Full text: DSE's letter to the industry about The Digital Signage Federation

Dear Colleague,

Over the past several years, the industry has come together at digital signage Expo, showcasing its amazing technology and capabilities. We have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars encouraging end users, by the thousands, to attend DSE. Our attendees and satisfied exhibitors have made DSE the largest event of its type in the world.   This year’s event is shaping up to be our best-attended ever, with more education and information offerings than any time in our past.   We have worked hard to represent this industry in a way that helps elevate our collective brand image to existing and prospective customers. And when the time came as different needs arose, we did our best to demonstrate leadership for our common good.   This is one of those times.   Today, we’re proud and excited to announce the formation of this industry’s first truly independent, industry-owned, not-for-profit trade association, the digital signage Federation (DSF).   Over the past several years we’ve been a consistent voice about the necessity for our industry to have an independent not-for-profit organization that would professionally represent the broad and highly-diversified digital signage industry.   More recently, other individuals and organizations have added their voice and opinions, echoing our strong views about having an independent organization represent us.   So, as we did six years ago when we stepped-up to establish this industry’s first dedicated trade show and conference, we are doing so again to help launch the type of trade association this industry needs and deserves.   The digital signage Federation will be an independent 501c non-profit corporation owned by the industry and will have:   • A highly-experienced interim executive director • A highly-experience PR and membership executive • Legal and professional bylaws • An elected board of directors • A full year-round educational program for membership. • A full program of member services. • A vertical industry outreach program that will bring the digital signage industry’s message to tens of thousands of end users in 2011. • An adequate budget to fund projects.   Initial “seed funding” will come from digital signage Expo and we do not expect one penny in return for our investment in your and our future.   Members will pay a fair annual fee and in return will: a. Receive member rates on all education opportunities, including conferences, seminars, webinars, etc. b. Exhibitor members will receive member rates on exhibit space, sponsorships, seminars and any other services DSE offers. c. Have access to year-round online education so that hundreds if not thousands of member staffs can become better educated about our industry, at no additional charge. d. Have Access to an ever-increasing vault of case histories and original industry research. e. Receive a full schedule of member benefits that will be outlined in the coming weeks   Some programs we have on the drawing board include: • Regional networking meetings • Code of ethics • Consumer privacy task force • Expanded industry research • Advocacy groups • A digital signage university • Professional certification   At the outset, the DSF will have five membership categories including:  end users, DOOH network operators, Integrators/installers, vendors and individuals.   You will be receiving more detailed information about this exciting new association at the show and have the chance to meet our association consultant and interim Executive Director, John Johnson, CAE, a fully-qualified association executive with over 40 years of experience.    John is an association veteran experienced in all facets of association management, having spent over 24 years serving as a senior executive for the International Sign Association, based in Washington, DC.   We welcome your participation, especially on the various committees that will be formed to help this association produce real results for its membership.   Feel free to stop by the digital signage Federation’s exhibit at DSE, booth # 1230, and say hello to John and other DSF staff members.   You’ll have the opportunity to sign-up at the show and receive some special Charter Member Benefits.   We encourage your feedback and welcome your participation.   Sincerely,     Angelo Varrone CEO 770-649-0300, ext. 12 [email protected]     Chris Gibbs President 770-649-0300, ext. 17 [email protected]     Russ Eisenhardt Vice President, Operations 770-649-0300, ext. 14 [email protected]