Why I’m Going To InfoComm: Jim Marascio, 11 Giraffes
May 28, 2015 by Dave Haynes
Here’s one in what I hope will be a series of posts for attendees, and separately for exhibitors, talking about why they go to InfoComm and what they’re looking for when there.
This one is from Jim Marascio, the CTO and VP Ops at Charlotte, NC-based solutions provider 11 Giraffes.
1 – How many years have you been going to InfoComm?
This will be my fifth year in attendance.
2 – What are you looking for when you go?
InfoComm is a much bigger picture event, as compared to DSE. Many of our hardware partners and most of our resellers are in attendance. The show provides a good context for meeting with them and for connecting companies from the two groups to strategize on specific projects, where all of the solution component providers are in the same venue. While we’re not hosting a booth at the show, we do drive solutions in some booths and will be supporting our partners in those booths.
3 – Do you just walk the floor or do you hit any education sessions?
I do a mix of the two, but primarily focus on the floor and ancillary meetings.
4 – What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the industry, and where do you see things going?
I’ve found that InfoComm has done a good job complementing DSE from a Pro A/V standpoint. The digital signage presence has grown significantly at InfoComm, and not just in the Digital Signage Pavilion. In addition to the educational track, you’ll find digital signage technology throughout the show floor.
The first year I attended the show, the focus was predominantly on displays and mounts. Now it includes distribution, content and complete solution creation. The Pro A/V companies we work with tended to be more focused on designing the installation and selling the hardware, than on the on-going part of the business that is defined by content creation and management, along with SaaS licensing.
We’re experiencing an increasing desire on their part to developing a complete solution.
5 – Do you prefer Orlando or Vegas?
Coming from the Charlotte area, Orlando is certainly more convenient for me to get to. But I prefer Vegas, where it’s easier to travel between the show, events and hotels. The lower humidity in Vegas is a plus in June, too.
See you all in Orlando!
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