“We have 25 full-time people in a fast-growing DigiCast division, and we are hiring for both sales and operations,” says Lanman (who invites people to send in their resumes). “In fact, due to company growth, we are moving into a larger office space in the coming months.

“We have a big team and departures are either planned or part of normal attrition. Each person has many unique reasons for not being part of our team. Both Brian and John were part of the team that successfully transitioned the business into Brite Media Group and I appreciate their efforts.”

Lanman, who was brought into Brite Media Group last March to build a digital division, says, “Since Brite Media acquired certain assets from TargetCast, we have not only significantly enhanced the existing digital networks but have added new, very exciting digital media assets to the division.

“Over the last few months, we have done a great job consolidating TargetCast into our SF office. We have invested significant time and energy into system improvements and maintenance, and the networks are now functioning at a level where we are satisfied to commence rolling out ‘DigiCast’ systems. At the same time, we have introduced next generation hardware into the field that works with the latest HD video systems being installed into venues.”

Up until buying TargetCast, Brite’s product line was mainly in specialty out-of-home media, for example, producing ads on static signage and printed cup sleeves in 7,000 coffee shops. (It has produced ads on 250 million coffee cup sleeves.) Now, with DigiCast up and running, it’s also full speed ahead on the digital side.

“We have been embarking on a very exciting new digital media roll out: the Gas Station Radio Network – a nationwide network of gas stations playing our proprietary content and delivering our customers’ ads,” says Lanman. “Since October, we have installed 675 gas stations with our systems and speakers including in the top 10 DMAs.(Brite Media has 8,000 gas stations under exclusive contract for static pump top signs.)

“We have created a relevant digitally delivered advertising medium for brands to reach their desired audiences that is effective (loud and clear) and targeted (down to the individual gas station level).”

With its Gas Station Radio Network, DigiCast is in competition with Gas Station TV and Outcast for venues, but that doesn’t seem to bother Lanman. He says that there are 180,000 gas stations in the U.S., including many independents, which is DigiCast’s current focus.

These days, Brite Media Group, with 150 full time employees, has significant businesses in both static and digital out-of-home media, operating in three distinct divisions. On the static side, it has the 7,000 coffee houses under exclusive contract for ad-sleeves (among them: Robeks, Noah’s, Enstein’s) and the 8,000 gas stations under exclusive contract for pump top signs (among other networks).

On the digital side, in addition to the Gas Station Radio Network, it has (from TargetCast) broadcast TV screens in approximately 500 restaurants in such outlets as Applebee’s, Outback, Chilis, and T.G.I. Friday’s. And it is adding digital signage in some of the coffee shops.

“We refuse to ‘over-promise’ on how big our digital networks will end up, but Brite clearly has a long history of successfully working with networks much larger than most digital out-of-home businesses,” says Lanman. “Brite is dedicating substantial time and resources to making DigiCast Networks the leader in digital placed-based media. We sell the advertising, and we do some of the content (with production handled externally) while other content is provided by the venues”.

So, while Brite’s DigiCast has lost two executives, the company is claiming to be well on the road to becoming a solid DOOH player.

Also on the executive committee are: vice-chair – Harry Niese, president, Midwest Neon Supply, Chicago; secretary/treasurer – Chad Jones, president, Southwest Signs, San Antonio, Texas; and past-chair – John Allen, executive vice-president, Allen Industries, Greensboro, North Carolina.

In addition, five sign industry professionals with vast experience have joined the International Sign Association’s 28-member Board of Directors. They are: Christina Galgan, Walgreens, Deerfield, Illinois; Melanee Jech, Icon Companies’ ImageCare Maintenance Services, Elk Grove Village, Illinois; John Yarger, North American Signs, South Bend, Indiana; Jeff Young, YESCO, Salt Lake City, Utah; and Ray Peters, AAA Sign Company, Augusta, Georgia.

“Visix is very excited to partner with VEL,” says Trey Hicks, vice-president of sales, Visix. “They are experts in information integration solutions and their data integration capabilities enable us to tackle demanding contact center applications. We believe this partnership will allow us to grow into other data-centric applications in the future.”

VEL will provide middleware and data integration capabilities that enable Visix to incorporate high-end real-time data display for its digital signage clients. Visix will provide VEL customers with digital signage systems that combine VEL’s real-time data with everyday organizational communications, leveraging a very scalable enterprise solution for visual communications.

“We’ve selected Visix because of its digital signage technology advancements, system scalability, ease of use, and its breadth of experience in working with all industry segments,” says Andrew Candreva, VEL president and COO.

VEL has been providing real-time visual messaging solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, governments and education campuses since 1979.

Visix designs, develops and supports a suite of browser-based digital signage products that allows users to create, manage and schedule organizational communications from anywhere and to deliver messages and media to virtually any endpoint. The company offers digital signage software, meeting room signs, and applications for targeted messaging to desktops and portable devices.

The companies will present a complimentary webinar on March 1/12 – Selecting the Right Digital Signage Technology – for invited guests of Fortune 1000 companies. This is the first in a series of cooperative ventures planned for 2012.

If you are attending Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas next month, the Retailer Education Forum, being presented by the Platt Research Institute from 12:30 to 5:30 March 6. is the session geared especially for you.

Coordinated and co-moderated by Margot Myers, PRI’s director of education and training, and Steven Platt, PRI president, this session is focused at integrating digital signage across multiple platforms.

“It’s difficult to do, but needed, along with the accompanying data analytics,” says Myers.

“Retailers are faced with this and how to do something with it and how to change their approach because of it. Technology is becoming critical for retailers, and they are finding it difficult to manage.”

With that in mind a solid program has been lined up that includes sessions on:

• Cross-Channel Retailing;
• Intelligent Digital Signage Solutions in Retail;
• Leveraging In-store Technology;
• Interactive Case Study Learning Session;
• EU Retail Trends;
• Selling Digital Signage Retail Media Channels.

The first session should get the program off to a great start with two speakers in quite diverse business sectors sharing the stage: Algernon Callier, vice-president, strategic innovation and emerging technology, Universal Orlando Resort, and Dave Finnegan, CIO, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc..

Along with exploring innovative and emerging technologies and their business applications, one of the may responsibilities of Callier is leading a cross-functional Innovation Task Force focused on identifying leading technology trends, activating their application, and delivering tactical solutions. For his part, Finnegan oversaw the launch of the Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world and entertainment destination, Bearville.com – an extension of the company’s in-store experience with enhanced games, imagination, education and learning for kids of all ages. The two will discuss such points as interacting with the brand across multiple channels and how to manage the consistent brand message.

One of the most interesting panels of the afternoon is expected to be that moderated by Barton Weitz, holder of the JCPenney Eminent Scholar Chair in Retail Management at the University of Florida. Prior to DSE, all those attendees registered for the Retailer Education Forum will be emailed a copy of a case regarding a hypothetical retailer. The panel of speakers will discuss it, but mainly, the session will be a wide-open forum where attendees can ask questions and trade ideas with the panelists and across the floor.

The entire afternoon will have a distinguished group of both individual speakers and panelists, in addition to those mentioned above, from: AT&T Mobility IT; Broadview Advisors; Intel;PRI; Safeway; Metro Systems GmbH (Germany); Best Buy; and Starcom Worldwide.

If you are a retailer and haven’t yet registered for this session, we urge you to do so quickly. You can register here.

The 50 cabs equipped with VeriFone Media screens are also outfitted with technology allowing passengers to purchase beauty products by swiping their smart phones over special tags inside the cab.

Passengers will get the free cab ride for being part of the five-day Fashion Week event. By doing this, they will see a three-minute video loop on either Lancome lipstick, Lancome eye makeup or Yves St.Laurent Touche Eclat complexion highlighter. Screens will show programming from Glamour on beauty trends, with makeup artists from L’Oreal brands Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent doing demonstrations.

SnapTags from technology company SpyderLynk, Denver, Colorado, are hung on either side of the screens in the taxis and passengers who want to shop for products on the screen can download an app and hold their smartphone over the tags to make a purchase which is then delivered to their home or office. (At this time, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission doesn’t allow purchases directly from taxi screens.)

“This is really a powerful demonstration of the future and what can be done in terms of integrated in-taxi commerce,” says Jason Gross, director of strategy and marketing, VeriFone Media. “We call it WIT. People have gone from simply Watching to Interacting on the screens and, we hope, will eventually be transacting.”

We understand that the ‘mobile taxi shops’ were inspired by the virtual stores the supermarket chain Tesco launched in the Seoul subway system. Riders there could use their smartphone cameras to scan the codes of items advertised on station walls, then pay and have the purchases delivered.

Bill Wackermann, executive vice-president and publishing director of Glamour, wanted to replicate the Tesco project in New York, where the subways aren’t WiFi-enabled. He convinced L’Oreal SA, Glamour’s biggest advertiser, to become a partner in the taxi project.

Glamour worked with VeriFone to contract with taxis for the event. The taxis will pick up passengers only at the special locations in the Lincoln Center and Meat Packing districts, – major sites of Fashion Week activities – and Glamour will subsidize 100% of the costs for the taxis during the program.

Omnivex Moxie provides users with a powerful and flexible software platform for managing their digital signage needs.

The Norwegian displays provide bus and train schedules along with other local information. A driving factor behind the installation was the need to improve accessibility for those with disabilities, and this has been achieved through the use interactive displays which support communication for the hearing and vision impaired.

The project was developed and implemented by Rom Eiendom AS, one of the largest property companies in Norway, with support from local systems integrator, Hatteland Solutions.

“Our goal has been that Lillehammer would be the most modern and contemporary public transport hub,” says Paul Berger, CEO, Rom Eiendom.

The modern coaching facility coves all the needs of future travelers when it comes to waiting rooms, information, services and accommodation. Geir Ove Finstad from Hatteland Solutions has been working with Rom Eiendom to identify the best technologies for future transportation hubs since 2009.

“This project has proven again that with the right technology you can remove barriers and make accessibility equal for everyone” says Finstad.

“That means helping the beginner learn, helping the smaller operators reach the next level, and helping the well-established to see what’s new and where the industry is going next.”

DSE in 2011 had 3,614 attendees and 195 exhibitors, and Gibbs is expecting about the same this year. Like most show managers we talk to, he’s reluctant to forecast numbers ahead of time, and with the U.S. economy still in a slow state of recovery and it being an election year – both constraining capital investment in the industry – he’s not about to shout “Yipee!” ahead of time.

Nevertheless, the combination of a more finely tuned group of educational and informational sessions combined with an exhibition area seen as The place to be – witness, for example, the larger spaces taken by such companies as Scala and Planar than in previous years – Gibbs is forecasting a great show.

Gibbs is no rookie at putting together an exhibit. With a background in IT consultancy and recruitment, he co-founded Exponation in 2002 with his wife Danielle, who, as a manager, had been involved in the lighting industry, and Angelo Varrone who, as part of Shore Varrone, had founded GlobalShop (since sold). Their first show was Lightshow West (still in existence) in 2003, and he’s been putting together shows since. He originally handled the sales side of the picture, but as the company grew with the Digital Retailing Expo in 2004 in San Francisco, then in 2005 in Chicago, and then renaming and refocusing the show as Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, it has been a growing and learning experience for him as well. (The company now has 15 employees.)

This year, so far, we know we have 29 new exhibitors, and we’re still selling space,” Gibbs says. “ There will be a range of new products being shown (at least 16). And we know that there will a number of exhibitors making announcements at the show. Among them, Intel is expected to announce something with the Wow! factor.

“We’ve also developed a special section devoted to content and we expect some whiz-bang things there. And, in general, we expect to see more touch interaction displays this year.”

Gibbs says that the APEX and Content Awards have each garnered a record number of entries and that the Wednesday evening Awards Dinner is shaping up nicely. New this year: best-of-the-best awards will be chosen from among the gold award winners in each of the APEX and Content categories.

“Although it seems like a lot of learning sessions, we’ve actually cut back a a little on some,” says Gibbs. “This year we have 32 sessions whereas we had 40 last year. And we’ve added five new (mainly half-day) educational sessions on March 6. They include: Digital Signage 360: A Global Perspective (arranged by DailyDOOH); Near Field Communication: Changing the Digital Signage Value Proposition; Digital Signage in Transportation; Hands-On Content Workshop; and Mobile Models You Can Believe In.”

Also new this year are 40 ‘Industry Vertical Discussion Groups’, to be held in closed-off areas near the show floor. These (20 per day) will each have a specific focus with a maximum of 18 people around a table plus a moderator, where people involved in a particular sector can discuss and trade ideas on a particular topic. For example, representatives of universities might attend the Education discussion group and discuss integration of digital signage of campuses. These discussion groups cover a wide range of topics such as: banking and finance; public spaces; government; hotels and casinos, and many more. (Some may be duplicated because of expected heavy interest.)

“Since these are limited seating for first-come-first-served, we’re urging people to enroll quickly if they want to participate,” says Gibbs. “We’ve found that people want to learn so our educational component continues to grow. But people also want to see, touch and feel for the ‘Ah ha!’ moment on how something will work in their case, so it’s important to be out of the trade show floor as well.”

Gibbs says that DSE is spending a lot of effort on marketing this year, especially to the ‘non-choir’ – those who aren’t among the leaders or industry insiders, dubbed ‘the choir’.

“We want to reach all those who are interested in getting into digital signage in one way or another, or who are into it is a smaller way and looking to grow. We want to bring them for knowledge, ideas, innovation, new applications. And, naturally, we want all the bigger players as well. They all can find something among the new innovations, ideas and learning experiences of others.

“I think keynotes will set the tone for the show,” he says. “Myself, I’m really looking forward to hearing the futurist John Underkoffler, chief scientist, Oblong Industries.”

By the Digital Signage Federation being the official industry association of Digital Signage Expo, and DSE being the official trade show and conferences of the DSF, “I think it’s helping the industry to grow,” says Gibbs. “The DSF, of course, financially benefits, and we provide it with exhibition space. And DSF helps people understand how we want the industry to grow.”

Gibbs says that the economy is still tough, and “While the digital signage industry is strong, it has lots of room for growth. It’s not yet where it should be. More capital must be freed up to help it prosper.”

Dirk Huelsermann one of the speakers at Digital Signage 360: A Global Perspective:

• NEW – Digital Signage 360: A Global Perspective: Designed to provide technology providers, system integrators network operators and advertising agency executives with an overview of the opportunities, challenges and achievements of digital signage and digital out-of-home networks around the world, this half-day event will cover EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China) and take a wider look at industry activity in Latin America and Asia.
  - Sponsored by DailyDOOH
• NEW – Digital Signage In Transportation: The half-day program will identify challenges and offer solutions unique to engaging consumers on the move. Five individual presentations will address: US consumer transit patterns; how to build an effective digital signage network for public transportation systems; key considerations for integrating mobile technologies; digital signage in airport environments; and how sign companies can get a ‘foot in the door’ in this sector.
  - Moderated by Leah Harnack, Editor, Mass Transit Magazine
• NEW – Hands-on Content Workshops: This half-day program includes four individually facilitated tracks designed respectively for content strategists, planners and designers in the retail, restaurant, banking and corporate communications sectors to learn to address the unique challenges inherent in content development strategies, tactics, processes, resources and tools, by learning how to navigate real-world scenarios designed to instruct them on how to plan, strategize, develop and execute a content strategy within a range of venue settings.
• NEW – Mobile Models You Can Believe In: This half-day program will address the impact of mobile convergence and the resulting technological implications, key considerations and ways to take best advantage of the mobile ecosystem in varying environments such as retail, higher education, corporate communications and large-scale public displays.
  – Presented by Symon Communications
• DPB Advertising Summit: Designed for brand marketers, advertising professionals and network operators, the full-day program, comprised of more than a half dozen presentations will address the current size of the market; its projected growth; the wealth of research and audience metrics available; identify the challenges inherent in planning/buying and designing creative applications for the medium; and how to overcome those obstacles.
  - Sponsored by the Digital Place-Based Advertising Association
• Digital Signage Certified Expert & Digital Signage Display Expert: DSCE & DSDE are individual full-day programs, the former designed for anyone whose professional involvement requires a full understanding of all the elements of digital signage and the interconnected technologies that produce the images on screen; and the latter designed for those who are responsible for video outputs and need a better understanding of calibration technologies.
  – Presented by Brawn Consulting
• Digital Signage Guided Installation Tour: DSE’s 6th Annual four-hour coach tour will provide customer-facing views and behind-the-scenes insights of some of the best digital signage installations in Las Vegas. Spokespeople representing the venues and technology will be on hand to answer questions and speak to the challenges they faced in concept, design and implementation, as well as provide insights into positive outcomes. Recommendation: Reserve early as seating is limited.
• 3D Workshops – Demystifying 3D: The Complete Guide to Autostereoscopic 3D Display Technology: The full-day program is designed for anyone who would like to have a clearer working understanding of the latest in 3D technology; how to create content for and integrate 3D technologies into existing installations; and how to apply the technology to the greatest effect.
  – Presented by Insight Media University
• Plate Retail Institute Retailer Education Forum: The half-day program will provide retailers with unique insights into store marketing; various consumer-facing digital platforms; and digital signage at retail; as well as exposure to retail thought leaders, including an interactive case study and retailer guest speakers.
  - Presented by the Plate Retail Institute
• Speed II Digital Signage Training: This information-rich half-day program is designed for end-users and suppliers of dynamic place-based signage for advertising-based, corporate or hybrid networks for customer, patron, staff or student communications to get them ‘up to SPEED’ on the key elements of planning, design, deployment and operations, and the inter-relationships of each. The presentation and planning templates provided to participants provide a solid basis for project, supply, investment and operational success.
  – Presented by BUNN Co.

Richard Lebovitz, educational director for Exponation LLC, producer of DSE, says, “DSE’s pre-conference program not only offers attendees a great variety of topics, but also the opportunity for a much more in-depth focus and hand-on experience than ever before.”

Registration for any of the March 6 pre-conference events, as well as all DSE 2012 educational conference seminars, is now available online. See here.

Mark your calendar now: Digital Signage Expo 2012, co-located with the Interactive Technology Expo and Digital Content Show, will take place March 6-9, 2012, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas www.digitalsignageexpo.net. You can follow DSE on Twitter at DSExpo, or for all DSE 2012 updates, use #dse2012.

Over 180 exhibitors will feature technology and services including hardware, software, network, delivery and content from around the globe. In addition to the 11 pre- and post-show educational events, 32 seminars, 40 targeted Industry Vertical Discussion Groups and over 40 free presentations will be staged in three on-floor theaters.

Rick Cope, president and CEO of Norcross, Georgia-based NanoLumens, says that the installation of the company’s revolutionary ‘digital wallpaper’ points the way to the future of compelling retail customer engagement.

“SoHo represents the cutting edge in art, retail, and fashion,” says Cope. “It attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Retailers looking to make a lasting impression on this very discerning audience know that they have to go beyond the ‘usual’ methods of engaging and holding the attention of consumers. They have to stop them in their tracks and immerse them in a messaging environment that compels them to enter the store. Our first fixed retail installation is designed to do just that.”

The display installed in the SoHo store is expected to stop consumers in their tracks. It measures 4.5’ wide by 9’ tall and is less than 3” deep, allowing the retailer to maximize valuable retail floor space. The display boasts a seamless 4mm pixel pitch with stunning resolution, high brightness and superior off-axis viewing angles to effectively engage consumers from any distance or viewing angle.

John Melillo. president of Diversified Media Group, which installed the NanoFlex display, sees a bright future for businesses and venues that use the versatile technology.

“Our designers and engineers were excited about the NanoLumens displays from the very first time they saw them,” Melillo says. “They really are unlike any other displays on the market today – lightweight, ultra-bright and rugged, so they are capable for use in retail stores, as well as transportation centers and other large high-traffic venues. These displays will breeze through bumps and splashes that would knock out other displays.”

NanoLumens displays can be built to any size with no bezels – ie. no lines or breaks in the picture at any size. They are custom built to fit any application.

Cope says, “When people pass by a storefront and see stunning seamless visuals on a 9-foot tall, 4.5-foot wide video display“ just inside the doors, they can’t help but stop and check it out.”

Designed and assembled entirely in the U.S., NanoLumens displays are now available in both flexible and non-flexible frames in four product lines: NanoFlex and NanoFlex Wrap flexible displays; NanoSlim non-flexible rectangular displays; and NanoShape non-flexible round, square, and triangular displays.

Both Krupp and Bove previously held managing director positions at the New York-based agency.

David Payne, CEO, Kinetic Americas said, “David and Tanza have been integral to the recent success of Kinetic here in the US. The US OOH market is at a genuinely exciting cross road, as applied technology platforms begin to deliver increasing levels of consumer engagement and greater accountability. David and Tanza’s strong strategic skills – coupled with their long-standing experience in the media business – will support Kinetic’s continued industry leadership.”

Krupp will lead and manage client delivery across the agency’s network of US offices: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Detroit, and San Francisco. Krupp has been with Kinetic since 2006 when he launched the Chicago office. During his tenure, he has been integral in securing major Agency-of-Record partnerships, as well as overseeing key client relationships across the Kinetic business base.

Bove will supervise all aspects of Kinetic’s operational development, with a particular focus on introducing new products and services to market. As managing director, she was instrumental in launching Kinetic’s West Coast offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2006. Prior to Kinetic, Bove spent more than 12 years working on both the client and agency sides of media and marketing.