practitioners is a worthwhile strategy to help grow business in the DS industry.” He added, “That’s why we are encouraging traditional sign business practitioners who are interested in digital signage to connect with the DSF, take our educational courses, become DSF members, and attend the trade shows where our industry is represented.”

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Hofflander & Blankensop to co-Chair the Digital Signage Federation's Legislative Committee for 2012, Invites Volunteers

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:28:21 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, announced today that Linda Hofflander of Saddle Ranch Digital and Jeff Blankensop of Peerless-AV will co-chair of the DSF’s Legislative Committee for 2012.

The Legislative Committee develops programs that support the advancement of digital signage rights and seeks to advise on how to improve legislation, regulations, codes, and standards that affect the sale and use of digital signage and interactive technologies. The committee also works with other industry associations to partner on advocating for pieces of legislation that affect the industry. Because the committee’s program goals are still being developed for approval by the DSF Board of Directors later this month, now is the time for those who are interested in participating or chairing a sub-committee to contact either co-Chair or the DSF to volunteer.

Jeff Blankensop, Director of Business Development for Peerless-AV, said, “As our industry continues to grow and innovate within the public domain, it will need a voice to advocate for them on legislative issues that will have impact on our businesses. Through working with other DSF committees, like our Standards Committee, we can voluntarily promote and adopt standards and work with legislators to educate them on steps we have already taken to self-regulate.”

Linda Hofflander, Chief Strategy Officer of Saddle Ranch Digital, said, “The Legislative Committee’s work will prove essential to protecting the livelihoods of our members and everyone who does business in this space. We welcome the broadest possible volunteer representation to help ensure that everyone’s business interests are represented.”

Those who are interested in volunteering should contact Linda Hofflander at lhofflander@saddleranchdigital.com or Jeff Blankensop at jblankensop@peerless-av.com.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Digital Signage Federation April Monthly Webinar, "The Evolving Role of the Distributor in Digital Signage" Moves to THURSDAY, April 19

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:45:50 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit organization serving the digital signage industry, has moved its April webinar program to Thursday, April 19th. “The Evolving Role of the Distributor in Digital Signage,” will be presented by Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V at 2pm EST that day.

Taylor, who also Chairs the Federation’s Distributor Committee and as a distributor, is in a unique position to share how distributors, who already represent approximately 80% of the overall sales of products supplying the digital signage industry, are finding space for value added services including education, customization, and partnerships to provide their customers more insight into array of products they may use for their digital signage solutions.

Those who would like to better understand this niche prior to making purchases for their own digital signage networks, for those of their clients, or to enhance their own business prospects, should make a point of attending the free webcast to learn:

A brief history of the distribution business and how it has evolved over the past few years for the benefit of reseller communities.
The benefits of being a “value-added distributor” versus purveyors of “boxes” and commodity sales in terms of risk abatement for resellers.
How to select a “value-added distributor” to fit your business model.

Alan Brawn, Chairman of the DSF, said, “This April webcast is essential for those who plan to or already operate in the DS space, to understand the role that distributors play in providing true partnerships and support in the successful implementation and maintenance of digital signage projects. And, it is a unique opportunity for all industry professionals to learn to challenge themselves to bring additional “value added” to whatever services they may already offer.”

To register for this web event, please go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/493541962.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Digital Signage Federation Announces More Than Two Dozen New Members

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:42:23 GMT

Warrenton, VA - The Digital Signage Federation® the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, announced today that 26 companies have joined the Federation in just the last two weeks. This strong period of growth corresponds to the launch of several new member incentive programs and the Federation’s presence at Digital Signage Expo 2012.

Executive Director, Brian Gorg said “Response has been incredible. Companies appreciate the benefits offered by the DSF and understand the value of membership. The most highly valued of which are related to the Digital Signage Expo and our educational partnerships.” He added, “Networking with other members and being part of an independent association is something that also attracts new companies to our organization.”

New DSF member, Peter Dunn from Wyless Connect, a provider of global M2M managed services and enterprise connectivity solutions, said “As a new company in the digital signage space, joining the Digital Signage Federation has already proven to be invaluable in expanding our connectivity business. The members have been very welcoming and we've already found several new potential partners and customers.”

DSF memberships are company based, meaning all employees of member companies receive the benefits of membership. Annual membership levels are based on the type of company the member is, reflecting the enumerated benefits of Federation membership.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

DSF To Establish Member Chapters in Brazil and China

Lauren Taggart — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:11:00 GMT

Las Vegas, NV – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, announced today that it will shortly establish member chapters in both Brazil and China to help further its mission of educational outreach and support of the growth of the digital signage industry world wide.

Both the Brazilian Association of Digital Media Out-of-Home (ABDOH) and a delegation of digital signage professionals from China have petitioned the DSF to extend official recognition that will allow their respective constituents to take advantage of member benefits that include industry education and certification for companies in both Brazil and China.

After meeting with both groups individually, yesterday Wednesday, March 7th at DSE 2012, DSF Chairman Alan Brawn said, “The opportunity to establish DSF chapters in both Brazil and China represents an exciting and natural growth opportunity for the DSF and our industry. All of our educational programs including sponsored DSEG certification are resources that need to be accessible to all our international colleagues.”

Establishing foreign chapter affiliates of the DSF is a natural result of the expansive growth in the digital signage industry. Individual country chapters have the wherewithal to translate resources such as articles and white papers in country-appropriate languages, which will make the DSF’s educational outreach truly effective for the digital signage industry worldwide.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

For Immediate Release - Robert Stowe, DSF Chairman Emeritus Receives Legacy Award at DSE 2012 Awards Dinner

Lauren Taggart — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:36:29 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, announced today that DSF Chairman Emeritus, Robert “Bob” Stowe, Director, Marketing Services, Wendy’s International, has received the organization’s first Legacy Award for his accomplishments as the DSF’s 2011 Chairman.

The DSF’s success in 2011 was directly attributable to Stowe’s leadership and ability to motivate volunteers from all sectors of the digital signage industry, which provided the support and stability necessary to sustain and grow the young organization. Stowe low-key and consistent leadership style fostered a positive environment that encouraged volunteers to create many new programs and initiatives that not only raised the profile of the organization, but also were designed to benefit members and increase their visibility in the general marketplace.

The 2012 Board of Directors has established the Digital Signage Federation Legacy Award to recognize Stowe primarily for his contribution in creating the DSF’s Seal of Professional Excellence® (SPE). Derived from the Privacy Standards that were developed by the Standards Committee and adopted by the organization in early 2011, the Seal of Professional Excellence is a designation for organizations that have committed to support and adhere to the DSF’s Professional Standards. The seal is intended to be a graphic symbol synonymous with excellence in professional conduct and integrity within the digital signage industry, and has already been adopted by the DSF Board Member companies.

Alan Brawn, 2012 DSF Chairman, said, “Bob has led the DSF with integrity and passion from day one. He gave our young organization a solid foundation to build upon both administratively and programmatically and bequeaths a rich legacy to all of us in the industry. The progress our organization made in 2011 is directly attributable to Bob’s dedication and hard work.”

Stowe was presented with the Digital Signage Federation Legacy Award at the DSE 2012 Awards Dinner on March 7, 2012 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, NV.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Look for the Digital Signage Federation Booth #300 at Digital Signage Expo 2012

Lauren Taggart — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:13:18 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, is excited to announce its participation at many of the events taking place at Digital Signage Expo 2012.

Beginning Monday, March 5th, the DSF’s Second Annual Golf Tournament at the gorgeous TPC Las Vegas is a great way for DSF members and other industry professionals to network and relax prior to the start of DSE – and at the same time support the DSF’s College Chapter scholarship fund.

Look for the Digital Signage Federation in Booth #300. With the generous support of members Brawn Consulting, Saddle Ranch Digital, and Salitek, and supporters Hiperwall and Technovare, the DSF will have an place to welcome members and attendees who would like to meet the DSF team and learn more about the DSF’s mission.

DSF members will also share their expertise in informational sessions designed to encompass all aspects of the industry:

On Tuesday, March 6th

DSF Chairman Alan Brawn will be conducting Digital Signage Certified Expert certification classes, comprehensive certification courses in digital signage that provide an immersive industry overview.
DSF member Platt Retail Institute is presenting the Retailer Education Forum, which will use case studies to provide attendees with unique insights into multi-channel marketing, how leading retailers are leveraging in-store technologies, and how to position and sell digital marketing messages to brands.
The Digital Place Advertising Association (DPAA), a DSF member organization, is sponsoring the Digital Place-Based Advertising Summit, which is an all-day event designed exclusively for marketers and agencies to help them understand and substantiate place-based media.

On Wednesday, March 7th

DSF Vice Chairman Phil Cohen will present an “Introduction to Digital Signage: A Roadmap for Success”
DSF Board Member Ken Goldberg will participate in “Digital Signage Content Lightning Round”

The evening of March 7th, the DSF is sponsoring DSE’s 3rd Annual Awards Dinner at Caesar’s Palace, where DSF’s outgoing 2011 Chairman, Robert Stowe, Director, Marketing Services, Wendy’s International will be recognized for his service, and the DSF’s Recommended Scholar for 2012 will be introduced.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

The Digital Signage Federation Introduces "Recommended" Scholar at DSE 2012

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:10:19 GMT

Warrenton, VA – As part of its commitment to the education of students studying to enter the digital signage industry, the Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry, introduces Dana Cook, a Texas State Technical College student, as its recommended scholar for Digital Signage Expo 2012.

Cook will graduate in April 2012 with his Associate’s Degree in Digital Signage and letters of recommendation based on his internship managing a digital signage network across TSTC West Texas. That experience made him responsible for developing and implementing digital content on the SCALA platform. Cook is also a young man committed to public service, currently serving as vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Abilene TSTC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, student ambassador, and president of the Abilene TSTC Digital Signage Club.

Laura Cison of Tech Global and chair of the College Chapter Development sub-Committee, said, “We are very excited to introduce a student of Dana’s caliber as the DSF’s inaugural recommended scholar at DSE 2012 as part of our scholarship program. The industry exposure and ability to network with professionals in the industry, as well as the ability to attend the invaluable educational sessions at the DSE, is just one of the many benefits that the DSF provides our College Chapter students.”

Brian Gorg, DSF Executive Director, added, “The DSF is committed to ensuring the future of the digital signage industry by establishing a viable labor pool of qualified students and young professionals who will be available to fill the staffing needs of our members as the digital signage industry continues to grow. With students of Dana’s caliber participating in the DSF scholarship program, we can offer our members a choice of qualified young people who come into the workforce prepared to make a significant professional contribution.”

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

DSF and Saddle Ranch Digital's Sarubbi to Present Customer Engagement Tips Webcast Wednesday, March 14th

Lauren Taggart — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:49:37 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®, the only independent not-for-profit organization in the digital signage industry, presents the next installment of its monthly education webinar series on March 14^th at 2pm EST. Persuasion Along the Path to Purchase: Engaging Consumers in the Age of Digital Media, will be presented by Kimberly Sarubbi, President of Saddle Ranch Digital, Secretary/Treasurer of the DSF, and author of a whitepaper of the same name. Sarubbi’s presentation will share how audience engagement can measurably achieve and transcend an organization’s ROI goals.

Communication technologies now allow marketers to target and engage on-the-go consumers precisely where their message will have the most impact. Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) has created a new “path to purchase” for the consumer that includes everything from the earliest influences to the final buying decision.

Customer Engagement “Tips” will include:

Five Elements of the Consumer Engagement Dynamic
Building a Powerful DOOH Engagement Strategy
Maximizing and Enhancing Return on Investment
Guiding the Consumer’s Path to Purchase

As Founder and Owner of Saddle Ranch Digital (SRD), Kim Sarubbi is recognized as a key thought leader in place-based and Out-of-Home digital media. Since launching SRD in 2001, it has evolved from a company focusing on content production for a handful of medical networks into an award-winning advanced media firm with a roster of global clients. Ms. Sarubbi serves on the Executive Committee of the Digital Signage Federation (DSF) and is actively involved in supporting and promoting the business interests of the digital signage industry.

George Yunis, co-Chair of the DSF Education Committee said, “Kim’s vast industry experience and expertise makes her the perfect person to address this topic. Saddle Ranch Digital has demonstrated that it is an industry leader within the digital content and DOOH market, and her insights on engaging consumers with DOOH will be extremely helpful and informative to all attendees.”

Registration for the free webinar is now available online here – https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/570232490.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

Digital Signage Federation to Present Dynamic Digital Signage Education at the International Sign Association Expo March 21-24, 2012

Lauren Taggart — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:09:38 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation® (DSF), the independent, not-for-profit trade federation serving the digital signage industry, has announced that it will be representing its members and the digital signage industry at-large at the International Sign Association’s (ISA) premier 2012 event, the International Sign Expo. The ISA event runs from March 21-24 in Orlando, FL.

Developing opportunities to introduce the technology and business concepts and benefits of digital signage to audiences in related industries is a goal of the DSF leadership.

Alan Brawn, DSF Chairman, will lead a team of respected digital signage industry professionals that will provide a curriculum of instruction for the attendees at the ISA show. The curriculum will consist of introductory concepts, technology overviews, and discussions about the business side of digital signage. The DSF will also have a floor presence at the ISA, encouraging attendees to learn more about the elements of digital signage, ideas on partnering or working with companies already in the digital signage space, and how they can gain more knowledge through resources such as the Digital Signage Expo (DSE, www.digitalsignageexpo.net) and the Digital Signage Experts Group (DSEG, www.dseg.org).

Brawn said, “I am thankful for the opportunity the ISA has given to the DSF to help educate the traditional static sign industry about how their members can grow their own businesses by expanding their business models to incorporate digital signage. We believe that digital signage complements the traditional sign industry and offers sign companies an exciting new service opportunity to meet the growing needs of their clients.” He added, “There are plenty of opportunities for traditional sign companies to engage with existing electronic digital signage providers or develop their own services.”

Brian Gorg, DSF Executive Director,, said “We hope that interested ISA attendees will not only learn how digital signage can benefit them in their current businesses, but will also recognize and act on the expansive opportunities to educate themselves about digital signage through certification programs like the Digital Signage Experts Group, trade shows like the Digital Signage Expo, and our organization, the DSF.”

More about this event and curriculum may be found at www.signexpo.org. Information about the International Sign Association may be found at www.signs.org.

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About Digital Signage Federation®:

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org

DSF Chairman Alan Brawn Shares His Thoughts

Lauren Taggart — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:28:19 GMT

~Many thanks to Daily DOOH and Gail Chiasson, North American Editor for Daily DOOH, for this article~

Would it be that everyone was so dedicated to education as Alan Brawn, the new chairman of the Digital Signage Federation, now numbering close to 300 members!

Brawn, who at 66 says that he intends to help educate the digital signage industry “until I’m taken off to that big place in the sky”, has been a member of DSF since it’s founding two years ago and recently moved up from his position as vice-chairman as per DSF election rules.

Education is a natural to this former college professor whose Vista, California-based Brawn Consulting has been instrumental in developing courses in many business areas involving the audiovisual industry. For the digital signage industry, Brawn has created the Digital Signage Certified Experts Group course; the Digital Signage Display Experts certification; the Digital Networks Experts certification; and later this year will launch the Digital Signage Media Content certification and the Digital Signage Installation and Integration certification, all offered to DSF members.

DSF members include manufacturers, distributors, consultants, integrators, netwrk operators, content creators, advertising agencies, content aggregators, and end users – and Brawn wants them all to be at the top of their game.

“I have two aims: to take care of my family (which includes son Jonathan, who also gives DS industry courses.) and to take care of the digital signage industry,” Brawn says. “I spend 50% of my time working with clients and 50% volunteering in various ways to help help the industry.”

Volunteer, he does. In fact, he was given the Harald Thiel Volunteer of the Year Award last year by InfoComm International, the professional audiovisual trade association.

After having taught for several years at Southern Illinois University and two junior colleges, Brawn spent two decades working with the A/V industry, initially at Hughes-JVC and then in the positions of national business development manager and head of national products marketing at the Pro AV Group at Samsung Electronics, and as president of Telanetix before founding Brawn Consulting. (He’ s still very keen on Samsung and says the he “can’t wait to get my hands on the new Samsung Galaxy Note. with its larger screen than the iPhone but smaller than a tablet. It will be better for my eyes and has better sound for my hearing. I think it’s going to go far in the market.”)

While A/V holds a big place in his heart, digital signage is definitely his focus today.

“Digital Signage is fun, it’s a hoot,” he says. “And volunteering in it is my hobby.”

The impetus behind his development of learning courses: “I got tired of going to hear speeches to learn something, and the speakers were spending 80% to 90% of their time giving company sales pitches and only 10% or 20% of their time giving nuggets of real information that people could learn from. And I got tired of hearing about the seven key elements of digital signage.”

Brawn has not only set up the certification courses, but also was instrumental in developing DSF’s numerous webinars for learning. And his involvement in the academic sector hasn’t wained. He wants to see courses in the digital signage sector at all colleges and universities and has already got that ball rolling at Texas State Technical College which already has a DSF chapter and graduated 11 people this year. (Students get scholarships to cover their membership in DSF.)

“I hope to see the set up and establishment of National Educational Standards with solid course outlines and then talk to all the educational accreditation organizations in all the states across the U.S.,” he says. ‘We have to get the message out and make it a reality. We have to make this an industry with solid fundamentals. We have to create standards. The DSF is focusing on education, on standards, on certification.”

Brawn is also excited about DSF working with members of the International Sign Association whose members are more and more getting involved in digital signs for their clients.

“We have a name for that: Dynamic Digital Signage,” says Brawn. “If the DSF can help ISA members in that regard, it will be good for all.”

“Knowledge is strength,” he says. DSF is the official industry association of Digital Signage Expo and vice-versa: DSE is the official trade show and conferences of the DSF. “When the Digital Retail Expo evolved into the DSE, I saw what it could be in terms of education, information sharing and conduct.”

“Alan is selfless and sharing,” says Geri Wolff, the DSF head of marketing and communication. “In our first year, Rich Cooley was the right chairman for formulating the organization. Last year, Bob Stowe (now past-chairman) was the right person to help us get all our ducks in a row. And Alan is the right person this year for what we’ve become and what we want to be.”

“DSF has evolved,” says Brawn. “The first years we were creating committees and gradually developed privacy standards, ethical standards. Now, fortunately, we’re at the stage where we can drill down into the details, with more certifications and national educational offerings.”

We asked Brawn if the huge attention being paid to mobile these days is drawing attention away from digital signage.

“No way,” he says. “Mobile and social will extend what we do. We need interactivity, touch screens, walls. Mobile adds to it all.”

We also discussed something fairly new on the DSF website: the VIP Service, ie. the Vendor Information Proposal Service that allows anyone considering putting in or needing advice on digital signage to fill out some basic questions such as ‘Which of the following best describes your project’s needs?’, ‘Do you have a budget?’, ‘What time frame are you looking for?’ and the information will go out to either all members or those specific to the person’s requirements. (eg. There’s no use sending installers information from someone looking for creative content,)

“It’s being used but we really have to publicize it as a basic service,” says Brawn. “It’s an opportunity to share information” – and presumably also for members of the industry to gain new business."

“We don’t want to be an organization up in the clouds,” he says. “We’re open to all, and we do a gut check at every Board of directors meeting to be sure we’re following what we set out to do. We’re constantly making improvements but the big issue is getting the word out about things like the VIP Service.”

And no clouds, “I’ll never retire. I want see solid National Educational Standards set before I take off for the sky.”

Mark Your Calendars for DSF's February 15th Webinar, "Digital Signage in the Workplace: What Works and Why"

Lauren Taggart — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:52:10 GMT

Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation®’s January Webinar Event week attracted close to 300 attendees! Next month, the DSF, the only independent, not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry will present “Digital Signage in the Workplace: What Works and Why,” featuring Jude Carter of the Marlin Company on February 15th, 2pm EDT.

Enterprise-wide applications of digital signage continue to proliferate in the work place. Ms. Carter will explore the variety of ways that companies are now using digital signage to educate, inform, engage and communicate with internal stakeholders. This webinar will address the challenges unique to using digital signage in corporate communications and offer practical strategies for integrating digital signage in work place applications.

The webinar will cover:

• Getting Started: The Why’s, Who’s, Where’s, and How’s

• Measuring the True Cost and ROI

• Understanding Content: Source, Quantity, Quality, Creation and Control

Jude Carter is the Director of Marketing for The Marlin Company, the workplace communications experts, serving thousands of companies in the US and Canada. With over 28 years of experience, she has developed marketing and communication strategies for Fortune 500 companies such as Fidelity, Aetna, Adidas, and Prudential. An expert in workplace digital signage and visual communication, Ms. Carter has spoken at industry associations throughout the US and Canada, including DSE, VPPPA, Waste Expo, and many long-term care association conferences.

Alan Brawn, Chairman of the DSF, said “The experience and knowledge in workplace communications that Jude possesses will make for a very practical and informative webinar. Anyone who is interested in implementing a digital signage project, or would like to expand an existing installation as a way to enhance internal communications should register for the February 15th event.”

Registration for the free webinar is now available online here – https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/451242026

About Digital Signage Federation®:##

For more information about the DSF®, please contact:

Brian Gorg

Executive Director

bgorg@digitalsignagefederation.org