Why DSE 2017 will be buzzing

DSE 2017 is set to be the most eagerly anticipated yet since its launch in 2004. 2016 has been a massive year for the digital signage industry, creating a renewed buzz as we gear up for next year's stellar exhibition. Here's Armagard's take on why the industry's biggest event is going to be epic...

The digital signage experience has been elevated to a whole new level in 2016, with bigger and bolder projects happening worldwide as vendors aim to create personalised digital experiences across all industry sectors.

This year has seen a significant shift in attitudes towards digital signage, highlighting that the industry has really matured. Less time is now being spent on convincing the marketplace that they need digital. Instead, buyers are opting to go digital 'organically', requiring very little persuasion.

Declining investment in traditional media in favour of digital systems is a sign that buyers are finding the marketplace more affordable and accessible. The digital phenomenon continues to tighten its grip on industry sectors such as retail, restaurants, healthcare, education, hospitality and transportation, plus a number of other key areas.

What's put digital signage on the map this year?

While digital signage continues to grow in stature across various industry sectors, a couple of sporting events that have taken place this year have undoubtedly put 'digital' well and truly in the spotlight...

First, there was the small matter of the Euro 2016 Football Tournament hosted by France. Apologies to our US readers, don't feel excluded, we'll get to you folks winning all the medals at Rio 2016 in a moment! For now, you will have to make do with us reliving England's terrible showing at the tournament.

Broadcast to and attended by millions all over the world, not only did digital displays play a significant role in delivering the action to those in France without a ticket, but it was a valuable outlet for sponsors and brands to showcase themselves on the world stage.

Equally, a whole host of LCD, LED and plasma screens of all shapes, sizes and orientations were deployed across several of the stadiums used during the tournament, serving a variety of purposes including:

• Entertainment
• Menu boards
• Wayfinding
• Screening England's 'unexpected' loss to Iceland, Germany losing to France, Spain crashing out to Italy, Poland losing out to Portugal in the Quarter-Finals and France suffering the same fate in the final at the hands of the Portuguese

Secondly, the world turned its attention to matters of Olympic glory as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, welcomed 206 countries, competing across 306 events, held at 37 venues. To our US compatriots, we congratulate you on finishing top of the medal board.

Similar to Euro 2016, a vast array of digital displays were utilised at venues across the Olympic Park, primarily for displaying wayfinding information. The abundance of digital screens on show certainly made an impact, almost as much as the Olympic diving pool turning green!

Off the back of playing such a key role at high-profile sporting events, digital signage has certainly done itself no harm in raising its profile. For this reason, DSE 2017 will be buzzing as delegates and vendors alike will be looking to capitalise on the 'digital' revolution, which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Armagard at DSE 2017

DSE 2017 will be Armagard's 7th appearance at the event. You'll find us at booth 440, displaying our professional range of outdoor digital signage systems. Armagard looks forward to seeing you there.

In the meantime, why not keep up to date with Armagard as we build up to the 2017 Digital Signage Expo? Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.