In a November 2013 Wired article, Daniel Burrus, one of the world’s foremost technology forecasters and the founder of Burrus Research, called augmented reality (AR) “a game changer for business, for sports, and for social media, just to name a few.”
In fact, Burrus believes that over the next few years AR will “change not only the way you use your phone, but also the way you see and interact with the world.”
Members of Greater Madison’s business community will get an early glimpse of that future at the In Business Expo & Conference at the Alliant Energy Center on Oct. 22 — and they’ll have a chance to connect with In Business and win prizes at the same time.
AR is an emerging technology that allows users to have an enhanced experience by using a smartphone to scan a static image. With an AR reader (such as Layar), attendees will discover hidden content and unveil clues to win prizes.
Ten covers from past IB issues will be placed throughout the expo. By scanning these images, attendees will discover video features, animations, or appearances by special guests. Each one will provide information on how to connect with IB and reveal an answer to a crossword puzzle. Attendees who find all 10 answers and complete the puzzle will be entered into a prize drawing.
Those who want to hit the ground running as soon as they arrive on the expo floor can download the Layar app for their iOS, Android, or Blackberry devices before arriving.
“Every year, the IB Expo gives attendees a brand-new experience and a little something extra to get excited about,” said IB Events Manager Jessica Hamm. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer expo attendees and exhibitors a chance to try out this new technology. We’re really looking forward to it.”
For more information — and to get a copy of the crossword puzzle — check out the 2014 IB Expo Guide, which was poly-bagged in the October issue of In Business magazine and will be handed out to expo attendees at the door.
Expo attendees are encouraged to register prior to the expo by clicking here.
A full list of available prizes follows:
One-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at The Osthoff Resort, best available
Value: $260
Donated by: The Osthoff Resort
A free one-day class at the Small Business Development Center
Value: up to $245
Donated by: Wisconsin Small Business Development Center — UW-Madison
$225 gift certificate to Dr. Zhou’s Acupuncture Pain Management and Wellness Clinic (3 available)
Value: $225
Donated by: Dr. Zhou’s Acupuncture Pain Management and Wellness Clinic
One in-depth personal fitness and weight-loss consultation with Dr. Dawn, plus an exercise ball and an exercise band
Value: $200
Donated by: Everlasting Transformations
Electric toothbrush
Value: $160
Donated by: Delta Dental of Wisconsin
One-night stay at The Radisson in Madison
Value: $125
Donated by: MadTown Meetings
One-night stay at the Best Western InnTowner
Value: $125
Donated by: MadTown Meetings
One-night stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites in DeForest
Value: $100
Donated by: MadTown Meetings
FitBit Flex
Value: $100
Donated by: Summit Credit Union
Upper Iowa University gift basket and a $50 Target gift card
Value: $75
Donated by: Upper Iowa University Madison Center
$75 Metcalfe’s Market gift card
Value: $75
Donated by: WPS Health Insurance
Gift box with two bottles of wine
Value: $60
Donated by: Park Bank
One complimentary ticket to a C.PRO seminar
Value: $55
Donated by: C.PRO Services, a division of Cell.Plus
One ticket for a Betty Lou Cruises public seafood cruise
Donated by: Betty Lou Cruises
Value: $52
$50 Visa gift card
Value: $50
Donated by: State Bank of Cross Plains
$50 gift card to Smitty’s Study Pub
Value: $50
Donated by: The Fluno Center
$25 Yahara Bay Gift Card (2 available)
Value: $25
Donated by: 5NINES llc
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