Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2023 is quickly approaching and digital signage professionals are in major prep mode for the annual tradeshow in Las Vegas.

Originally slated for November of this year, the show announced in December 2022 that the dates would shift to December 4-5 to avoid any overlap with the 2023 Formula One World Championship. “Despite being a week earlier than Formula 1 event, we heard from our community on-site that the DSE 2023 original dates (mid-November) still raised concerns about the availability of hotels, cost of travel, and potential labor shortages. As a result, we are moving the dates further away from the Formula 1 event to ensure everybody has the best possible experience and we can hold another successful DSE event.” said show management in a statement at the time.

Now that the mayhem of the race is over in Vegas, DSE management is gearing up (pun intended) for a spectacular show. “ DSE is the ultimate gathering of digital signage experts, so this is the place where you meet the people and the companies who are moving the industry forward,” said David Drain, the show’s director of event programs. “We’ll take a deep dive into various strategies, technologies, and case studies, so that your next project can be successful.”

“Just as DSE describes itself, this event truly is the ultimate gathering of digital signage experts—an experience that all on its own should always be a cornerstone marketing activity for anyone in our industry,” added Sonya Verheyden, VP of marketing at Videri. “For Videri in particular, having just launched our partner program and entry into the broader digital display industry in June of this year, DSE represents an important element in our marketing mix for 2023, and we are very pleased to be a first-time exhibitor. Plus, with DSE co-located with LDI, there is no better place for Videri to be seen amongst our peers and stand out as a company that is truly challenging the status quo.”

DSE 2023 Trending Topics

When asked about trending topics at DSE 2023, the number one answer from all experts was the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into digital signage. “The most significant trending topic will be AI and its impact on the industry. The ramifications on content creation will be significant and more will follow suit as AI is embraced,” declared Jonathan Brawn, principal at Brawn Consulting.

“There’s no doubt that AI will change the digital signage industry, but separating hype from substance is an inexact science at this stage of the game,” added Kaleo Lee, Channel Sales Manager at Korbyt. “But a number of companies—Korbyt included—have made real progress incorporating AI into their workflows with impressive results. These developments in AI will directly impact our future product offering, and by extension will positively influence the solutions our channel partners will be able to offer their customers. I’m looking forward to showing off the strides we’ve made in AI, and also seeing how other partners from across the industry have embraced AI.”

Sony’s senior manager of partner marketing and events, Jeanne Lewis, believes the show will allow manufacturers the ability to spotlight how AI is transforming businesses—in addition to showing customers how to avoid the pitfall of AI.

Lewis also expects to see a focus on immersive experiences at DSE 2023. “Immersive experiences are having a moment—from virtual production and equitable collaboration solutions, to sound reinforcement and esports—and ways to create more engagement are always of note,” she said.

Frank Pisano, CEO of Bluefin, says that as retail and brand activations become more fully immersive, interactive, and personalized, they will continue to gain popularity. However, Pisano suspects there will be more involved than just digitally delighting guests with technology. “We expect to see more emphasis on data and analytics to measure the success of campaigns. This includes tracking customer engagement, dwell time, and conversion rates to optimize content and placement for better results.”

And don’t forget about the displays that make all of these experiences possible. “On the show floor, you should see a good bit of LED, as well as transparent LED displays,” said Drain.

Bryan Meszaros, founder of OpenEye Global, who will be attending the show, agrees with Drain. “Display technology will be prevalent, especially with companies like BlueFin who demonstrate innovation in custom size development and SONY with its Crystal LED displays. I can’t wait to get on the show floor to check out the latest display innovations and dream up ways to incorporate them into immersive experiences.”

Networking at DSE 2023

DSE is famous for its networking experiences and the 2023 show promises to uphold the tradition of providing opportunities for digital signage professionals to connect and bond. “No one can go it alone, so it’s important to make contacts that will help you achieve your goals as well as meeting peers to share ideas, challenges, and solutions,” said Drain. “We have a variety of networking opportunities from our opening reception to the 16:9 Mixer to the new technology breakfast, lunch roundtable discussions, awards reception, XUSC Santa’s Night Out, and the annual Women of Digital Signage Lunch.”

“The benefits of networking face to face cannot be overstated. Of course, you will find exhibitors to add to your list of contacts, but there is more. One of the biggest networking benefits are the fellow attendees you meet as you tour the show, and more specifically, those who attend seminars that you are attending,” added Brawn. “Sharing perspectives and listening to others is one of the best ways to grow in digital signage.

The famous SIXTEEN: NINE Digital Signage Mixer is scheduled to be held on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe on the LV Strip. Hosted by Dave Haynes, SIXTEEN: NINE founding editor, this in-person event is an incredible opportunity to meet or reconnect with the people and companies in the digital signage, DOOH, and ProAV ecosystems. “The Mixer has been an opening night tradition of DSE since 2010,” said Haynes. “The focus is on networking, and one of the things I have always insisted on is that the music be kept down to background levels and the distractions minimized. I also think it is a target-rich environment for biz dev and partnership people who need to get at least a handshake and “How you doing?” with a bunch of people in a short amount of time.” 

Haynes will, as always, position himself at the reception area and greet people as they come in so he can see every attendee. Click here to register for the event.

Another highlight of every DSE is the annual Experience United Social Club event. “I think XUSC is more than your typical industry networking event. Yes, it’s an opportunity to connect, but it’s more a chance to foster camaraderie and generate excitement for this industry,” said event founder Meszaros. “We are a dynamic and innovative industry and should rightfully embrace that by getting together at unique places! We must remind ourselves of that; it’s an attitude we should carry and promote!” 

Held on Monday, Dec. 4 at BrewDog Las Vegas, this year’s theme is Santa’s Night Out and will involve plenty of fun. “I am excited for our ‘mystery’ Santa,” exclaimed Meszaros. “Not only is he a great friend, but he’s very passionate about the digital signage industry and a big supporter of XUSC. He will help make this night fun and boost our excitement about the holidays! I’m also excited to have the industry together for one more fun night this year before we start thinking about 2024. It’s a night to celebrate and enjoy our time together!“ More details can be found here (the event is currently sold out).

One last can’t-miss event at DSE 2023 is the annual Women of Digital Signage luncheon, hosted by WAVIT. Attendees will be treated to a lunch buffet and can interact, ask questions, and seek advice to foster a supportive community within the digital signage industry. Ahead of the show, digital signage professionals can click here to record their best career advice and share their story with the community.

“Join us for an enriching experience! This lunch has historically been a high-point of every DSE Show with take-aways, networking, and community at the center,” said Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, co-founder and director of WAVIT and CEO of BAM! Marketing and PR Agency. “This year’s interactive panel will feature our “Recipes for Success”, and will include six amazing women sharing their best career advice and experience.” The cost to attend the annual luncheon and presentation is $75, click here to register or learn more.

Products You Won’t Want to Miss at DSE 2023

Digital Signage Experience 2023 isn’t just filled with classes and networking opportunities—the show floor will also be a significant part of the event. “Relative to focus, the DSE is totally dedicated to digital signage,” said Brawn. “There is no need to wade through random exhibits to find the ones that interest you. Every exhibitor, every seminar, and every person at the DSE is laser focused on the art and science of digital signage.” 

Here are some products you won’t want to miss on the tradeshow floor:

Bluefin Flex-OS Series

The new Flex-OS series is an in-stock Bluefin screen that comes in a slim bezel housing in sizes ranging from 27- to 55-in.—as well ultrawide sizes from 20.9-in.  up to 49.1-in. According to the company, the Flex-OS is a reliable screen capable of SoC Integration and an HDMI override input allowing for scalable, future-proof solutions great for retail, corporate offices, education, hospitality, and more. Flex-OS delivers a comprehensive and dependable digital signage solution that combines Bluefin’s latest technology with the seamless performance of a top digital signage operating system integrated into a display solution.

Learn more in Booth 418.

BrightSign XT5 

BrightSign’s recently introduced BrightSign XT5 players deliver the “perfect combination” of power and performance, according to the company. BrightSign XT5 is built to elevate and future-proof digital signage experiences, with the power and versatility to create captivating experiences for years to come. The new product can transform dynamic dashboards with 3D motion graphics and live data visualizations, integrate live TV to seamlessly blend broadcasts into signage, create realistic visual experiences with 8K HDR video and 4K graphics, power dual-screen experiences from a single player, and more.

Learn more in Booth 313.

DISPL Digital Signage

DISPL is an AI-based Audience Analytics and targeted Digital Signage tool for retail, hotel, restaurant/catering, and other physical locations. The product’s main goal is to provide clients with “eyes” for effective data-driven decision-making and correct marketing budget allocation. The AI-based technology by DISPL collects non-personalized, GDPR-compliant data about all offline audiences. A sensor collects and locally processes more than 17 metrics like age, gender, emotions, engagement time, etc. Once clients know their audience, they can use this data to analyze the effectiveness of different subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of salespeople and calculate the ROMI of any offline marketing campaign.

Learn more in Booth 705.

Korbyt Experiential Signage

Experiential Signage from Korbyt empowers end users to create immersive, interactive experiences. Users can captivate viewers with interactive elements, motion graphics, augmented or virtual reality, and even holographic images. According to the company, the Korbyt platform integrates seamlessly with a near-endless array of third-party sensors and devices for unparalleled control over a digital signage environment. This “no-code” solution ensures that users can manage and customize the system effortlessly, no technical expertise required. Korbyt’s Experiential Signage delivers immersive, multi-sensory experiences that connect with customers like never before.

Learn more in Booth 425.

Sony BRAVIA 4K HDR Displays

Sony’s new professional BRAVIA 4K HDR displays for commercial environments includes the BZ50L, BZ40L, BZ35L, BZ30L and EZ20L series. The BZ40L series comprises 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-in. options. According to the company, they are reliable displays that provide remarkable picture quality, broad compatibility, sustainability features, and align with Sony’s Alliance Partner Network. The BZ40L’s Deep Black Non-Glare Coating offers both high haze and low reflection, while maintaining deep blacks and high contrast. The high brightness, non-glare models feature X1 processing, achieve 700 nits at a high 47% haze with anti-reflection (except for the FW-85BZ40L, which achieves 650 nits at 58% haze), without loss of contrast.

Learn more in the Sony Networking Lounge.

Videri 

Videri is an end-to-end digital signage platform with integrated CMS software, device management, analytics, apps, and ecosystem that gets the right digital content, in the right place, at exactly the right time. A simple, yet high impact digital display solution that removes the complexity of traditional digital displays. Videri claims it is the only solution that delivers “infinitely differentiated digital in locations where traditional digital does not fit.” 

Learn more in Booth 613.

While the show floor, education sessions and networking events are sure to be the highlight of your DSE 2023 experience, Drain leaves attendees with one final suggestion: “I hope people will build in some time to see some of the amazing venues in Las Vegas, such as Sphere, AREA15, and the new ARTEMUSEUM by d’strict.”

To stay up-to-date with the latest show news, click here to visit our DSE 2023 hub.