Meerkat and Periscope Put Live Streaming in the Hands of Attendees

April 10, 2015

Up until a few weeks ago if you typed Meerkat into a Google search you would see images of small mongooses. When searching the term periscope, you would get pages and pages of references to an optical instrument.

Today, those same Google searches provide pages and pages of content  referring to two much-talked about apps that let users stream live video from their mobile phone.

Meerkat was the first to flood news feeds when attendees at SXSW started using it. John Shinal writing for USA Today said, “the most popular uses of the app was using Meerkat to stream others using Meerkat.”

Ben Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Meerkat, boasted in a tweet that one person built the app in just eight weeks.

Once users fire up the app and start live streaming, a tweet is automatically sent out to their followers with a link to the stream. Anyone can click on that link and view and comment on the stream. But they have to catch it live. The stream is not stored for viewing later.

That was the way it worked until Twitter announced its acquisition of rival startup Periscope. Very quickly, Twitter began restricting access to its data. Data that includes who’s following whom on the social network. Meerkat was left scrambling to come up with another way for its user to discover its live streams.

While Meerkat is currently lagging behind Periscope in popularity in the App Store, both apps are seeing engagement as users are experimenting with live streaming.

Event organizers are beginning to ask what impact will apps like these have on their events? Attendees could very easily live stream keynote presentations, educational sessions, and trade show floor activity. All content that people pay to come to see.

Attendees could also live stream new product demonstrations, all the people they are getting to meet, and the fun they are having at networking events. Activities that might encourage someone to attend in person next year.

Bob Bowman, MLB Advanced Media CEO and president said a report by the Wall Street Journal saying Major League Baseball would be banning the use of live streaming apps was not correct.

“I think we all just need to pump the brakes here, this is an issue looking for a headline. It’s not going to be an issue; it’s going to be helpful to the game of baseball,” Bowman said in an interview with CNBC.

It’s too early to tell if live streaming apps like these will have a positive or negative effect on trade shows and expos. Mobile devices, social media and the Internet of Things have already changed the way attendees share and interact with events and organizers have adapted. Live streaming apps are just another social tool organizers will have to evaluate and plan for.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.