by Todd Lucier on September 9, 2009
Apple announces iPod Nano and iTunes Upgrades
Apple transformed the marketing of tourism when the iPhone became the connected device of choice among digital travelers. Today, Apple announced a number of new enhancements to iTunes and their most importantly the Apple iPod nano music device.
iPod Nano – Video
iPod Nano, the small little music player that fits into the smallest of Christmas stockings will bring video into the hands of everyone. Last year I wrote about how the Flip Video camera could be an important tool for getting video to market your tourism business.
The current Flip Video has 4 gigabytes of memory.
The new iPod nano will record video on a flash drive with up to 16 gigabytes for less than $200!
Couple that with a device that is syncs with your computer via iTunes and has one click upload to Youtube capability and you are making it easier than ever for anyone to create and share video.
The device will clearly be marketed to youth – it has no still camera capability, nevertheless, there are important implications for travel and tourism businesses.
With Video on iPod Nano, Video will be Ubiquitous
91% of people who have cell phones have them with them within arms reach 24 hours a day. Stats aren’t available on how in-touch people are with their Flip Video camera, but its a safe bet that they have their portable music player a lot closer, a lot more often (most are iPods of course).
What that means: It will be as convenient for iPod nano owners to shoot video as it is for cell phone users to make phone calls.
Get it?
iPod Nano spurs questions for Tourism
iPod Nano announcement means it’s time for a few important questions the tourism industry needs to start thinking about (if you aren’t already):
- How are you going to encourage your guests to share video that inspires other travelers?
- How are you going to monitor social media for video representation of your region, property or experience?
- How can you include the needs of digitally connected travelers to make sharing of content easier? Think wifi and power needs. (Please tell me you are still not charging for wifi access?)
What questions come to mind for your region or business?
Links:
by Todd Lucier on February 26, 2009
What are conference attendees are looking for?
- inspiration,
- motivation, and
- connections.
The benefits of a great event from the attendees point of view – a few of the many twitter responses I received:
Twitter followers were consistent in identifying the benefits that matter to conference attendees.
Is your event promoting the right benefits?
Inspirational and motivational speakers give away their material online all the time. The best ones share their presentations by video, audio recordings and slideshare to those not even at your event in both live and recorded formats. AND THAT”S A GOOD THING!
Don’t confuse the value of your conference with the information that is being presented.
In general,
- information is free.
- ability to communicate information is also basically free.
What are attendees paying for?
- inspiration,
- motivation, and
- connections!
4 ideas for conference and event planners:
- Give away the free stuff: You will not only encourage presenters to share their material beyond the walls, you’ll prepare for it by providing support for live and recorded streaming of your event, publicizing twitter hashtags and sharing presentations on your conference Web site. Non-attendees can peak into the window on what they are missing! Their thirst for what attendees are getting will inspire future attendance.
- Provide ample time and space for chit-chat before and after conference sessions. If you know the value of your event is in the motivation, inspiration and personal connections between attendees you will provide a conference schedule that encourages informal dialogue between attendees.
- Use conference facilities that provide free or almost free Internet access and ample places to plug-in or recharge connected devices. Your attendees will help your event reach an audience beyond the walls and help your event grow by leaps and bounds. Remember, your fans are your best marketers!
- Educate conference attendees and presenters about live streaming and twittering. Help presenters feel comfortable without continuous eye contact with attendees and publicize hashtags and backchannel conversation. See @pistachio‘s post on the matter of Twittering during presentations.
What do you see as the real value of your favourite conference or event?
ps. MANY THANKS to my Twitter followers for taking the time to share your thoughts! You continue to inspire and motivate me. I value our connection.
