Review: KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2011

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KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2011 has once again demonstrated that it is the leading exhibition for the self-service industry, and that the industry continues to grow and diversify in fascinating ways.
 
 
KIOSK EUROPE EXPO and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2011 drew to a close on 26th May, drawing acclaim from visitors and exhibitors alike for the quality of the event.
 
With 2,852 visitors and 130 exhibitors, the event reaffirmed its position as the favourite choice for decision makers across Europe. The quality of the visitors has always been this event’s strong point, and 2011 was no exception, with top representatives from major international companies, including retail brands, airports and banks. There was also a significant increase in visitors from agencies, media organisations and integration companies.
 
The event is expanding in terms of international scope, with many visitors now coming from the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Russia and the far east, as well as the traditional core countries of Germany and the UK.
 
A major theme of this year’s show was encouraging people to take a holistic approach to digital signage and self-service solutions. To this end, the best mix yet of hardware and software manufacturers, service and content, 3D technologies and new innovations was assembled at Essen.
 
Some of the most exciting new technology was on display in Essen. The highlight of the show was Samsung’s transparent LCD screens. This groundbreaking technology promises to change the face of digital signage, and there were always crowds around the Samsung stand.
 
This year, there has been a breakthrough in terms of the number of content companies exhibiting at the show. Content is a vital element of any digital signage project, but only now is it getting the attention it deserves. At DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2011, visitors were able to talk to content developers as well as technology company, to gain greater understanding of how to build a successful digital signage system. Exhibitors specialising in content creation included Beam, Visual Art, 3d-berlin, M4B, memedia, Videro and Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute.
 
In addition to content, many service and integration companies exhibited at the event. This marks a major shift in the industry and demonstrates how it is maturing and expanding. Service companies Pitney Bowes, DB Kommunikationstechnik, Veritek, Bassilichi and PM2S all exhibited at the show, providing visitors with an opportunity to plan integration, service and maintenance into their projects.
 
The Open Forum once again proved popular with visitors, with presentations very well attended over all three days. Panel discussions, on subjects such as ‘Does DS support Your Business Strategy?’, were particularly well received, with lots of audience interaction.
 
The success of the events can be demonstrated by the fact that a record number of companies have rebooked their stands for next year. Jens Schindler, Managing Director of the organiser, hf media & events, explains, “Exhibitor feedback from this year’s show has been very positive. We have had many exhibitors telling us it was the best show yet. Several companies doubled their stand size from last year to this year. They have already announced that they are going to double the size again at next year’s show. This demonstrates that the concept works for our exhibitors.”
 
Next year, the events will build on the approaches of 2011, and will have a greater focus on customer interactivity in all its forms. This will incorporate mobile interactivity, and there will be a special section devoted to smart phone app development from a business to business perspective. The strong emphasis on content creation will also continue, with more content developers than ever exhibiting.
 
In order to reflect these developments, the shows will be relocating to The Station in Berlin. Jens Schindler explains, “After five years in Essen, we have decided to move the event to Berlin for 2012. We will build on the strengths of this year’s events; there will be even more content developers and service providers exhibiting. The show will be held on the 12th and 13th June, right in the centre of Berlin, just 500m south of Potsdamer Platz. Pre-bookings are already going better than they have ever gone before. People are seeing that the new location will give an additional boost to an already successful and well-established concept.”
 
KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2012 and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2012 will take place on the 12th and 13th June at The Station, Berlin, Germany.