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day one: Tuesday, February 8th, 2005

8:00 AM

Registration Opens • Continental Breakfast • Sponsor Exhibits Open

8:45 AM

Opening Comments From the Chair

Bill Collins, Executive Editor, AKA.TV (Cincinnati, OH)

9:00 AM

Digital Signage: The Next Big Shift in Advertising and Media

Learn about the latest industry developments and factors involved in the digital signage revolution, including:

• How dropping hardware prices and innovative software applications are fuelling the shift
• How digital signage brings the lost mass audience directly back to advertisers
• New opportunities for institutional investors in the digital signage industry

Come away from this session with a broad understanding of the revenue potential and the challenges presented by digital signage.

Richard Beaumier, President and CEO, BROADSIGN (Montreal, QC)

9:45 AM

Digital Signage: X Factors for Success

As with all new corporate ventures, certain organizational factors determine success or failure for digital media networks, many of which aren't obvious at the outset. Learn from the experiences of early adopters like Tesco on issues such as:

• Determining the right business model
• Defining clear objectives at the outset to identify what success looks like
• Ownership versus joint venturing and managing in-house vs. outsourcing
• Who should own the initiative inside the organization?
• The implications of becoming a media owner

Increase the likelihood of your organization’s success by addressing these critical questions at the outset.

Bob Clarke, CEO, INSTRUMENTAL MEDIA GROUP (London, UK)

10:25 AM

Morning Networking & Exhibit Break

10:40 AM

The Bottom Line: Digital Signage and ROI

Measuring the impact of digital signage is critically important. Hear first-hand about:

• Methodology to calculate the effectiveness of digital signage systems
• The impact of digital signage systems in retail
• Factors that influence its effectiveness at retail
• Emerging trends in retail applications

Acquire conclusive evidence of the financial benefits of digital signage and identify deployment strategies worth emulating.

Steven Platt, Director and Research Fellow, PLATT RETAIL INSTITUTE (Chicago, IL)

11:10 AM

Spectacular Digital Signage: Key Issues to Consider when Creating a Network or Stand-alone Display

This session will cover all the bases, giving you the background you need to understand how digital signage works. Delve into the fundamentals of:

• Hardware and display options: LCD, OLED, and more.
• Software: Ensuring flexibility and efficiency.
• Real estate: Operating networks on your property or leasing space from others.
• Content management: Outsourcing or working in-house.

This presentation will provide you with a practical checklist of what you’ll need to implement digital signage for your own organization.

Tony Tang, President, MXN MEDIA

11:50 AM

The Perfect Fit: Forging lucrative partnerships in Digital Signage

Corus Custom Networks is the place-based media arm of Corus Entertainment Inc., one of Canada's most successful integrated media and entertainment companies. Drawing on their vast experience in non-traditional media sales, Corus Custom Networks will discuss their role as a turn-key, place-based media partner that offers the critical triple-play required for place-based success: Sales, Production and Content.

Tyler Alton, Vice President and General Manager, CORUS CUSTOM NETWORKS

12:30 PM

Networking Luncheon & Exhibit Break

1:30 PM

Digital Signage: The Canadian Context

A Canadian Perspective on the Digital Signage Universe

Lyle Bunn, Senior Partner, APOGEE PARTNERS

1:40 PM

Content Creation: Strategies Designed to Captivate Your Audience

Content is king when it comes to digital signage. This presentation will explore:

• What works for digital signage and what doesn’t
• Whether to repurpose material from print ads, TV, etc. or to start from scratch
• Customizing content to reach key demographics
• Testing and analyzing new promotions
• Updating and adapting content on an ongoing basis
• Some of the best digital content in use now

Come away with practical guidelines on creating dynamic programming that will engage your audience and get your message across effectively.

Terry Debono, President, BOARDWALK MEDIA
Bart Murphy, President, WISE BROADCASTING NETWORK

2:20 PM

Panel Discussion

Advertisers’ Analysis: Opportunities and Challenges for Growth in Digital Signage

Hear directly from some of Canada’s top advertising agencies and media buyers. Hot topics for discussion include:

• Taking advantage of new ad placement opportunities
• Applying CPM and the Gross Rating Points (GRP) model to digital signage
• Integrating digital signage into overall ad campaigns
• Reaching multicultural markets more effectively

Give new direction to your advertising agency or marketing department by learning from the experiences of these pioneers.

Cathy Collier, Vice-President, Media Director, COSSETTE COMMUNICATION GROUP
Dr. Doug Snetsinger, Managing Director, GREY DIRECT AND INTERACTIVE
Tony Tang, President, MXN MEDIA

3:05 PM

Afternoon Networking & Exhibit Break

3:20 PM

Case study: Retail Success stories

Capturing the interest of the consumer in the retail environment is becoming more challenging. See how Neiman Marcus applies video technology not only to enhance the retail space but to educate and entertain shoppers as well. This presentation will examine:

• How to integrate digital signage with other visual elements in stores
• How to determine the education/entertainment mix
• The impact on shoppers and staff

This informative session will illustrate strategies that will allow you to achieve high visibility and demonstrable impact from digital signage.

David Roscoe, President, ADFLOW NETWORKS

4:00 PM

Legal Concerns: Protect Your Organization with the Best Contracts and Licensing Agreements

Critical legal issues have arisen alongside the development of this emerging technology. This session will focus on:

• Evolving business models (subscription-based services vs. licensing)
• Licensing practices or other contractual relationships of key industry players
• Other vital legal issues relating to digital signage such as copyrights and legislation applicable to non-static highway ads

Take home a clear understanding of your legal rights and obligations!

Charles Chevrette, Barrister and Solicitor, LANGLOIS KRONSTRÖM DESJARDINS (Montreal, QC)

4:40 PM

Closing Comments from the chairperson & conference adjourns to day two

DAY TWO: wednesday, February 9th, 2005

8:00 AM

Registration Opens • Continental Breakfast • Sponsor Exhibits Open

8:45 AM

Opening Comments From The Chair

9:00 AM

Digital Signage from a Global Perspective: Models of Success and Insight on Future Trends

Broaden your understanding of digital signage by considering it within a global context. This presentation will focus on:

• Dos and don’ts of digital signage worldwide
• Promising new developments in technology
• Understanding the value chain
• What North America can learn from innovations overseas – some typical cases

Learn who’s at the forefront of this new technology and identify the best ways for your own organization to move forward.

Antoine De Ryckel, Business Development Manager, Retail and OHC, BARCO (Belgium)

9:45 AM

The Store As Media: Customer Communication Within Four Walls

How can you mean more, be more, and sell more to consumers at retail? By thinking of stores as media. Learn to take full advantage of the multi-dimensional potential of store environments and see how digital signage fits in at the point of purchase.

• Bring brands to life beyond merchandising racks and ‘stuff on shelves’: building a compelling EXPERIENCE through image, messaging, and information
• Utilize the store as media: the most powerful medium at the lowest relative cost
• Understanding the role of digital signage: some early lessons from work with President’s Choice Financial (Loblaw) and other leading corporations

Come away from this session with proven strategies to build your brands and drive extraordinary sales increases.

Joe Jackman, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, PERENNIAL INC.

10:30 AM

Morning Networking & Exhibit Break

10:45 AM

Retail Case Study: Using Digital Signage to Increase Sales and Revenue from your Suppliers

Digital signage has revolutionized in-store advertising. Learn how Pepsi, Bloomberg, Best Buy, General Motors, and Burger King have benefited from digital signage and how you can:

• Incorporate digital advertising throughout your stores
• Strengthen your relationship with suppliers and increase sales
• Decide whether or not to out-source digital signage
• Maintain a network of digital signs: challenges at the store level and above
• Use digital media networks for training and internal communications

Gain perspective on how leading corporations have boosted revenues from suppliers – and how you can, too!

Jeff Porter, Executive Vice President, SCALA (Philadelphia, PA)

11:30 AM

Banking Case Study: Improve Service in Financial Institutions with Digital Signage

Leading financial institutions now employ digital signage in dozens of their branches. Hear first-hand how digital media networks allow banks and other organizations to:

• Promote their product portfolio and service offerings
• Decrease perceived waiting times for clients
• Heighten client satisfaction and customer service efficiency

Learn how to serve your clients better by making intelligent use of digital signage.

Edwin Reger, Vice President, Banking Business Development, IMPART INC. (Seattle, WA)

12:15 PM

Networking Luncheon & Exhibit Break

1:15 PM

Selecting the Right Software to Save You Time and Money

Software is crucial to digital signage for both IT and marketing purposes. The right choice will ensure that you maximize ROI, making the most of your organization’s resources. This session will cover:

• Network management and level of service
• Human scalability
• Technology to track and evaluate your audience
• Enhancing your marketing and communication strateg

Make your investment in software a wise one! This presentation will give you the knowledge required to choose applications that meet your software needs and your budget.

Daniel Parisien, Solutions Specialist, BROADSIGN (Montreal, QC)

1:45 PM

Integrating Digital Signage into your Organization’s Infrastructure: Techniques to Maximize ROI

Multiply the benefits of digital signage by leveraging your current systems and embracing it within your organization’s overall vision.

• Expand your marketing and communications strategy to take advantage of the opportunities presented by digital signage
• Exploit your current processes, work flows and supply chain to seamlessly apply digital signage technology

Drawing on examples from Future Shop, CIBC and SunTrust, this presentation will show you how to integrate digital signage throughout your organization in order to maximize ROI and ensure sustainability.

Stuart Kirkpatrick, President and CEO, DDC GROUP INTERNATIONAL (Waterloo, ON)

2:30 PM

Afternoon Networking & Exhibit Break

3:00 PM

Case Study: Digital Signage with a Difference

Hear first-hand how digital signage can be used in a state-of-the-art facility, allowing a venue to:

• Manage multiple displays in public areas, each with unique content
• Integrate video feeds, web pages and live data
• Realize gains in revenue and client satisfaction

This in-depth examination will provide you with practical advice on managing a complex digital signage network.

Fred Nicolucci, Product Manager, BSSD-BPAV, PANASONIC CANADA INC.

3:45 PM

Panel Discussion

Implementing Digital Signage: Overcoming the Obstacles

Drawing on their varied experiences with digital signage, our panelists will debate the major issues and identify helpful solutions to a range of potential problems. Don’t miss their first-hand insight on issues sure to affect your own organization.

Darryl McDaniel, Vice President, Sales, VST CANADA INC. (ESSO)
Dave Haynes, President & Founder, CONCOURSE MEDIA
Michael Girgis, President, FOURTH WALL MEDIA & ONESTOP NETWORK (Toronto)
David Roscoe, President, ADFLOW NETWORKS

And more to come...

4:15 PM

Closing Comments from the chairperson & conference ends