2018 Here We Come

First I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope that it is full of amazing experiences in your personal and work lives. But before we can take on the year how did 2017 end for you? Many couldn't wait to move onto the new year, hoping that a clean slate will deliver amazing opportunities and challenges. Others had such an amazing 2017 they didn't want it to end. So what is in store for the industry in 2018? The best way to see this is to look at the upcoming shows and conferences.

The best gauge for this happens next week in a small city in Nevada called Las Vegas. Yes CES2018 is right around the corner and there are already some new technology leaks starting to happen. Unfortunately this year I will be missing due to doctors orders and these pesky crutches and brace. I shal return in 2019. But what will we see at CES this year that will impact the commercial space? I can guarantee that IoT, Analytics, OLED, 5G, Wireless Video, Wireless Audio, Drones, Big Data, Interactivity, AR, VR, and Increased Processing will all be in full display. I am sure I am missing a few and there will also be a few surprises for everyone to see. I am really interested in seeing how 5G and IoT are displayed at this year's show. Can't wait to read all the blogs and see the videos.

Following CES is the "Big Show", NRF2018 invading NYC's Javits Center. This is an amazing show if you have never been. Every possible type of technology (hardware, software, services, gadgets, content, ideas) that impact retail will be on display. A fun show to attend and see what retailers are doing to increase the customer experience, increase the engagement and decrease the stressors on customers and employees. This show has focused alot in the last few years around experiences and the customer journey and I am sure that 2018's version will not disappoint.

Then in February many will be taking planes across the ocean over to Amsterday to attend ISE (Integrated Systems Europe). Imagine Infocomm (Avixa), DSE (Digital Signage Expo), CEDIA, and a little of CES under one massive roof. There is a crazy amount of technology on display from every type of AV and technology supplier imagineable. The booths are massive, the tech is crazy, and LEDs are everywhere. This is a great opportunity to see the big guys but also to see all the small start up companies from Europe and in many cases Asia Pacific.

In March is one of my absolutely favorite shows: DSE. Those who have never attended DSE don't know what you are missing. First the Pre Show - There are pre show conferences focused around DOOH, Retail, Corporate Communications, Certifications, and much much more. Then during the show between the amazing booths, the on floor education, the education tracks, and the peer networking why would you attend any other event? This is also your opportunity to spend time not only with suppliers of the technology but also users of digital signage to help layout your 2018 strategy. I can't wait to see what each of the on floor technology companies are going to do in their booths. Always an amazing opportunity.

Going into April, May, and June we have: Infocomm China, London Digital Signage Week, Geopath/OAAA Convention, Infocomm 2018, and FEPE Gongress. A packed in Spring to Early summer with focus on DOOH, AV, OOH, Technology, Education, and Networking.

Wow 2018 starts with a bang doesn't it? I can't wait till I am off these crutches so I can jump right back into the fray. If you are attending one of these shows don't forget to post about what you see and why it's important for the industry.

Happy New Year!