June 12, 2004

By: Gregory Stone
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Interbuild offered its visitors the chance to complete their pre-registrations by text messaging

Interbuild aims to move the exhibition world forward by offering its visitors the chance to complete their pre-registrations by text messaging.

The construction industry's largest trade event has joined forces with communications experts Mobilespark to offer mobile phone services ahead of the event which runs from April 25 to 29 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Mobilespark Director Rob Clegg said: To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that visitors have been able to properly pre-register for an exhibition by texting.

So far the call to action to potential visitors to text their details to a short code number has has only been promoted in a limited number of places but we have already received several hundred responses.

I definitely see this as the way forward for exhibitions. We have the technology to send people a ' barcoded virtual ticket' direct to their mobile phone that can then be scanned directly off the screen and linked into a database. We can then also run prize draws, competitions, allow access to VIP or restricted areas and run special offers using this barcode on the phone.

Once registered the details are added to Interbuild's list and a reminder message is sent out close to the opening date informing visitors about key highlights at the show.

We can even send them real-time information on show days like travel news alerting them to any rail problems or traffic jams to avoid on their journey to Interbuild, added Rob.

Interbuild Event Director Steve Webb said allowing visitors to pre-register using their mobile phones for free tickets seemed a natural progression.

It's difficult to find anyone working in the construction industry who does not carry a mobile phone these days so, with the technology in place, it would be mad not to use it, he said.

We strive to make the lives of our visitors as easy as possible and this is just one more way in which we can achieve that goal.

Author Notes:

Gregory Stone contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A source for info and tips for the cellular phone industry featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phones and service plans.