Spotme

After last weeks class I wanted to look further into technology intended to manage an attendees collection of business cards. In my search I discovered Spotme. Spotme uses RFID technology in order to capture and retain information. This hand held device allows attendees to capture information regarding people they meet at the event by scanning the individuals name badge. Each attendee has the ability to design their own "business card web page" which allows for a photo and contact information. After receiving the desired information attendees are able to fill in any information they wish about their new contact which gets uploaded into their "briefcase" which is easily transferable to Outlook and other Customer Relationship Management programs.

The great thing about Spotme is its additional social networking features. First of all, the feature "are you near me now?" is super cool. The Spotme device can recognize attendees near you, which gives you the option to search their "briefcase" pages, look at their photos, and provide the tool for networking to be a bit less awkward (especially when you should really remember someones name). Additionally you can set the Spotme to locate specific individuals and when they come close to you your device will vibrate, show you their picture and let you know that they are nearby. Another social network aspect is the ability to message other attendees so that participants can communicate with one another throughout the conference. 

Not only is Spotme especially great for social networking but it also has a ton of great tools for conference and event planners. Because going green is a current hot issue, Spotme can be programmed to contain the conference agenda, maps, exhibitor/sponsor information and feedback forms. Instead of passing out tons of paper attendees will have all necessary conference information at their finger tips. I believe this technology goes above and beyond what I discussed last week (the MeetingMetrics evaluation program). Instead of the need to have computers and personal phones for filling out conference feedback Spotme, in the hands of ever attendee, ensures that it is more likely for people to give feedback about each event they attend. 

 Spotme has a lot of cool features but my personal favorite is the ability to track attendees. Using the RFID technology it is possible to track which attendees are in what session and how long they stayed for. I think this feature, if used properly, could be very beneficial to a planner. It makes it simple to recognize what sessions attendees thought were significant and interesting, real time information regarding break out session size, and who rsvp'd to events versus who did not. 

The Spotme service sounds phenomenal and I would like to see it used in practice. I think it encompasses many of the necessary and upcoming technology features we have been discussing throughout the semester. I think this particular service is beneficial considering it leaves the social networking, feedback, agenda, attendance and badge maintenance in the hands of one organization rather than several.