The Digital Signage ExpertNEC invited its partners to the Oktoberfest. No doubt it is a unique experience, particularly if you like beer and Bavarian food. Thank you at this place to NEC which really know how to host, including batches with directions, emergency numbers, etc. if you completely lost consciousness.
I was rather surprised by the total lack of digital signage of any nature at the whole event. None of the “Bierzelte” showed any content, infotainement or advertizing, nor were displays used for wayfinding or emergency related information. I suggest to NEC to pay with displays next year, we will contribute the last mile and I am sure we will find some volunteers for the software and content.
Just for fun – have a look at this video footage to gain an impression – yes, it corresponds to all the clichées you may have had about it, but being in the middle is really a unique experience. 8000 persons in a single tent, while there are some 12 tents, some of them even bigger. The fun starts at 10am and ends at midnight, in two shifts. I made the maths with those sitting at my table about beer-only-revenue per tent/day and came to 200kEUR, and this during 15 days.
Every time the bands sings "Ein Prosit" all people in the tend take a sip out of their "Masskrug". This makes about 1000 Liter each time. Good business case!
I support the idea of introducing digital signage at Oktoberfest! Maybe we could send some marketing people over there, just to collect the material for the case study?
I am really satisfied with my digital signage. It's really wonderful. To be honest you cannot beat the services or the people that I have dealt with.