Sunday, October 26, 2008

Google Groups

Google Groups is a tool created by Googly in order to create personal social networking sites. As defined by Wikipedia Good Groups is "a free service from Google where groups of people have discussions about common interests." The service can be used to bring together a social network and have the ability to stay in constant contact with them via e-mail and discussion forums. Each group has the opportunity to create a customized page and to (59) privatly invite or accept users.

Groups can be used for a number of different organizations however I think that they have the opportunity to be very effective in the meetings and events industry. Already MeCo, also known as the Meeting Community has already created a group. They describe themselves as "an online home where vibrant and dedicated meeting professionals converge to learn, job search, network and exchange ideas about our industry." Such a forum allows for like individuals to discuss what is happening in the industry, seek advice, network and job search. Currently my membership to the group is pending but I am interested to see exactly what content is offered.

I think that this type of social networking where marketing and spam is highley discoureged is significant to the industry and allows for professionals to be in constant contact with one another discussing trends, issues and other events related material.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

FoneKey "Reinventing Hospitality"

FoneKey (http://www.fonekey.net) is a very cool tool invented for a guest to manage their own hotel stay. Essentially FoneKey allows for guests to use their mobile phone as the key to their guest room. Using SMS technology "the mobile phone and the door lock communicate with each other." Upon check in a guests phone will be configured with a unique code specifically for their room, additionally the guest will create their own password to work in conjunction with the SMS code to ensure security. In order to open the room door, the guest will have to hold their phone in the direction of the lock and simultaneously type in their password. The unique pass code and password will be erased upon check out so that the phone would require reconfiguration to return to the room.

After FoneKey configuration guests have the ability to customize and control their entire hotel stay. Guests have the opportunity to set room temperature and lighting as well as, order food and beverage directly from their phone. Also, guests have the ability to post their privacy settings allowing house keepers to know when they can and cannot enter the room. Additionally, guests can request any special needs and notify hotel staff regarding any lat minute changes or requirements. FoneKey also allows guests to review and pay their bill using their mobile device.

I think this is a very unique invention which has the potential for a great impact on the hospitality industry if hotels choose to adopt the technology. What will likely be the company’s greatest barrier to entry is guests perceived lack of security. In today’s world we are constantly taught that what happens on our cell phones is not necessarily private and like the internet we should be wary of how we use it. However, if FoneKey can overcome this barrier I think they offer a great product which has the potential to reduce a traveler (specifically a business persons) hotel stay. I also think that for the luxury or vacation traveler this technology may not be suitable. When on a vacation many individuals like the ability to disconnect from their world for a period of time and therefore, may want a traditional card key so as to extend their vacationing pleasure and not having to be burdened by bringing their cell phone to the pool. If I were working on the marketing and positioning of FoneKey I would strongly suggest that the technology be targeted toward traditionally business oriented facilities.

Monday, October 6, 2008

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.