Partnership with Chicago Tribune Media Group fuels launch in Chicago
CHICAGO–High-profile venues throughout Chicago, starting today at Navy Pier, will be the nation’s first to experience technology that transforms the way consumers interact with business, government and social networks. A first-of-its-kind interactive technology platform, known as smartKIOSK, will create a “virtual concierge experience” for passers-by. Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, Soldier Field and Tribune Tower will receive smartKIOSKs in August with more than 100 smartKIOSKs scheduled for strategic placement throughout the city by January 2012.
“Forget yesterday’s advertising models, we transformed traditional, static outdoor advertising into a dynamic and interactive platform to bring outdoor into the iPad generation,” says George Burciaga, founder and CEO of smartDIGITAL located in the South Loop. “We’re changing the way people communicate, bringing access and allowing mobile and social media to connect at the smartKIOSK.”
smartDIGITAL LLC, has signed agreements with partners to provide content, marketing and advertising sales support. The most notable media partnership is with the Chicago Tribune Media Group.
“We are excited to extend our local content to this innovative and engaging platform, says Brad Moore, Chicago Tribune Media Group’s Vice President of Targeted Media. “And we are equally excited about the opportunities this presents for our advertising partners. The smartKIOSK platform adds a level of interactivity that is unmatched in the outdoor advertising space.”
smartKIOSK leverages intelligent street-level interactive technology partnered with mobile development to supply consumers with localized media, mapping and purchases, including movie, music, sports, news, coupons, deals, city information, airline information, social media and more. Multi-touch 46-inch displays will enhance the consumers experience and reinvent their interaction with products and services throughout the city. The smartKIOSK retains behavioral data and will evolve into intimate and specific services for the consumer. smartMOBILE will continue the experience and follow the consumer for future interaction.
“It’s amazing to see a company like smartDIGITAL building new technology that will change the way we communicate,” says Ald. Richard F. Mell. “They’re a Chicago start-up and we need to continue to support companies like smartDIGITAL to ensure that they’re successful. The city is proud of what they’re doing and we’ll continue to support their efforts. There's no need to look at Silicon Valley for technology or innovation, companies like smartDIGITAL are right here in our backyard.”
Given the high level of interest expressed among media firms and advertisers, smartDIGITAL is already finalizing its expansion plans with several major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.
“The smartKIOSK provides a wonderful interactive forum for our visitors to review and provide feedback on Navy Pier’s Centennial Vision,” says Marilynn Gardner, President and General Manager of Navy Pier. “Our vision, at Navy Pier, represents the advancement and changes we’re making to remain one of the City of Chicago’s most popular attractions for tourists and residents across the city and across the country. The smartKIOSK clearly signifies our mission to move forward and bring services, information and technology to our customers.”
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