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Press releases by members are posted as submitted. If you are a member, send your release to .
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
SAN FRANCISCO: The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) Advisory Board elected new officers for the 2011-2012 term during its biannual meeting today. Brian Ardinger, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer for Nanonation was named DSA president.
Other officers elected include:
- Executive Vice President - Digital Signage: Lou Giacalone, Founder CoolSign, Haivision
- Executive Vice President - Mobile: Jared Miller, Managing Director, Self-Service & Emerging Technology, United Airlines
- Executive Vice President - Self-Service Kiosk: Ron Bowers, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Frank Mayer & Associates
- Treasurer: Cortlandt Johnson, Kiosk Services Sales Leader, IBM
- Secretary: Charles Ansley, President & CEO, Symon Communications, Inc.
"I'm excited about the upcoming year," said Mr. Ardinger. "I have seen the association grow to become more inclusive, more engaged, and more forward thinking as the markets and technologies have grown and changed. Whether digital signage, kiosks or mobile, we now have a platform for the industry to build on and an opportunity to engage and educate the market about the benefits of digital screenmedia."
About the Digital Screenmedia Association
The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) is the largest non-profit trade organization representing companies that provide a broad range of customer engagement technologies and services, which includes digital signage, self service kiosks and mobile solutions. The DSA's mission is to advance the growth and awareness of customer engagement technologies through advocacy, education and networking.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Deployer of the Year, Network Operator of the Year and Screenmedia Integration Award winners to be announced next week at Customer Engagement Technology World.
LOUISVILLE, KY - The Digital Screenmedia Association has announced the winners of its inaugural DSA Industry Excellence Awards, which honors the best digital signage, mobile and self-service kiosk technology deployments across all vertical market segments.
Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment - Digital Signage
Project: SSL Digital Cinema
Client: Screencast (SSL)
Submitted by: Super Red
Best Government/Education/Non-Profit Agency Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Vanderbilt University Library
Client: Anode
Submitted by: vislogix
Best Healthcare Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Care Media Networks
Client: Care Media Holdings Corp.
Submitted by: EnQii
Also contributing: Saddle Ranch Productions
Best Restaurant/Food Service Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Zippy's Digital Menu Boards
Client: Pacific Digital Signs
Submitted by: NEC Display Solutions
Best Retail Deployment - Digital Signage
Project: Rogers Feature Phones
Client: Rogers Communications Inc.
Submitted by: Cineplex Digital Solutions
Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment – Digital Signage
Project: Digital signage and interactive wayfinding
Client: Royal Caribbean International
Submitted by: Four Winds Interactive
Best Other Deployment (industry not listed) - Digital Signage
Project: iShowroom
Client: Chrysler Group, LLC
Submitted by: Wireless Ronin Technologies
Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment – Mobile
Project: Continental Airlines mobile application
Client: United Airlines
Submitted by: United Airlines
Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Union Bank “Game Face”
Client: Union Bank
Submitted by: Inwindow Outdoor and Dentsu America
Best Government/Education/Non-Profit Agency Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
Client: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Submitted by: Float4 Interactive
Also contributing: Sensory Interactive, Zebra Dog, R2W, Christie Digital
Best Healthcare Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: SoloHealth Station
Client: SoloHealth, LLC
Submitted by: Frank Mayer & Associates
Best Retail Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: F i.d. o Pet Tag Engraving Kiosk
Client: PETCO
Submitted by: The Hillman Group
Also contributing: AtomDesign
Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment - Self-Service Kiosk
Project: B-Cycle Bike Sharing Kiosk
Client: B-Cycle
Submitted by: KIOSK Information Systems
Best Other Deployment – Self-Service Kiosk
Project: Smile Activated Vending Machine
Client: Unilever Holdings Italy
Submitted by: SapientNitro
“We were extremely proud of the high caliber of entries for our first year in launching the awards,” commented David Drain, DSA executive director. “As you review the award-winning entries and watch the videos on our website, you will discover innovative and effective uses of screen media technology for the benefit of the customers and the organizations that deployed them.”
Judges for the DSA Industry Excellence Awards included:
• Lyle Bunn, Strategy Architect, Bunn Co.
• Robert Porter, Founder & CEO, Euro Kiosks Network
• Sean Andersen, Director, Interactive Services, Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
• Sarah Bang, President/CEO, FSCC
• Randy Chancey, Manager, F&B Technology, Disney Parks and Resorts
• Greg Clore, Vice President, Information Technology, Dave & Buster's, Inc.
• Stephen Kendig, Senior Vice President, SoloHealth
• Jeremy Lockhorn, VP, Emerging Media, Razorfish
• Faith MacPherson, Director, HRIS Transactional Services, Avery Dennison
• Jared Miller, Managing Director - Self-Service & Emerging Technology, United Airlines
• Marshall Millikan, Lead Program Manager, AT&T Mobility
• Alex Richardson, Managing Director, Selling Machine Partners
• Janet Webster, President, Creative Solutions Consulting
• Sean Whiffen, Co-Founder, AutonetTV
Award winning entries, including videos and judges’ commentary can be viewed at www.digitalscreenmedia.org/2011-award-winners.
The winners of the three final categories, Industry Deployer of the Year, Network Operator of the Year and the Screenmedia Integration Award, will be announced April 27 at the beginning of the Opening Keynote Session at Customer Engagement Technology World, taking place at the Moscone Center North in San Francisco.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
DSA event to take place April 26, the night before Customer Engagement Technology World opens
 The Digital Screenmedia Association is now taking registrations for the DSA Dinner Cruise around San Francisco, to be held April 26, from 6:30 – 9 pm PDT. The event coincides with Customer Engagement Technology World, which is April 27-28.
Participants will be treated to sparkling wine, a buffet dinner, music and sightseeing aboard the California Hornblower, sailing under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz Island and around San Francisco as the city lights up.
Ticket prices until April 12 are $35 for DSA members and $65 for non-members. After April 12, prices will be $50 for DSA members and $80 for non-members.
Sponsors of the event include Ingram Micro, Intel and Pro-Motion Technology Group.
To register, go to: http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org/dsa-dinner-cruise.
About Digital Screenmedia Association
The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) is the largest non-profit trade organization representing companies that provide a broad range of customer engagement technologies and services, which includes digital signage, self service kiosks and mobile solutions. The DSA’s mission is to advance the growth and awareness of customer engagement technologies through advocacy, education and networking. For more information on DSA, visit www.digitalscreenmedia.org.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
DSA to offer education for the mobile industry on digital signage at the CTIA wireless & mobile conference
(Louisville, KY) The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) announced today that it will be conducting a digital signage seminar at the International CTIA Wireless 2011 conference and tradeshow in Orlando, FL. The seminar, which is being sponsored by Intel and Symon Communications, is targeted at educating the mobile industry on the value of digital signage as a tool for putting “context” into the mobile experience.
Steve Gurley, Symon’s senior vice president of marketing and the seminar presenter said: “The explosion of consumer-centric mobile innovation is demanding a focus on creating a mobile context. Mobile context is defined as a match between a consumer’s given physical environment, such as a store, hotel or restaurant, and the optimal mobile experience, such as a mobile application, ad campaign or commercial transaction, for that environment.” Mr. Gurley added: “We are confident that this seminar will help mobile developers, venue owners, advertisers and content developers learn how to use digital signage to create a more engaging experience for the mobile user.”
“We are pleased to have Symon and Intel as a sponsor and look forward to working with them to advance the awareness of digital signage to the mobile industry,” said David Drain, executive director of the Digital Screenmedia Association. “DSA is confident that digital signage can help improve the mobile experience for millions of wireless users.”
The seminar, which is entitled “Setting Mobile Context with Digital Signage”, will be conducted at 10:30 am on the Innovations Stage in booth #4295 on March 22nd and 23rd. The session is free to all registered attendees of the International CTIA Wireless 2011 Conference.
About the Digital Screenmedia Association
The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) is the largest non-profit trade organization representing companies that provide a broad range of customer engagement technologies and services, which includes digital signage, self service kiosks and mobile solutions. The DSA’s mission is to advance the growth and awareness of customer engagement technologies through advocacy, education and networking.
Monday, 28 February 2011
PITTSBURGH - PNC Equipment Finance, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: PNC), today announced a new financing affiliation with the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA). Under the agreement, PNC will provide custom-financing programs in the digital technology market for DSA member organizations.
"With our focus, experience and intimate knowledge of the digital signage and kiosk industry, PNC Equipment Finance is well positioned to help DSA members achieve their business objectives with a full range of financing alternatives," said Paul Vecker, senior vice president of PNC Equipment Finance.
"We know that financing can be one of the obstacles to getting a digital screen media project off the ground," said David Drain, DSA executive director. "Our affiliation with PNC should help accelerate the industry."
With over 670 members, DSA (www.digitalscreenmedia.org) advances the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. Members include users of digital screenmedia in all vertical markets as well as manufacturers, resellers and distributors of hardware and software, network operators, integrators, advertising agencies, consultants, analysts, publishers, tradeshow organizers and service companies.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) is now accepting entries for the DSA Industry Excellence Awards, honoring the best self-service, digital signage and mobile technology deployments across all vertical market segments.
Companies may enter digital signage, self-service kiosk and/or mobile technology projects in one or more of the following categories:
• Retail
• Financial Services
• Government/Education/Non-Profit Agency
• Travel/Hospitality Deployment
• Entertainment/Gaming
• Healthcare
• Restaurant/Food Service
• Other (industry not listed above)
Winners will be selected from each category and judges will select one project from among the entries which best demonstrates the integration of two or more technologies (digital signage, kiosks and/or mobile) for a Screenmedia Integration Award.
DSA welcomes entries from all interested companies – members and non-members alike. The cost to enter is $195 per entry. All entries will require the submission of a video demonstration of the product in use. A portion of the project must have launched between January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2011 to be eligible.
Other awards include:
• The Industry Deployer of the Year Award, given to an individual person from an end-user organization (retail, government, healthcare, casino, hotel, etc.). This award will focus on the strategic role this person has played in driving his or her organization’s innovative screen media deployment.
• The Network Operator of the Year Award, given to an organization that operates networks of digital signs or kiosks, often for the purpose of selling advertising. This award will focus on the company’s success in creating a sustainable network delivering high quality, relevant content that reaches the intended audience.
There is no fee required for Industry Deployer of the Year or Network Operator of the Year submissions.
“Our mission is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community,” said David Drain, DSA executive director. “The DSA Industry Excellence Awards help advance our mission, shining a spotlight on the best implementations of these technologies.”
The DSA Industry Excellence Awards winners will be announced prior to and showcased during Customer Engagement Technology World, held April 27-28, 2011 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.
For more information about the DSA Industry Excellence Awards, go to: www.digitalscreenmedia.org/dsa-awards.
For more information about Customer Engagement Technology World, go to: www.cetworld.com.
About the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA)
With over 660 members, the purpose of the DSA is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. Members include users of digital screenmedia in all vertical markets, including retail, as well as manufacturers, resellers and distributors of hardware and software, network operators, integrators, advertising agencies, consultants, analysts, publishers, tradeshow organizers and service companies.
Friday, 10 December 2010
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA), the non-profit organization that works to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community, has published the inaugural installment of its Digital Signage Almanac 2011.
The 63-page report includes expert commentary on a number of current issues facing the industry, such as building a green agenda, digital billboards, DOOH advertising, dealing with ad agencies, and the in-store shopping experience.
The commentators include:
• Richard Cobbold, co-founder, Digital View and The Screen
• Darrin Friskney, director, Watchfire Digital Outdoor
• Jeff Golimowski, communications director, Outdoor Advertising Association of America
• Rob Gorrie, president and co-founder, ADCENTRICITY
• Matt Schmitt, founder and CEO, Reflect Systems
“In this publication, we review the successes of the past, look ahead to what’s new in the industry and provide some useful reference information,” said David Drain, DSA executive director. “I’m sure readers will want to keep this publication handy and reference it from time to time throughout the year.”
The Almanac contains 12 recent case studies, and also doubles as a comprehensive member directory for the Digital Screenmedia Association. The report is available for $249, or $199 for DSA members, and can be purchased at http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org/inc/sdetail/21537.
Friday, 19 November 2010
Washington, November 19, 2010 – The National Retail Federation and Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) have announced a special pavilion for the NRF 100th Annual Convention & EXPO, January 9-12, 2011 in New York. The Digital & Outdoor Signage Pavilion, which will be featured on the EXPO floor, will showcase the latest and hottest signage capabilities – both outside of the store to get them in as well as inside the store to keep them captivated. This area of technology is moving very quickly and retailers need to see what must be integrated into their stores for both increased profit, tracking capabilities, cross selling and unique branding.
“Since digital and outdoor signage is such an essential part of the retail experience, we are thrilled to be able to bring this to our convention attendees,” said Susan Newman, Senior Vice President Conferences, NRF. “Retailers of all sizes will easily benefit from what the pavilion has to offer. We are thrilled to work with DSA as we celebrate our 100th convention anniversary.”
“Like everything else in this world, signage has gone digital. Retailers are intrigued by the power of full motion video and graphics to attract customers, as well as the ability to update messages in real time,” said David Drain, Executive Director of the DSA. “We are really pleased to be working with NRF on this initiative and I give kudos to them for continually bringing solutions to their show that make it a must-attend event.”
Companies exhibiting in the pavilion include:
• A1Solution
• AirWatch
• Conexus World
• Cybera, Inc.
• DT Research
• FootFall – An Experian Company
• FortiusOne
• Glancetron Co., Ltd.
• Imprint Plus
• Industry Retail Group, Inc.
• Intello Technologies
• InVue Security Products
• Janam Technologies LLC
• Lawrence Metal Products
• Omnivex Corporation
• Oncue Technologies
• Planar Systems, Inc.
• Radical Computing Corporation
• SOTI, Inc.
• STRATACACHE
• Telaid
• Wachter Network Services
Retailers can register for a free EXPO pass at: www.nrf.com/annual11.
About the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA)
With over 660 members, the purpose of the DSA is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. Members include users of digital screenmedia in all vertical markets, including retail, as well as manufacturers, resellers and distributors of hardware and software, network operators, integrators, advertising agencies, consultants, analysts, publishers, tradeshow organizers and service companies. www.digitalscreenmedia.org.
About the National Retail Federation (NRF)
As the world's largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, the National Retail Federation's global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the U.S. and more than 45 countries abroad. In the U.S., NRF represents the breadth and diversity of an industry with more than 1.6 million American companies that employ nearly 25 million workers and generated 2009 sales of $2.3 trillion. www.nrf.com.
Monday, 04 October 2010
Alliance Further Demonstrates Commitment to Educating Buyers
LOUISVILLE, KY (October 4, 2010) - The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA), a leading association focused on integrated digital screenmedia strategies for cross-channel solutions that address digital signage, interactive kiosks and mobile devices, has named Customer Engagement Technology World (CETW) as its official trade show of record.
“We are extremely excited to align ourselves with and designate CETW as the official tradeshow of the Digital Screenmedia Association,” said Stuart Armstrong, President of EnQii North America and President of the DSA. “Since we began the effort to select an official trade show at the beginning of this year, we studied the industry environment closely before naming CETW the preferred event for our association. At every turn we found CETW’s focus aligned most closely with the goals and objectives of our association.”
Armstrong added that the event’s 15 years of consistency in providing the highest quality educational programs for all buyers of digital screenmedia technologies, makes it a strategic launch pad for organizations looking to understand and utilize these technologies in their customer engagement programs.
With the agreement, the DSA will be actively involved in the process of developing conference programming for CETW events in San Francisco and New York in 2011. This alliance will support the DSA charter around education, advocacy, and networking, with a portion of its members’ exhibition investments at CETW being allocated to assist the DSA in creating more global educational offerings.
“We are thrilled that the Digital Screenmedia Association has chosen Customer Engagement Technology World as their Official Trade Show. CETW welcomes the opportunity to align itself with organizations that truly understand how digital screenmedia and customer engagement technologies converge to affect the organizations deploying them. There is no question in our mind that DSA understands these intricacies and promotes these ideals,” said Lawrence Dvorchik, General Manager of CETW. “We look forward to working with the DSA and welcoming their members to our events.”
“CETW possesses an incredibly passionate devotion to ensuring each event is buyer-focused and covers the entire buying ecosystem which is critical for end-users, such as venue and network owners, brands and agencies to understand,” said Armstrong. “CETW’s focus on ROI, and the lengths they go to, to make sure the shows are filled with a genuine, pre-qualified buying audience, is astounding. The scope of the education and expo floor covers all points of digital screenmedia applications: digital signage, kiosks, mobile marketing and social/loyalty networks. CETW goes above and beyond what all other shows seem to do to ensure that exhibitors have opportunities to meet face-to-face with customers who not only have a need for their products, but the authority and budget to make the purchases.”
“In addition to being the official show of the DSA, this agreement allows CETW to further our mission of educating buyers of all customer engagement technologies throughout the year and around the world,” Dvorchik said. “The DSA’s focus on education will help provide buyers with information to further their deployments, allowing them to make smarter technology purchases from CETW exhibitors and ultimately gain ROI from their customer engagement technology programs.”
For more information on Customer Engagement Technology World (CETW), visit www.cetworld.com or email Lawrence Dvorchik, General Manager by .
For more information on The Digital Screenmedia Association, visit www.digitalscreenmedia.org or contact David Drain, Executive Director by .
About Customer Engagement Technology World
Customer Engagement Technology World events cater to the purchasing & educational needs of venues, brands, advertising agencies, network operators, integrators, resellers and distributors, to enable them to gain better strategies and technology to engage their customers.
For 14+ years, Customer Engagement Technology World (featuring KioskCom & The Digital Signage Show) has delivered strategic, marketing and technical business solutions for organizations focused on enhancing their customer engagement programs through digital media such as kiosks & self-service, digital signage, digital out-of-home/place based media, mobile and other customer-facing technologies. The strength of CETW Events continues to be the delivery of high-quality education by top presenters and an attendee audience that has been pre-screened and pre-qualified, across all vertical industries. They come to CETW because they know they will receive high-value opportunities from education to networking and product demonstrations. For more information on Customer Engagement Technology World, visit www.cetworld.com.
About Digital Screenmedia Association
The Digital Screenmedia Association was formed through the April 2010 merger of the Digital Signage Association and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association. With over 650 members, the purpose of the DSA is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. See www.digitalscreenmedia.org.
About JD Events
JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver unmatched results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities -- all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. For more information on JD Events, visit http://www.jdevents.com/ or contact Joel Davis by .
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Louisville, KY – Sept. 14, 2010: The Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA) has partnered with BUNN Co. to make the popular SPEED Digital Signage Training Program available online.
SPEED is available as the complete 4-hour program in four one-hour subject matter modules to serve the needs of project managers, end users, integrators and suppliers who are advancing digital signage and dynamic place-based media initiatives. Program information and registration is available at www.digitalscreenmedia.org/speed.
SPEED is approved by InfoComm International for Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) professional certification for 4 Renewal Units (RUs). The program covers:
• Digital Signage Overview, Directions and Value
• Advancing the Project
• Defining and Designing the Digital Signage Network Deployment
• Advertising Revenues
• Network Financials
• Playlist Design
• Content Best Practices
• Best Sources of Additional Digital Signage Information.
The cost is $75 per one-hour session or $195 for all four sessions. Access to the training also includes PDFs of the PowerPoint presentations and the ability to ask questions of the presenter.
David Drain, DSA executive director, said “There is a real need for training in the digital signage industry, so we’re pleased to partner with Lyle and make his program available as an on-demand webinar. While Lyle’s program is especially helpful for anyone who is new to digital signage, even those who are experienced will find it valuable and will reference his material again and again.”
The SPEED program and its elements, including templates for network design, playlist planning, content composition and ad revenue forecasting has been presented to thousands of professionals and refined over the past two years by Lyle Bunn, principal of BUNN Co., a highly regarded business and project consultant and educator in North America’s digital signage industry. Bunn said, “The real-world, vendor agnostic perspectives and best practices presented in SPEED make it an excellent starting, or updating point for success in digital signage use and supply.”
DSA President Stuart Armstrong, who is president of EnQii North America, has said “I was truly impressed with the quality of the information and Lyle’s instructional style. I am confident that folks coming out of his program will be better prepared to maximize the upside while lowering the risk of their digital signage program.”
SPEED will continue to be delivered live at major industry events and in private classes.
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About SPEED
The SPEED Digital Signage Training Program is a practical, vendor neutral, accelerated how-to program comprised of eight modules in four segments, with planning templates in primary areas of digital signage network planning and operations. The SPEED program was developed and is delivered by Lyle Bunn of BUNN Co. a highly regarded business and project consultant and educator in North America’s digital signage industry. SPEED provides knowledge and templates to guide end users, network operators, suppliers, advertisers and investors to improve business and project planning, launch, deployment, application and the use of digital signage and digital out-of-home media. The information presented is based on industry best-practices, objective, vendor-agnostic and applicable to initiatives in any application, environment, funding or supply model. See www.LyleBunn.com/SPEED
About Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA)
The Digital Screenmedia Association was formed through the April 2010 merger of the Digital Signage Association and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association. With over 650 members, the purpose of the DSA is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. See www.digitalscreenmedia.org.
Contacts:
Lyle Bunn
Principal & Strategy Architect
BUNN Co.
Tel: 613-475-9121
David L. Drain
Executive Director
Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA)
Tel: (502) 489-3915 x232
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
 APRIL 13, 2010, LAS VEGAS — The Digital Signage Association and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association have announced plans to merge and form a new organization called the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA).
The Advisory Board of the Digital Signage Association agreed to the merger on April 6. The Self-Service & Kiosk Association Advisory Board voted in favor of merger during its meeting this morning, held in conjunction with KioskCom and The Digital Signage Show.
The Digital Signage Association, which in March announced its decision to incorporate as an independent 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association had formed a merger discussion task force comprising members from both groups to deal with the many details involved before making the recommendation to its respective advisory boards.
With the approvals of both Advisory Boards, the new organization was filed with the state of Illinois as a non-profit trade association called Digital Screenmedia Association.
In addition to addressing the needs of the digital signage and self-service industries, the new association will look for ways to serve users, deployers, vendors, integrators, agencies and network operators in all areas of digital technology applied to audience engagement, including mobile services.
“Companies within the industry and end-users have continuously said that digital signage, while regarded as a powerful communications technology, is one component of an overall out-of-home digital media strategy,” said Stuart Armstrong, president of EnQii North America and president of the Digital Signage Association. “As the leading industry association, it is our responsibility to pave the road ahead to enhance the success of our member companies and help educate and articulate an integrated value proposition. Replacing signage with ‘screenmedia’ to form Digital Screenmedia Association is a major step in that direction. Couple that with bringing the strength of the SSKA under the same association and you have a tremendously powerful voice of 600-plus member companies to drive industry education, advocacy and networking.”
Armstrong will serve as president of the Digital Screenmedia Association. Janet L. Webster, president of Creative Solutions Consulting and president of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, will serve as an executive vice president in the new association.
“As an industry consultant focused in the area of strategic planning for self-service, I often have customers ask about solutions, not technology,” said Webster. “My clients are focused on the customer experience and business outcomes. And, so, with a focus on an integrated view of digital screen media solutions, the new DSA will give members easy and comprehensive access to a broad spectrum of industry professionals, users/deployers, as well as an extensive range of self-service solutions providers.”
“What’s interesting is that board members from the two associations, independent of each another, made the suggestion that we consider a merger,” said David Drain, who serves as executive director for both associations. “Once we brought members from each association together on a task force, things moved really quickly with general agreement after the first meeting that it made a lot of sense to merge the two groups to better serve the marketplace and speak with a stronger voice.”
“Since I thrive on innovation, I was excited to hear about the launch the new Digital Screenmedia Association,” commented Alex Richardson, managing director of Selling Machine Partners. “In my cross-channel practice for worldwide retailers, I recommend, purchase and install hundreds of digital screens, kiosks and mobility solutions for their stores and wholesale partners. The merger of the DSA and SSKA simplifies my life by offering an easier way for me to find relevant best practices and a single source of suppliers for my global projects.”
Brian Ardinger, SVP and chief marketing officer for Nanonation, said: “We are excited to be an active participant in the new Digital Screenmedia Association. The convergence of technologies from digital signage to kiosks to mobile are driving today’s customer experiences. It’s important to have an industry association that’s dedicated to addressing these multifaceted needs and one that can bring together the leadership, tools, training, and insights required to help businesses thrive in a challenging and ever-changing marketing landscape.”
“The creation of the Digital Screenmedia Association makes a lot of sense to our company,” said Scott Falso, director of OEM marketing for Seneca Data. “We see many similarities in the technologies utilized in what I now refer to as ‘screen media’ markets. Rich-media content, dynamic messaging and interactivity, including mobile applications, are extremely influential methods to engage customers. The Digital Screenmedia Association umbrella allows experts in each of these areas to come together.”
“The merger of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association and the Digital Signage Association is the right move at the right time,” said Cortlandt Johnson, kiosk services sales leader of IBM Global Services. “Users are now looking for solutions that address digital signage, interactive kiosks and mobile devices and need an integrated digital screen media strategy. The new Digital Screenmedia Association will be a larger, more influential association that will be a stronger force in driving market growth for everyone involved.“
Dick Good, CEO of NetWorld Alliance, said, “We are very proud of the growth of the associations, and have been thrilled to play a part in their maturation. We look forward to supporting their continued success in whatever way we can.”
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