Boring Meetings Suck: Get More Out of Your Meetings, or Get Out of More Meetings

For the Outright Daring

Telepresence, in its simplest form, is the future of what most know as videoconferencing. With full-screen options, true broadcast high-definition quality, and state-of-the-art collaboration software, this technology is amazing to see and use. While advanced room systems can cost hefty amounts, they definitely rank high on the cool factor. How effective they are is based on your skills as a facilitator and user. If you want to “try before you buy,” some Starwood and Marriott conference centers are building public suites for rent. Heck, Cisco even has a unit for your home television now.

Geopositioning allows you to log into the conference web site and select particular people you want to meet, companies you want to learn about or network with, and sessions you want to attend. Your name badge does the rest. If you are within a specified distance of your selected person or place, it will notify you. Sherpa Solutions introduced its ActivPassport name badge system, which provides attendees' precise geolocation, to help you find your way on the show floor; you can locate particular booths—and even get user real-time data about other attendees who are currently around them. Yeah…really!

Want to see more? The Worldwide Technology Watch (WWTW), an EIBTM initiative started 10 years ago, has become a leading industry program to find the most innovative technology solutions for the meetings and events industry. Check out www.eibtm.com for more information.

Better meetings ...