Listening to NPR’s This American Life, Ira Glass and the gang were chronicling the experience of summer camp. About halfway through the program, Glass provided this perspective (Italics are my emphasis):

“Most of this simply has to do with tradition. The special songs and ceremonies are a part of so many American camps, and not just because they’re fun. A camp director in Wisconsin told us. . .that financially, you cannot run a camp without lots of repeat customers. These traditions bring kids back, year after year. You have the kids singing constantly about their loyalty to their cabin-mates and their camp, you let them know about all the extra rites and priveleges and honors they’re going to get if they return as older campers. It is part of making the business run. And, in addition, it is part of what makes camp thrilling. It is using all of the stagecraft that all of the world’s religions have always used, the ceremonies, the chanting, the repeated words, the official honors and offices, but for an entirely secular purpose: to thrill children, to make them feel part of something big and special.”

Three female campers chimed in:

“I think it’s really an important part of camp. . .I like the traditions. . .you know what’s going to happen. You can trust things.”

“It’s expected.”

“I come back for the traditions. I expect everything to be here the way it was last year because that’s the reason I come back. If everything changed, I don’t think I would like it anymore.”

Does your brand do that? Would your customers say this about you?

Episode: “Notes From Camp,” July 4, 2010.

Me.

Well, I have been “on the speaking circuit” for a while now, but this is a new opportunity to help those who want to succeed with digital signage, digital media, and customer or viewer engagement.

I have created a series of seminars and presentation subjects based on my experiences in digital signage, and can lead half-day or full-day education sessions.

The core of my seminars and speaking is on the strategy, marketing, branding, and advertising side of digital signage, digital interactivity, and viewer engagement. With respect to technology (which I also speak about), once we all have a network, we need to do great things with it. How do you create real impact with digital media? How can you leverage the power of mobile devices with your venue?

That’s where I come in.

I spent 10 years running three networks. I have spent the last year consulting companies from every corner of digital signage on best practices for network management and execution. I have built a network, managed every aspect of its operation, produced content, collaborated with brands, agencies, production houses, and media planners and buyers, developed budgets (and met them!), and measured the network’s effectiveness.

Basically, I have been there and done that.

And that’s what I bring to my seminars and presentations – real-world insight that I believe is needed to help move this ecosystem of multi-channel communication in the right direction.

My practice is to tailor my presentations and seminars to your needs. I have yet to do the same presentation or session twice because no two audiences and needs are the same. While I use foundational topics, I know your time is valuable, so I’ll work with you to outline the important subjects. In the end, you get a targeted and unique session with takeaways that send you forward with your initiatives.

Please navigate over to my new section of this site, or click on the “About Paul” button on the right. You can learn all about my speaking and seminar services. You can also see some of my experience and testimonials from event and seminar planners, and industry leaders who have heard me speak.

I’m really thrilled to offer this. If you’re interested to learn more about how I can help you, please contact me.

Thank you so much.

(We’ll get back to our regularly scheduled blogging next week.)