DSF PRESS RELEASES
WTIwireless – DSF Member Interview
| 1. What does your company do? | WTIwireless (Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. Est. in 1997) offers M2M and IoT wireless data service for Digital Signs, Kiosks, Wireless Failover and many other applications. Our plug & play 4G LTE Wireless Routers deliver dependability through all major US carriers. |
| 2. What’s next for your company/the industry? | At WTIwireless we constantly adapt with our clients’ changing business needs and pride ourselves in developing the best solutions. With that in mind our developers are having fun to create new products and features are clients are asking for. |
| 3. Why did you join the DSF? | WTIwireless joined DSF in order to educate DSF members about the benefits of using a wireless internet connection to increase controls over their digital displays. |
| 4. How may fellow DSF members reach you? Please use your primary public contact. | Please reach out to us by emailing Sales@WTIwireless.com or calling 800-475-1001. |
2019 APEX Award Winners
Success and Excellence Celebrated at DSE 2019
Las Vegas – Digital Signage Expo (DSE), the world’s largest international trade show and educational conference dedicated to digital displays, interactive technology and digital communications networks, announced the winners of the 2019 APEX Awards. The announcement was made at the 15th Annual APEX Awards Ceremony on March 27 in Las Vegas. The APEX awards are judged and presented by The Digital Signage Federation.
The APEX Installation of the Year award went to Revel Media Group for their work on the Hale Centre Theatre; and the APEX Content of the Year award went to Magic Innovations for their work on the Saudi Airlines Multimedia Solutions. New for 2019, Dimensional Innovations was named Integrator of the Year for their work for the Minnesota Vikings – The Viking Museum. The three overall winners were selected from the 12 Gold award winners.
Gold,Silver and Bronze APEX Awards were presented to winners in 12 categories from a field of 112 entrants:
Corporate Environments (10 entries)
- Gold – TechTAP TELUS Vancouver Innovation Centre for TELUS Magic Doors
- Silver – StandardVision for One Culver
- Bronze – MAP Global – Musion Turkiye for Maya Holding Maya Kemer and Anatolium Marmara Retail Tower Showroom Space
Digital Out-of-Home Campaigns (3 entries)
- Gold – Vistar Media for Samsung Mobile and Starcom
- Silver – Cineplex Digital Media for Toys R Us Endless Aisle Solutions
- Bronze – Socionext for S8 8K Media Player
Educational Environments (11 entries)
- Gold – TSItouch, Inc. for Morphogenesis- Stanford Biology Building – Anderson Krygier
- Silver – Tierney Microgigantic for U of M McNamara Alumni Center Discovery Nexus Center
- Bronze – University of Illinois Alumni Alliance for Richmond Family Welcome Gallery at Alice Campbell Alumni Center
Entertainment & Recreation (13 entries)
- Gold – Dimensional Innovations for Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings Museum
- Silver – C&G Partners for “Bible Now” Reactive Media Space
- Bronze – Publicis Sapient/Second Story for The Parlors/Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Experiential Design & Planning (11 entries)
- Gold – Ideum for Exploring Pueblo Pottery
- Silver – BARTKRESA Studio for Shogyo Mujo @ Life is Beautiful
- Bronze – YCD Multimedia and Belle & Wissell, Co. for The Spheres: Immersive Visitor Experience – Amazon, Downtown Seattle Headquarters
Healthcare Environments (6 entries)
- Gold – Publicis Sapient/Second Story for Sanford Imagenetics/Sanford Health
- Silver – Dimensional Innovations for Cleveland Clinic Children’s – Interactive Lobby Experience
- Bronze – Envision Canada for Sunnybrook Foundation Digital Donor Wall
Hospitality (5 entries)
- Gold – Publicis Sapient/Second Story for Holland America Line/Explorations Central
- Silver – Magic Innovations for ROYAL WEDDING
- Bronze – Almo Professional A/V for Housing Trust Group
Public Spaces (10 entries)
- Gold – Kolo Digital Signage for Paseo Interlomas
- Silver – Westbury National for The Idea Exchange – The Digital Library, City of Cambridge
- Bronze – NEC Display Solutions of America for Rooted In Greatness
Restaurants, Bars & Foodservice (7 entries)
- Gold – Nova Media for Hotel Indigo Hsinchu Science Park
- Silver – ProntoTV for Pink Fish
- Bronze – Userful for Tiger Nightclub
Retail Environments (22 entries)
- Gold – Publicis Sapient for T-Mobile Signature Stores/T-Mobile
- Silver – Nanonation for Ellynne Bridal
- Bronze – Shikatani Lacroix Design, Metathink Nu Skin for Nu Xtore Shenzhen
Transportation (9 entries)
- Gold – Magic Innovations for Saudi Airlines Multimedia Solutions
- Silver – MTA Arts & Design for “Skyys™” in Fulton Center
- Bronze – NanoLumens for Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Venues (5 Entries)
- Gold – Revel Media Group for Hale Centre Theatre
- Silver – Sensory Interactive for Bank of America Stadium
- Bronze – Dreambox Visual Communications, Inc. for Integrated 360 Video Mapping Show for Opening Ceremony of the Gyyanly Polymer Plant
Mark your calendar now: DSE® 2020 is scheduled for March 31-April 3rd, with access to the Exhibit Hall April 1-2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. To reserve exhibit space, contact Andrea Varrone at (770) 817-5905. For more information, visit www.dse2019.com.
You can follow DSE on Twitter (@DSExpo) or Facebook (facebook.com/DSExpo). For all DSE 2020 updates, use #dse2020. For year-round news and information on digital signage, visit DSE’s Digital Signage Connection web portal at www.digitalsignageconnection.com.
About the Independent Panel of APEX Award Judges
DSE’s APEX Awards were individually assessed and juried on the basis of originality and innovation by 15 industry experts and journalists, all of whom have long reported on or have been active in the digital signage sector. Judges included:
Kevin Bartanian, Founder & CEO, Kevani, Inc.
Mark Bennett, CEO, Microgigantic
Carre Bistline, Team Lead, National Vertical Sales, West, LG Electronics, USA
Phil Cohen, Chairman / CEO, CMN Holdings, Inc.
Susan Danaher, Founder, The Danaher Group
Paul Fleuranges, Director, Corporate Initiatives, NYMTA
Kym Frank, President, Geopath
Charles Freedman, Account Manager, CBCI Telecom
Luke Gibbs, Marketing Director, signageOS
Brad Gleeson, Managing Partner, TargetPath, LLC
David Keene, Executive Editor, digiDaybook
Ed King, Co-Founder Customer Experience Strategy, High Street Collective
Bob Kronman, Owner, Kronman Associates
Joe Kunigonis, Head of Digital Managed Services, Gable
Thomas Kunka, Senior Applications Specialist, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jeff Porter, President, Porter Digital Signage
Kelly Smith, Account Executive, Capital Networks Limited
Note: Judges were exempted from jurying in their own categories or in any circumstances of any potential conflict of interest.
DSF Gives Legacy Award to Past Chairman Richard Ventura
Each term, the DSF’s Chairman will have the opportunity to create a legacy for the DSF that establishes a milestone of service to our members and our industry. This legacy is commemorated in the giving of the Chairman’s Jacket, a tradition started in 2014. In 2019 the DSF Board of Director presented the DSF Legacy award to our immediate past-Chairman, Richard Ventura of NEC Displays for his leadership in establishing the DOOH Primer guidelines document with other industry associations. This guiding document will support the digital signage industry as we develop the next generation of professionals who will be prepared to work in our ever-changing environment.
DSF Chairman Spencer Graham, while presenting the legacy award and Chairman’s jacket said “Thank you, Rich, for your leadership and stewardship of the DSF and our industry in this tremendous two-year period of growth and for establishing a stellar example for all of us. Your legacy with the DSF extends far beyond just this one area. We are proud to have had you at the helm of our organization and thank you for what you have done for each of us in your time of service.”
Mr. Ventura said “I am truly honored that i was entrusted with helping lead this amazing organization. During my tenure as a member of the board I have gotten to see firsthand how much we as an industry have grown and how the DSF has led the way in representing each and every member and interest group. Through its focus on the key principles of education, stewardship, and best practices the DSF is a driving force within the industry.’
He continued with a call to the industry by stating “My challenge to everyone is to engage, to volunteer and to support your DSF and your industry. Together we can do amazing things. I look forward to continuing to support the future of the organization and the industry and celebrating the achievements of current and future industry leaders.”
DSF Announces Award of Educator of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 28, 2019
Digital Signage Federation® Announces Award of the 2019 Educator of the Year
DSF Names Tom Jones the Recipient
Warrenton, VA – The Digital Signage Federation® (DSF), the only independent not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry is pleased to announce that the second DSF Educator of the Year award has been given to Tom Jones, ProAV and Digital Signage Technology Consultant, Ingram Micro Inc. The award was given at the Digital Signage Expo APEX awards ceremony on March 27, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. DSF Chairman, Spencer Graham, who is Real Digital Media’s Business Development Manager for Higher Education, NA, and the chair of the Educator of the Year sub-committee, presented the award.
Mr. Graham announced that the award, named after Alan Brawn, a founder and former Chairman of the Digital Signage Federation was awarded based on a professional’s proven track record of regularly presenting courses, seminars, educational sessions, articles, white papers, webinars and or other learning opportunities which promote a professional industry. Mr. Graham said that “The committee and nominations noted Tom’s commitment to live training and education while introducing the concepts and technology behind digital signage to hundreds of learners.”
Mr. Jones works for Ingram Micro, the world’s largest distributor of technology, including Pro AV and Digital Signage solutions and services. Drawing on his twenty years of experience, Mr. Jones provides expert industry insight to the SMB, VAR and Enterprise space by helping channel partners successfully bridge and grow their existing business competencies by incorporating Pro AV and Digital Signage solutions into their practices. . As the lead Pro AV and Digital Signage Technology Consultant for Ingram Micro, Mr. Jones is a frequent instructor and speaker at industry events, and was an early authorized instructor for the Digital Signage Expert Group’s (DSEG) certification programs. DSEG is the certification partner of the DSF.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by The Digital Signage Federation for doing something that I absolutely enjoy – teaching others about the business value and services advantages of Pro AV and Digital Signage solutions,” said Mr. Jones. “The market around Digital Signage is exploding with opportunity and increasing demand across all industries. Thank you to DSF for your continued efforts to promote the value of digital signage and celebrate the people and continued innovation that work together to define our industry.”
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 regulatory advocacy 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, DSF Executive Director
DSF Quicklinks for DSE 2019
Five Industry Trade Groups Collaborate to Create Comprehensive DOOH Best Practices
March 26, 2019 (Washington, DC) — A comprehensive compilation of best practices for digital out of home (DOOH) media has been published by five leading industry trade groups. DOOH Best Practices is a collaborative joint venture between the Digital Place Based Advertising Association (DPAA), Digital Signage Federation (DSF), Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), Geopath, and Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). Half of the project funding was provided by the Foundation for Outdoor Advertising Research and Education (FOARE).
The organizations collaborated for over a year to produce a definitive set of best practices to serve as a guide and reference for the advertising community. Input from all groups were compiled and curated by THE rAVe Agency, a creative agency chosen for its extensive experience in the digital signage and audiovisual market as well as in B2B advertising and marketing.
The five trade organizations had previously provided best practices for DOOH independently but recognizing the need for consistency across the DOOH ecosystem. The groups came together to work on the uniform guidance being released today which not only encompasses material from the different organizations’ earlier efforts, but also includes recommendations that they developed collectively.
Gary Kayye, founder of THE rAVe Agency and assistant professor at the University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism, said, “The DOOH market has seen tremendous growth in the last decade, but there’s still so much potential for more. It’s critical that all the players in the market be using the same language, and have technology that’s interoperable, which will make it easier for advertisers and agencies who want to buy ads on a large-scale basis find, buy and utilize available DOOH ad inventory more easily. This project is the result of five organizations in the DOOH and digital signage markets, with thousands of member companies, putting their resources together in an unprecedented way for the good of the entire industry.”
The DOOH Best Practices are comprised of modules focusing on six topics:
1. General Overview of DOOH
2. Technology and Infrastructure
3. Buying and Selling
4. Creative and Content
5. Measuring Success
6. Glossary of Terms
The materials are available from all five trade groups and can be downloaded here.
“As DPAA works with global brand and agency leaders to showcase the value of Digital Out of Home, it’s important the industry presents a united front with respect to all guidelines and standards. We are happy to work with these associations and promote this progress with clients worldwide.” Said Barry Frey, President and CEO of DPAA
According to Brian Gorg, DSF Executive Director, “The DSF is proud to have worked with so many industry organizations and is thankful for those DSF stakeholders who helped contribute information, particularly on technical aspects related to digital signage and DOOH.”
“These digital out of home best practices will ensure that there is strong unified roadmap, as the DOOH arena evolves. IAB has been at the forefront of establishing global standards and guidelines, and this initiative, bringing other organizations into the mix as well, is vital to propelling marketplace growth,” said Orchid Richardson, Vice President and Managing Director, IAB Data Center of Excellence.
Geopath President Kym Frank said, “It was an honor to participate with these organizations on this vital document on behalf of the industry. It will provide us a clear path forward as we navigate the rapid changes that are occurring in the DOOH ecosystem.”
OAAA Chief Marketing Officer Stephen Freitas said, “Today, the rate of change in our industry is rapid, and the challenges are complex. It is important that all practitioners of DOOH have a consistent understanding of the fundamental guidelines, definitions, and protocols that successful drive business transactions.”
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About DPAA
Founded in 2006, DPAA is a global digital out of home marketing association committed to delivering the promise of “Digital Out of Home Everything.” DPAA has created a strong community environment in which members drive and promote their digital capabilities. DPAA is a business accelerator that fosters collaboration between agencies and the DOOH community, providing industry-wide research and best practices in areas such as mobile integration and programmatic; and promotes the effectiveness of DOOH advertising. DPAA has spearheaded programmatic development, standards and adoption for the DOOH industry. Visit dp-aa.org
About DSF
The project included the development on new material and synthesizing of existing practices and previously created by the participating organizations. New material in this version of the document includes information on camera vision, point-of-purchase measurement, privacy practices, industry currency and new graphics describing display guidelines. A glossary of DOOH and digital signage terminology was also developed allowing for more common terminology usage across the industry. Visit digitalsignagefederation.org
About IAB
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership is comprised of more than 650 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital advertising or marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, it develops technical standards and best practices. IAB and the IAB Education Foundation are committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and diversity of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, DC, IAB advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City and has a San Francisco office. Visit iab.com
About Geopath
Founded in 1933, Geopath is the industry standard that powers a smarter OOH marketplace through state-of-the-art audience location measurement, deep insights and innovative market research. The organization is headquartered in New York and governed by a tripartite board composed of advertisers, agencies and media companies spanning the entire United States. Visit geopath.org.
About OAAA
The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the $8 billion US out of home advertising (OOH) industry, which includes digital out of home (DOOH), and is comprised of billboards, street furniture, transit advertising, and place-based media. Comprised of 800+ member media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers that represent over 90 percent of the industry. OAAA is a unified voice, an authoritative thought leader, and a passionate advocate that protects, unites, and advances OOH advertising in the United States. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million in public service advertising annually. Every year, the industry celebrates and rewards OOH creativity via its renowned OBIE Awards (obieawards.org). Visit oaaa.org.
About The rAVe Agency
Founded in 1998, THE rAVe Agency, co-owned by Gary Kayye and Sara Abrons, is a creative agency focused on B2B technology markets, particularly the audiovisual and digital signage industries. It offers consulting and creative services such as marketing strategy, market research, speaking, social media marketing and more. Gary Kayye has been an assistant professor at the UNC School of Media and Journalism, focused on advertising and new media, since 2009. Visit theraveagency.com.
#DSFLive at DSE: What You Can Expect
#DSFLive at DSE: What You Can Expect
DSE 2019 is right around the corner we can’t wait for what is sure to be a largely successful show!
Below you can find information on exciting content initiatives that you can expect during DSE 2019. In addition to bringing you everything DSF-related on our official DSF social channels, we will be sharing live content from the show floor, publishing short videos of attendees and giving you behind-the-scenes tours.
We will be hosting live-stream events throughout the event with Laura Davis-Taylor and other DSF Board Members. Laura plans to cover the most innovative and exciting products, demos and booths at DSE – this will be sure to give you a taste of all that DSE 2019 has to offer. Want her to check something out on the floor? Tweet us with #DSFLive and we’ll be sure to check it out.
In addition, we will be getting to know attendees and exhibitors in our people-on-the-street interviews asking questions like “what is the most interesting and innovative booth or demo you have seen so far” and “what are the latest digital signage trends you have seen on the show floor?”
We can’t wait to give you a taste of everything at DSE 2019. See you there and don’t forget, #DSFLive!
DOOH Strategy Summit Presentation Highlights
GDPR Impact on DOOH, The CA Data Privacy Act and Growing Restrictions on Data Collection
10:15-11:00 AM
A massive amount of data can be collected on consumers in relation to DOOH, but what are the ramifications of using this data in the current environment. What level of personalized 1 to 1 data is allowable or ethical to use? In a world of GDPR and privacy concerns with global players like Google, Facebook and others, where should our industry draw the line?
Panelsists
 RICH VENTURA |  IAN DALLIMORE |  JONATHAN GUDAI |
The Future of DOOH in an Online World – It’s All About Experiential
12:15-1:30 PM
Lunchtime Keynote
Prepare to be amazed at the immersive, experiential environments that Moment Factory builds globally. Static, non-immersive OOH is losing its appeal in a highly fragmented media landscape where the consumer is bombarded with brand and marketing messages. To break through this impression clutter, experiential is the core to richer consumer engagement.
AMAHL HAZELTON
Strategy & Development – Urban Spaces
Moment Factory
The DOOH Strategy Summit will take place on March 26, 2019 starting at 9:00 AM PDT in the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is part of the DSE 2019 program of events.
At DSE – The Official Show of the DSF March 26-29, 2019
Las Vegas Convention Center
March 26 DOOH Strategy Summit Keynote Announced
Creative + Technology + The Science of Behavior = Powerful DOOH
Presented by Jake Lee-High, CEO/Creative Director, Future Colossal on March 26
Powerful DOOH is a synthesis of data analysis, impactful creative and seamless use of technologies that connect, enrich and empower brands and consumers. This session will explore how brands, agencies and networks utilize this paradigm to deliver campaigns that truly move the dial. This is part of the must attend event of the year for those interested in digital out-of-home media and its role in an evolving digital landscape.
The DOOH Strategy Summit will take place on March 26, 2019 starting at 9:00 AM PDT in the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is part of the DSE 2019 program of events.
At DSE – The Official Show of the DSF March 26-29, 2019
Las Vegas Convention Center
Hawaii-based Bright Light Digital leverages digital signage’s growth in restaurant industry
The global digital signage market is expected to exceed more than $27 billion by 2024 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 6.5% in the given forecast period. One of the major drivers of that growth is the restaurant industry – menu boards, drive-thru menu boards, video walls, order displays and more.
Honolulu-based Bright Light Digital LLC started working with restaurants in 2015 and has consistently witnessed an increase in interest for digital signage by restaurant owners and operators.
There’s a very good reason for that.
A Bright Light Digital installation in Hawaii.
“In today’s digital world, customers are growing more accustomed to viewing menu items from digital displays as opposed to printed menu boards,” said Bright Light Digital President Mark Tawara. “They want to see images and videos of the food items before making their purchase, which is something only digital displays can provide.”
Most of Bright Light’s recent projects have been specifically for digital menu boards, but the company is starting to see additional applications in the segment. For example, the company is developing interactive touch display solutions for back-of-the-house employee engagement and corporate communications.
“This solution allows the corporate office to provide timely information to the restaurant staff, including specials for the week, restaurant performance metrics and HR-related news,” Tawara said.
This efficient back-of-the-house communication adds even more appeal to digital messaging. As a result, Tawara said the demand for digital is driven not just by consumers who are used to the displays, but also by the people running the restaurants.
“Restaurant operators and owners also need to remain competitive by staying up to date on the newest technology,” he said. “We have one restaurant client that has a vintage pin letter menu board at one restaurant, and at their new restaurant in another city, we recently installed three new digital displays for their menu boards.”
Measuring a return on investment can be tricky for restaurants, but Tawara said most operators he works with don’t look for specific metrics of this nature.
“Their thinking nowadays is that the technology is just another cost of doing business, similar to purchasing an electronic point of sale system,” he said. “More important to the operators is that the system works smoothly, is easy to operate and update, and is up and running 24/7. Savvy operators understand that they cannot rely on utilizing consumer-rated displays purchased from a big box retailer to serve as their digital menu boards.”
Although such technology continues to grow, challenges remain. For Tawara’s market specifically, those challenges stem from a lack of reliable internet service in remote locations, including some airports in the state of Hawaii.
“To overcome this, we’ve utilized third-party vendors that provide 4G LTE internet service,” he said. “However, we haven’t had great experience so far, as the internet devices haven’t proven to be as reliable as the digital signage media players or displays that we installed.”
Despite this major challenge, Tawara believes digital menu boards are now the rule rather than the exception in the restaurant space. Further, he doesn’t expect the growth to slow anytime soon.
“With research indicating how Millennials are spending more money in restaurants than all other age groups combined, millennials are transforming the restaurant business,” he said. “Restaurant owners and operators have caught on to this trend and have been implementing changes to their restaurants to keep up with this trend, including using more technology such as digital menu boards and electronic point of sale systems.”