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New mobile technology application is the future in event management

Middle East Event Show adds mobile application into event technology mix

Dubai, UAE, 15 May, 2011: Hot off the heels of the Blackberry App World launch in the UAE, a new mobile technology application in event content management is making its Middle East debut early next month at the region's dedicated events industry show.

ShowGizmo is the mobile app that will transform the way events, exhibitions, and conferences are operated. Making events 'greener', more efficient and interactive, the new technology could be the shape of things to come in the events industry.

As the official mobile app for The Middle East EVENT Show, taking place from 1-2 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, delegates, visitors and exhibitors alike will witness firsthand how the app can improve their event participation before, during, and after the show.

Designed in Wellington, New Zealand, ShowGizmo is a secure platform offering authorised access to registered event participants via web and smart-phones. The app enables registered attendees or exhibitors to exchange information and brochures, make connections, plan their time, and receive real-time news in the run up to the event as well as on-site and in the weeks to follow.

Event participants have their own unique profile allowing them to upload information, documents, contact details, promotions and incentives. Visitors can plan, store and print their schedules, network and make advance connections and meetings before the event begins.

"ShowGizmo combines web and smart-phone technology to create more productive, valuable events, enabling organisers, sponsors, exhibitors and visitors to access and manage information and connect more efficiently with each other", said Marie-Claire Andrews, Managing Director for ShowGizmo.

The instantaneous feedback built into the system is what makes the app stand out. "Using real-time reports, exhibitors and organisers can view activity, what people are engaging with and how many leads are being captured on-the-spot", added Andrews.

This is achieved through ShowGizmo's Quick Response (QR) code. Invented in 1994 by Japanese car manufacturer Toyota as a two-dimensional code that was used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, the QR code is now a key marketing tool, enabling organisations and individuals to track, collect and store information instantaneously.

Once a participant registers for the event, ShowGizmo automatically generates unique QR codes which are printed and placed at exhibitor stands. Visitors then scan the codes, enabling them to collect and store information such as VCards, exhibitor profiles and contact details, brochures, information about incentives and prizes. In turn, exhibitors instantly collect and store the information about visitors, establishing a virtual network.

"The ROI is immediate for exhibitors, as they've invested only time and energy into creating their online profile and receive qualified leads from the moment the show floor opens," Andrews added.

"Organisers are able to use the intelligence from post-show reports to reconfigure their event and better demonstrate value to participants, with the outcome of improving attraction and retention rates."

Andrews will discuss how exhibition, conference and event organisers can integrate technology into their shows during a seminar running alongside the exhibition on Wednesday 1 June at 2:30pm in Sheikh Rashid Hall. Delegates will receive practical advice on creating effective and valuable mobile programmes to support their events.

ShowGizmo has been powering events across a range of industries since its launch in July 2010 with many more in the pipeline. The mobile app works for the iPhone, Blackberry and Android smart-phones and there are plans to include more devices in the near future.

The Middle East EVENT Show is the only trade show in the region to cover the full spectrum of the events industry, connecting Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE), events and entertainment suppliers and buyers in the Middle East.

The event features the Knowledge Zone - a collection of seminars and workshops delivered by industry experts. Themes running throughout the two-day conference include event marketing, meeting planning, the events landscape, and personal development in the events industry.

The entertainment pavilion will feature live acts from Latin dance production company James & Alex, and a 'living doll' performance from German entertainers, the free-standings.

The Middle East EVENT Awards will recognise individuals, teams and businesses in the industry for exceptional events and contributing to the overall success of the events industry in the Middle East. A total of 19 categories will be judged by an independent panel of experts and the ceremony will be hosted by Wonho Chung, the Saudi born Korean-Vietnamese comedian from the internationally acclaimed comedy group "The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour".

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For further press information please contact:
Lindsay Johnston / Gareth Wright / Ahmad Huzayen
Total Communications
Tel: +971 50 273 3832
Fax: +971 4 336 9905
Email: lindsay@totalcompr.ae / gareth@totalcompr.ae / ahmad@totalcompr.ae

© Press Release 2011