With the global AV market firmly focused on Amsterdam where Integrated Systems Europe 2016 is taking place, Virginia-based Digital Signage Federation grabs some international eyeballs of its own by announcing that it has finalized a working relationship with the Germany-based organization formerly known as OVAB Europe and will now operate it as DSF Europe.
“It will become an affiliate of DSF,” says 2016 DSF chair Randy Dearborn.
The move is significant for North American based providers of digital signage looking to expand globally—and many are.
“We recognize that it’s a global industry and we have a lot to learn from our friends in Europe and beyond,” Dearborn says. “We’re excited about it because it creates a new opportunity for our current members as well as theirs.”
As an independent affiliate DSF Europe will maintain its own budget and annual agenda, participate in event planning, initiative planning and have a seat on the DSF Board of Directors, according to a DSF statement.
The DSF statement adds that the establishment of DSF Europe is expected to “drive DSF membership and participation in both North America and Europe where many multi-national companies already do business, provide education, professional development and programming support for those organizations seeking to invest in or become more active in the digital signage sector.”
DSF having feet on the ground in Europe can potentially influence North American digital signage strategies. “The nature of the markets are different,” says Ken Goldberg, immediate past DSF chair.
“Use of mobile is higher in Europe and even higher in Asia than it is in Europe. In North America outside of Las Vegas and Times Square, there isn’t a lot of iconic digital signage, not to say that there is none. But there is a lot in the UK and across Europe and in Asia.”
DSF boasts a lot of integrator members, says Goldberg. DSF Europe “affords our system integrator members the opportunity to have contacts and context in Europe if they choose and want to grow there. So many of the opportunities that they see today are not limited to North America.”
“We will be offering a global membership,” Dearborn adds.
The working relationship is expected to commence in the coming week once approved by OVAB Europe members, according to DSF’s statement.
Digital Signage Expo, the annual trade show with which DSF is affiliated taking place March 15 to 18 in 2016, has often touted its international attendance. It will be interesting to see if DSF Europe leads to an even more international flavor for the Las Vegas event.
More from DSF’s statement:
Dirk Huelsermann, President OVAB Europe, who has chaired the association since its inception said, “Our Board of Directors believes strongly that working closely with the Digital Signage Federation will allow us to build on a strong foundation to expedite the growth of DSF Europe. This affiliation will allow us to offer members additional educational and professional development opportunities and become a much more inclusive trade organization.”
Ken Goldberg, CEO, Real Digital Media, and immediate past Chairman of the Digital Signage Federation said, “Just as DSF filled a void with its inception six years ago, now is the right time to unify industry advocacy and advancement around the world. Establishing DSF Europe is just the start. Our objective is to increase opportunities and visibility for members doing business in the digital signage space, regardless of geographic location.”
