Convention Data Services Launches Contactless Event Tech Toolkit

June 17, 2020

As face-to-face trade shows and conferences begin to resume, it goes without saying that event organizers are going to be paying extra-special attention to health and safety practices. With social distancing among the top safety practices for the foreseeable future, event registration and lead management solutions provider Convention Data Services is offering a new Touchless Toolkit.

Launched in early June, the Toolkit includes DigiBadge, which allows event registrants to check in safely and securely using their own mobile devices. Event participants download the DigiBadge link provided by the organizer, add it to their device’s Apple Wallet or Google Pay, and can then use it for convention hall and session access instead of a physical badge. 

“Ultimately, we want to make the on-site planning process painless for show management while giving confidence to state agencies to reopen convention centers,” said John Kimball, president and CEO of Bourne, Mass-based CDS, a Freeman Company. 

In addition to DigiBadge, other components of the Touchless Toolkit include: 

Density Tracker: Allows on-site event teams to track event density and manage crowd control at various locations throughout an event. Besides scanning and reporting on warm body counts entering and exiting different locations via real-time metrics, it can also track multiple entrances and exits. Scanning teams are alerted when maximum density is reached and an entrance must be temporarily suspended. Additional features include dashboard access and entrance scanner leads that track density management trends. The density or capacity of each hall can also be reported to event participants to help them plan where to go next.  

Lead Retrieval: A contactless lead collection tool that exhibitors can use via the CDS Connect App on their personal mobile device, eliminating the sharing of devices and removing contact at equipment pick-up areas. Exhibitors can also take advantage of the self-scan feature, which allows attendees to scan their own badges and maintain social distancing.

Digital Backpack: This hands-free, self-serve content distribution and lead collection device distributes requested information to attendees. Attendees scan their DigiBadge or printed badge at a touchless mobile station to instantly have specific product information added to their personal portal, after which the attendee badge information is collected and provided to exhibitors.

All three of these features can be integrated into the DigiBadge, depending on what makes sense for each individual event, and hybrid registration solutions marrying DigiBadge with traditional printed badge options are also available. 

CDS also offers the following self-service offerings to support touchless registration at events:

Mobile Badge Print: Allows attendees to print their badges directly from their personal mobile device via an on-site Mobile Badge Print area with a printer code prominently displayed on nearby signage. Using a link provided in their check-in email, attendees enter the code to print their badge. Print stations can be set up in hotels, airports and throughout the show venue. 

Online On-site Registration: Enables show managers to remove registration counters for new registrations to ensure the safety of registrants while cutting equipment costs. Attendees can scan a QR code using their own mobile device displayed on signage and register via the live registration page. Once registered, they can check-in via their personal device using Mobile Badge Print and move directly to a badge pick-up station. 

CDS also offers touchless badge options including mobile check-in for hotel and transportation.  

 

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.