Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2024 is just days away, taking place from December 7 to 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall. With the event fast approaching, you've likely booked your tickets, finalized travel plans, and started sketching out what you want to achieve.
This guide is here to help you make the most of your time at DSE—whether it’s navigating the show floor, catching must-see sessions, or connecting with the right people. Here’s everything you need to know to hit the ground running.
What to do before the show
Finalize your schedule
DSE is divided into two key experiences: the Conference and the Expo Hall. While the Expo Hall showcases the latest innovations and provides hands-on opportunities to explore products, the Conference offers in-depth educational sessions, keynote addresses, and specialized summits.
It’s important to note that access to the Conference requires an additional pass beyond the Expo Hall admission. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding trends or hear directly from industry experts, the Conference is well worth the investment.
The LDI +DSE app is your best friend in the lead-up to the event. Use it to:
- Plan which sessions and panels you’ll attend
- Highlight must-see exhibitors
- Block out time for networking and breaks
- Send meeting requests to fellow attendees & exhibitors at the show
Here are some conference highlights we're looking forward to:
The Digital Workplace Summit
- When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST
- Where: Summit room 2
- Details: A highlight for corporate communication professionals, this summit explores how signage integrates seamlessly with workplace tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack, enabling real-time updates and enhanced engagement. Sessions will also showcase case studies on how companies have successfully used digital signage to optimize hybrid work environments & boost employee productivity.
Looking Beyond the AI Hype Cycle: How to Automate Digital Signage Content Delivery with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM PST
- Where: Stage 3
- Details: AI and machine learning are no longer just buzzwords; they’re tools that can transform how digital signage content is managed and delivered. Join Korbyt CTO George Clopp and a panel of AV experts to learn how to leverage these technologies to keep content fresh and impactful.
Essential Tech to Engage and Inspire the Modern Workforce
- When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 1:00 PM – 1:20 PM PST
- Where: Keynote stage
- Details: With Gen Z increasingly shaping workplace culture and hybrid work becoming the norm, technology must evolve to meet modern expectations. Korbyt’s Natalie Appleton and George Clopp will explore tools that help organizations inspire employees, foster collaboration, and navigate generational shifts in the workforce.
Opening Keynote: “Future World-Building: The Art of Digital and Physical Storytelling”
- When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST
- Where: Keynote stage
- Details: Thibaut Duverneix will showcase how technology can transform digital signage into a medium for immersive storytelling, blending the digital and physical to create unforgettable experiences.
“Innovating Experience: Taking a Bold Approach to Customer Connection in QSR and Beyond”
- When: Monday, December 9, 2024, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PST
- Where: Keynote stage
- Details: Dane Mathews, Taco Bell’s Chief Digital & Technology Officer, will discuss how his team uses technology to create meaningful customer connections, offering actionable insights for industries beyond quick-service restaurants.
Pack smart
Comfort is key at a show like DSE, where the Las Vegas Convention Center’s massive halls mean you’ll be walking for hours. Essentials include:
- Comfy shoes: Stylish isn’t as important as survivable.
- Portable chargers: Outlets can be scarce, and your devices need to last all day.
- Business cards: Yes, they’re still relevant. Keep them handy for networking.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial in Vegas’s dry climate.
Don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to explore the Strip during your downtime. Vegas sunburns are no joke, even in winter.
During the show: what to prioritize
1. Hit the ground running
Arrive early each day to beat the crowds and get your bearings. The exhibit floor opens at 10:00 AM on December 8, but some sessions and tours kick off earlier.
The Digital Signage Installation Tour, for example, is a great way to see practical applications before diving into the exhibit hall.
2. Focus your time on key trends & exhibitors
It’s tempting to wander aimlessly, but having a plan pays off. Key trends to focus on this year include:
- AI-Powered personalization: Visit exhibitors showcasing tools that adapt signage content in real-time.
- Sustainability: Ask vendors about energy efficiency and recyclable materials in their products.
- Interactivity: Look for touchless, gesture-based, and voice-activated displays that are pushing the envelope.
Be sure to also explore booths that align with your specific interests—whether it’s hardware, content management systems, or analytics platforms.
Again, the LDI + DSE app is your friend here to help you plan relevant stops along your path.
3. Make time for networking
Some of the most valuable connections happen outside of sessions and booths. Here are some of the best opportunities:
- DSE Mixer (December 8): A casual event for meeting peers and discussing industry challenges.
- Women in Tech Brunch (December 10): Celebrate diversity and innovation while expanding your network.
- Post-session Q&As: Speakers are often available to answer questions and continue discussions after their talks.
Be prepared with a concise pitch about your work and what you’re looking for—it makes starting conversations easier.
4. Stay flexible
No matter how well you plan, expect your schedule to shift. Spontaneous demos or impromptu meetings can be some of the most valuable parts of DSE. Keep an open mind and allow room for the unexpected.
Check out the Fugo Flash
This year, some of the Fugo team will be walking the show floor with the (soon to be announced) Fugo Flash—a compact, AI-powered digital signage player built for speed and simplicity.
It’s purpose-built for small retail, hospitality, and pop-ups, offering:
- 30-second setup
- USB-powered operation
- Mobile app management of your screen content
We’ll have a few devices with us, so feel free to stop us and check it out. This is your chance to learn more about the player, ask questions, or maybe even take one home for free - before it launches officially!
After the show: apply what you learned
1. Build relationships, not contact lists
It’s easy to collect business cards and LinkedIn connections, but relationships are built on meaningful exchanges. When following up, skip the generic “great to meet you” email. Instead:
- Reference a specific insight or conversation you had at the show.
- Share a resource, such as an article or tool relevant to what you discussed.
- Suggest a follow-up call or meeting to explore collaboration opportunities.
Think of this as planting seeds for partnerships, not just ticking off a task.
2. Distill your learnings into actionable themes
Post-show overwhelm is real. Take an hour to sit down with your notes, session highlights, and exhibitor materials. Don’t just summarize what you saw; instead, identify recurring themes or key opportunities:
- What trends were most relevant to your business?
- Which products or services seemed to solve problems you’re currently facing?
- Did any session spark ideas that could apply to your team’s goals?
Turn these insights into an internal report or presentation for your colleagues. This not only keeps the momentum going but also positions you as a thought leader within your organization.
3. Explore “what if” scenarios
After absorbing all the technology and strategies showcased at DSE, ask yourself:
- What if we rethought our signage strategy to include [specific trend or tech]?
- What if we tested [a new product or service] on a small scale?
- What if we used signage in unexpected ways, like engaging employees or enhancing workplace communication?
These “what ifs” can serve as brainstorming prompts for your team, leading to creative solutions or pilot projects.
4. Stay connected to the industry pulse
DSE may be over, but the conversations it sparks are just beginning. Staying engaged with the digital signage community is crucial for keeping up with trends and building relationships. Here’s how:
Join digital signage forums or groups
- LinkedIn Groups:
- Join Reddit communities:
- r/DigitalSignage for a mix of professional and enthusiast discussions
- r/CommercialAV for a focus on proAV integration, tech, and setup
Follow publications & experts
- Sixteen:Nine: Industry news and commentary from digital signage veteran Dave Haynes
- rAVE: A broad resource covering AV, signage, and industry trade shows
- Digital Signage Today: News, blogs, and research on the digital signage industry
Engage with exhibitors
Many vendors host post-show webinars, demo sessions, or product launches. If you were interested in a particular exhibitor or vendor at the show, keep an eye on their websites or LinkedIn pages for these opportunities.
5. Measure and reflect on ROI
Whether you’re attending DSE for inspiration, networking, or procurement, it’s essential to evaluate the return on your investment. Ask yourself:
- What tangible outcomes came from your attendance? (New leads, tools, or ideas?)
- Did you meet your goals? (For example, finding a new vendor or identifying industry trends.)
- What could you do differently next time? Would you spend the money to go again, or not?
6. Champion the next steps in your organization
Don’t let the ideas and momentum end with you. Bring back the energy of DSE by:
- Pitching pilot programs: Test-drive a product or idea you discovered at the event. Vendors will commonly offer exclusive deals or incentives for trade show visitors, so strike while the iron is hot!
- Collaborating cross-functionally: Share insights with teams like marketing, HR, or IT to explore broader applications of digital signage.
- Setting deadlines: Transform ideas into actionable projects by assigning owners and timelines to key initiatives.
Final thoughts
DSE 2024 is more than just a showcase of technology—it’s a meeting ground for ideas and opportunities that can have a great impact on how your business is able to communicate and engage.
By staying prepared and focused, you’ll leave the show not just with a notebook full of ideas, but with the tools and connections to make them a reality.
If you’re attending, let’s connect! Drop our team a message at hello@fugo.ai to chat about how Fugo and the new Flash player can support your projects.
