Technology and the NYC Marathon

As many of you know this Sunday I ran my first marathon. I have run in many New York Road Runners races throughout the past two years and have always been interested in the technology involved in managing these races. But the marathon and its 26.2 miles include significantly more technology then the average Road Runners race. 

Each runner is presented with a chip about the size of a quarter which we have to secure to our shoes. The chip is inactive unless it is stimulated by another type of technology, therefore it only collects data at specific areas on the course. The ChampionChip, made by a Dutch company, is used in almost every premiere marathon and ironman throughout the world. Two sets of mats are placed on the ground so that when participants run over them they can record the exact time a runner was there. The course had these check points set up at every 5k (of which there are 8) and every mile after mile 16. 

Road Runners and other organizations have adopted the ChampionChip technology for several reasons. First of all it deters people from cheating because they are required to pass through every check point before finishing. According to an article in the NY Times a runner in the Boston Marathon and NYC Marathon in the late 70's took the subway in both races and won the race before they were caught. This technology was introduced so that this would be impossible even for non elite runner.  Secondly, the technology makes it easy to be tracked by family and friends interested in your position in the race. My family signed up for "athlete tracker" which instantaneously e-mailed their cell phones when I passed a check point. This made it easy for my parents at the finish line to figure out when I would be finishing and for my other family members following me from burrough to burrough to figure out exactly where I would be when. 

In the article Bits, Bytes and Blisters: Tracking Runners From Start to Finish in the NY Times Road Runners mentioned that the technology is not flawless and that they are looking into GPS technology to provide even more accurate race results and further deter cheating. All in all it was a fantastic race and the technology helped marathoners, organizers and spectators alike. 

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.

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.

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. 

Realtime Questionnaire Results

For over 20 years MeetingMetrics, and parent company GuideStar, has been involved in the meetings and events industry. Their mission is to "become an essential resource of information about meeting content and meeting communications strategies. (www.meetingmetrics.com)" Recently PCMA and MeetingMetrics announced a new web-based system to give planners realtime results on meeting questionnaires as well as reduce the use of paper during events. 

The system is entirely web based, which does not require individuals to download any information, which makes it simple for attendees to fill out survey's from their personal computers, cell phones or computers provided at the event. The survey would be previously organized by the planner and can be used solely for responses regarding the overall event, break out sessions, the general session, or any other feedback a planner may require. 

The article "New Session Evaluation Tool (www.migegasite)" discusses the benefits of this program and its ability to reduce paper waste at an event. I think that this is a valid marketing tool for the product but instead i think that it makes collection and follow through of a survey more realistic. During a session if attendees are encouraged to use their cell phones or computers provided during the event attendees will be more likely to give their feedback on the spot. Additionally it simplifies the collection or surveys, often once a survey is filled out it is easy to use it as scrap paper or throw it away. Instead this online system manages all of the surveys and allows the planners instant gratification. 

An important feature of this new program is the ability to print reports and transfer them into Word, Excel or PowerPoint easily. This reduces the need for a planner to build their own system or database to analyze results and streamlines attendee responses for easy analysis. 

I think the idea of this type of questionnaire is fantastic however, I feel that often times attendees do not fill out surveys unless they feel very strongly about an experience at an event. I do not think that the process will encourage the average attendee to respond and that planners will have to take that into consideration creating incentives for attendees to respond. Additionally, I think the streamlined process and easy analysis of the system is very important, this allows the planner to understand what is positive and negative about their program instantaneously and may even provide them the opportunity to perfect things as the event continues.  

LinkedIn

This week at work I was discussing my fears of graduating and the job search. She recommended I check out the website LinkedIn and said "Steph you really won't regret it, everyone is there." At first I was bit hesitant as I always am with new websites and networking tools but after reading mimegasite's article "HSMAI Debuts Event Technology Expo at Annual Tradeshow" I decided to get LinkedIn. The article focused upon HSMAI's annual Affordable Meetings Nation tradeshow and its newest addition to the show, a technology expo. Allen Blue, LinkedIn's co-founder was the keynote speaker at the event and "discussed the benefits of marketing events online via social networking sites..." As of this year the professional networking services has over 24 million registered users across 150 different industries.

The driving idea of the website is to organize a contact list of people in your business circle whom you know or would like to network with. The profile page is essentially a resume detailing your current professional position other work experience, education, honors and awards and interests. Once you have made a profile you can build "connections" with other professional individuals. Not only does the site allow you to build a strong professional network but also includes an area for job searching and "answers". The job search tool is essential, where companies can post positions allowing other users the ability to apply within the network. The "answers" feature is also very interesting; it allows people to post business related questions in hopes to survey a wide variety of professionals. One of the questions just posted is "Id like to know how people in the event industry have used social networking and viral marketing to increase their business..."

I think that this website could certainly hit it off in the event's industry and be used as a portal to connect individuals. I think that the "answers" section is a great idea if people are willing to participate; it is a convenient way to survey a target audience and get feedback immediately. Additionally, one of the best features is that you can see everyone who has been to your page. I appreciate that it is professionally targeted and does not include any of the applications other social site like facebook and myspace use, leaving it uncluttered and user friendly. I would like to continue using the site in order to see how I feel about its ability to connect people with third party individuals.

mimegasite article
http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003852866

Twitter

After last weeks class I became fascinated with the Twitter service and wanted to learn more about it. Twitter was launched in 2006 and in two years has over 2,200,000 accounts registered. The idea of micro blogging is something we are all familiar with socially as the service is similar to the status updates on facebook or myspace. Twitter, although used socially, is also well positioned to be a successful marketing tool for the tech savvy consumer. For instance, Whole Foods, whose "tweets" I have subscribed to receive, update at least three times a day with different promotions. An earlier posting this week was "Bring your pooch to the Northridge Whole Foods for the Dog Days of Summer," or " Craving some Shellfish? Try this great recipe for Mediterranean Mussels (with a recipe link attached)." I think from a marketing standpoint Twitter can be very useful. Constantly updating promotions, ideas while building customer loyalty. 

I believe that Twitter certainly has a place in the meetings and events industry. This past week, fashion week in Manhattan, twitter was used by several different companies. Vogue for example, updated what runway show was happening and the location hoping to get those linked in to travel from show to show.  I feel like Twitter would work even on a smaller event scale like a trade show.  Exhibitors could update talks, speaker spots, even cocktail receptions  reminding attendees what events are available and making an event paperless. 

I do not see myself using this service for personal updates or to follow the updates of my friends but I am going to continue watching Whole Foods, NASA ad BBC.