Every time we go to a conference or event, especially for technology demonstration, there is always a new product to look at - a new gadget on a table, wall or suspended from the ceiling, or a process that we can use.
This year's ISE trip was a good case in point. This year required no written forms at all - a totally electronic process. The sign up was done electronically, entry was done by badge scanning, and requests for manufacturers' further contact was done by scanning.
It's interesting to think that we aren't aware of what technology will be coming next (more of that later), or even if meetings or conferences will be the same from one to the next. However, there are stable factors that we can see from technology event to the next. Irrespective of the amount of technology thrown at us at events these things are important:
- Face-to-face meetings - although we are seeing a lot of meetings and presentations through webinars, these can lead to us being distracted whilst working on our own PCs. In addition to this, recent research shows that we may only be able to use a webinar for up to 30 minutes. Meeting face-to-face is usually quite short, establishes a rapport quite quickly and keeps you in the moment of that meeting.
- At a show like ISE, the best reps come to the fore. The events are draining, and only the reps in full command of the products shine. What we look for is options and abilities of products, and to get it in an efficient way. It's also possible to gauge the level of interest in the University. We can read a lot into their way of operating, and the unspoken parts of the communication.
- To go to a conference is a valuable experience. This is two-fold. Firstly everyone is in a similar position, we are all out of the usual routine. It makes it a level playing field. The second is that it is actually away from work - it allows for us to network and explore new ideas without the pressure of the busy work environment.
- Social interaction is more important than the technology. Technology can enable many things, but it doesn't remove the social aspects. We are driven to be social.
- Messages are spread at these events. Throughout the UK, we know nearly all of the other support departments in the other Universities. The technology conferences and events used to be our social platforms. They now form part of an arsenal of tools that we use. We use facebook, twitter, skype, lync, blogs, email lists, phone and face-to-face to share and exchange ideas. Manufacturers are beginning to understand that we act like a single entity towards them, and that we all share information. As an example, we will find out by the end of the next day about good or bad performance of a supplier or manufacturer. It's a very powerful position to be in.
- We act together at these events to try to modify manufacturer and supplier behaviour. We relay a consistent message in an attempt to change behaviour.
- Traditionally development cycles for new technology products do not coincide with when we would like to use them. This leaves us in two positions. Firstly to try and move the development cycle of the manufacturers - which is difficult as most of them are targeting the run up to Christmas. And secondly to alter our refurbishment or build project to a different time of the year. As a body, we are pursuing both options.
As ever, we use this process to look to continually improve our services, technology and staff development.
There is a big push to go to 4K products underway. The human eye can see at the equivalent of around 2K. So this is a good example of technology outstripping demand on a physiological level. The technology industry can work on a little of the 'Field of Dreams' principle ('if you build it they will come') - and to some extent this is true. However, what this also contains is implications for infrastructure. To implement a full 4K will require the doubling of our wiring infrastructure - which, of course, is not mentioned in the sales process.
Technology will change everything, and also nothing!
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