Unleashed ‘23 Recap: Innovation, Insights, and Connections
Unleashed ‘23, our inaugural Thought Leadership and User Group Conference (held from October 24 – 26 in Atlanta, GA) was a dream come true. Bringing together industry thought leaders, innovators, and operators to discuss new ideas and envision the future of the OOH industry was something we’ve wanted to do for many years, and we’re humbled and honored to have had such an encouraging launch.
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We were honored to host nearly 100 operator attendees from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique insights and experiences. We’re also grateful for the support and contributions of 7 sponsors and vendors, who added their expertise and innovative solutions. This collaborative energy reinforced the importance of community and partnership in driving the industry forward, laying a strong foundation for this to grow into an annual event.
Keep reading as we dive into the key moments that defined Unleashed ‘23. We’ll explore the insights shared by our operator trailblazers, the innovative strategies uncovered, and the memorable interactions that remind us why the independent operator community is a force to be reckoned with.
Sessions That Inspired and Got Conversation Going
A top goal for the event was to introduce new ideas, cast a vision for the future, and most importantly—give operators the stage to share their innovations and success.
Welcoming the Future
The event opened with a deep dive into the “Revenue Revolution” with our own John James. The session’s focus on yield management, level-four automation, AI integration, and revenue diversification was a call to embrace a future where technology is not just a tool but a transformative force for revenue.
Panels and Case Studies That Captivated Us
Shining a spotlight on operators was one of our key highlights. Operator-centered panels and case studies were not just stories but strategic studies of success. Sessions with Chris and Gary from Huntington Outdoor and John from Trailhead offered a deep dive into how automation can scale operations effectively. And Wednesday’s panel on Boosting Profits by Optimizing Sales Channels provided a platform for a candid exchange of experiences and best practices. The honest portrayal of challenges and wins from all of the above resonated with everyone, providing a blueprint for growth.
A Session to Remember: Screenverse’s Insightful Presentation
A standout favorite based on attendee feedback was the Screenverse presentation. This session with David Weinfeld was not only informative but also inspiring, offering an in-depth view into the world of programmatic advertising and its potential to revolutionize revenue streams.
Hands-On Workshop Highlights
The heart of Unleashed ‘23 was the breakout sessions where the theoretical met the practical. Each session was a fun mix of hands-on training, engaging Q&A, and live demos with the Apparatix software.
Interactive Learning at Its Best
We meticulously tailored our breakout sessions to span a wide range of topics to serve the diverse roles that keep OOH operations running day to day. And then we made them intentionally interactive. For instance, the “Intro to APX” sessions, which came in two parts, served as a gateway to not just learn about APX’s features but to see them in action. The sessions on fulfillment, finance and sales were also rated highly on the event feedback forms because of their real, “get into the guts of the system” qualities.
Where Questions Sparked Innovation
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of these sessions was the rich Q&A that surfaced organically. Questions from the audience sparked conversations about how to use the system in new ways depending on nuanced challenges and real-world scenarios. Best of all—everyone learned from each other.
Live Demos that Brought Features to Life
The practicality of the workshops was further underscored by live demos that brought the software’s features to life. In sessions like “Financial Mastery I & II” and “Sales Success” attendees didn’t just hear about what the software could do; they saw it in action, guiding them through sales management tools and advanced accounting features. This hands-on approach showcased how the software’s modules can be harnessed to drive more business success.
Empowering Continuous Learning
Finally, the “Training Hub” session not only demonstrated the latest tools for team success but also exemplified the spirit of continuous learning that we champion. It was a fitting ending to the event’s ethos: to empower, educate, and innovate.
Networking Opportunities – Connecting and Celebrating at Unleashed ‘23
You can’t host a conference without a little fun, right? The perfect blend of business and pleasure was best expressed at Wednesday night’s party.
Hosted by Platinum sponsor, Formetco, this unforgettable Casino Night featured food trucks, drinks, and raffle prizes.
But it wasn’t just the games that captivated us. The Formetco showroom, an expansive 10,000 square feet space, added to the awe of the atmosphere with wall-to-wall LED displays that are best experienced in person. Think of standing in a room surrounded by enormous digital billboards, all streaming at once. That, plus the music, games and laughter, made for a night that was repeatedly listed as a top moment by everyone.
Product Roadmap – Unveiling the Future of Apparatix Software
An exciting moment for us was the opportunity to reveal our product roadmap for the next year, including new features, modules and partners.
We unveiled enhancements that will redefine ease of use, efficiency, and analysis in our software, focusing on new yield management capabilities, data-driven visualizations, and more powerful automations.
The enthusiasm for this session was echoed in the feedback forms, with a significant number of attendees marking “learning about the future of the software” as a highlight of their event experience. It was clear that our industry is eager for innovation that not only responds to current needs but anticipates future challenges.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Perhaps most importantly, this session was not merely a showcase of what’s to come but also a dialogue with our user base. Coupling the roadmap was a rollout of two new engagement opportunities: an executive advisory board and a user experience committee, both open invitations for regular and structured feedback. The goal, of course, is to ensure that as we develop and deploy software enhancements, they align with the real-world needs and aspirations of our clients.
Attendee Insights – Your Voice, Our Shared Success
The true measure of Unleashed ’23 can be found in the voices of those who attended. Post-event feedback forms were filled with insights and highlights that will help shape this annual event in years to come.
Enthusiastic Praise for Practical Learning
Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the hands-on learning opportunities. Workshops that allowed them to dive into the functionalities of our software and apply them in real time were especially praised. “The breakout sessions were a deep dive into not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ of the software,” one attendee noted, a sentiment echoed across numerous feedback forms.
The Power of Connection
If one theme resonated unanimously, it was the power of connection. The chance to network with peers, engage with thought leaders, and form meaningful relationships was invaluable. “Hearing about how other operators do things was hugely valuable,” an attendee reflected, capturing the essence of what these interactions mean for business growth.
Looking Ahead: A Journey Continues
As we reflect on the feedback, it’s clear that Unleashed ’23 has set the bar for the future. We are already envisioning ways to incorporate your valuable insights into our planning for next year, committed to creating an experience that continues to evolve alongside operators’ needs.
Keep an eye out early in 2024 for the ‘Save the Date’ announcement. Until then, let’s carry the momentum forward, applying the insights and strategies we’ve learned to our daily operations. Whether you’re implementing a new tool from the APX software or reaching out to a connection made during a networking session, the spirit of Unleashed has just begun.
Lastly, we extend our deepest thanks to all who joined us, from seasoned operators, to visionary speakers, and supportive sponsors and vendors. Each one of you played a crucial role in the experience of Unleashed ’23, and we eagerly anticipate your collaboration on Unleashed ’24.
Until we meet again, may the year ahead be filled with innovation, success, and opportunities that propel you and your businesses to new heights.
Apparatix is Your Level 3 & 4 Solution Provider
- Apparatix is the only software in the industry that offers comprehensive Level 3 and Level 4 capabilities.
- Apparatix is exclusively for out-of-home operators, based on years of industry knowledge and experience.
- Our product roadmap places you on the cutting edge of innovations in the industry, and our software puts you in the driver seat to implement and profit on those opportunities immediately.
Our team is here to help you maximize your current Apparatix environment, or to discuss the onboarding process. Reach out to us today!