A Review of World Telemedia 2011

admin    900 Numbers, Canada, Company News, mobile marketing, Telemedia, United Kingdom     2011, Amsterdam, show, Telemedia

by Bob Bentz

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – World Telemedia 2011 has just concluded in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and most delegates indicated that the show was a success for them.  There was a definite feeling that the industry has improved and this savvy group of pros continues to churn out new and innovative telemedia applications despite a tough economy, over-regulation, and ever-changing technology.

Renaissance Hotel and Koepelkerk

This year, World Telemedia had more focus than ever on mobile marketing.  In fact, the show had its own Custom QR Code that enabled participants to put a mobile web site on their smartphones.  The site included the show schedule and a handy Google map that showed the best restaurants and entertainment in the area.

This year, World Telemedia combined forces with World Intertainment for the Amsterdam show.  While looking around the conference center, however, it appeared as though there were mostly familiar faces there this year.  Most of those attending have been in the industry for many years and seem happy to spend time with each other, despite often being direct competitors.

Significant business was conducted on the trade show exhibit floor in the historic 17th century Koepelkerk building adjacent to the contemporary Renaissance Hotel in Amsterdam.  There was a significant amount of business cards being traded and it was interesting to note that the storied business card is still a staple, even with this high tech group.

While business was being transacted on the Koepelkerk floor, the upper three floors were hosting a wide range of seminars expertly hosted by industry veteran Paul Skeldon.  Although Skeldon does not directly work in the business, his knowledge of the business is obvious and his ability to ask pointed questions of the panelists is the mark of a top notch journalist.

One of the more comical moments in the seminars occurred when the panelists of a Wednesday conference discussed whether they could actually say the “A” word during the show.  Come on guys, what’s the big deal?

Another improvement in the show was the lunch food served both Thursday and Friday to the delegates.  Several comments were made about the quality of the grub and several people remembered just how poor the food was back at the Liverpool show two years ago.

The Renaissance Hotel in Amsterdam is deserving of its 4 star rating.  The rooms were very clean and attractive and the beds were comfortable.  Breakfast was a bit pricey at 26 euros, but an over-priced breakfast is common at top hotels.  The major complaint of many of the delegates was that the internet access was a whopping 19.95 euros for 24 hours and the quality of the internet was poor.  In fact, it was so poor that it didn’t reach across the narrow street into the Koepelkerk building so those who desired internet access both in their room and at the show need to pay twice!

The Platinum sponsor of the 2011 World Telemedia Show was International Premiums and Gold sponsors were Atlas Interactive and Advanced Telecom Services.

Clearly, one of the highlights of World Telemedia 2011 was Amsterdam itself. Amsterdam has been the most common venue for past World Telemedia shows and the delegates seemed to like the easier travel and the unique ambiance that Amsterdam offers. It will be interesting if the World Telemedia staff decides to go back to Amsterdam in 2012. If they do, there will be many telemedia experts who are happy to go once again.

Telemedia360 a Royal Success

admin    900 Numbers, Canada, Telemedia, United Kingdom     Advanced Telecom Services., Manchester, Telemedia360

Manchester, England — The second annual Telemedia360 event, held this year in Manchester, was another great success for organizers and attendees.

ATS's Bob Bentz with Telemedia360 organizer Jarvis Todd and Bob's autographed Blackburn Rovers jersey.

Over 250 delegates were represented at the event with the majority coming from the United Kingdom, although there was representation from telemedia experts representing Ireland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Finland, Malta, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States.

Visitors to Manchester were greeted by two big news stories in England.  Of local Manchester interest was the protest by students against the proposed change in tuition fees from 3000 pounds per year to 9000 pounds per year, as the UK government attempts to generate savings in this time of austerity.  Coming from the USA, where students at private universities can pay more than $55,000 per year, I couldn’t find a lot of sympathy for the students.  On the second day of the event, the major announcement of the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton was announced; this news dominated the telly all day.

The event opened on Monday night with a party at the RA!N pub just a few blocks from the unique Palace Hotel where the event itself was held.

Telemedia360 began early (by delegate standards) on Tuesday morning and there were a series of continuous speeches in the adjacent meeting room that were attended by most of the professionals.  The only complaint of the event that was heard was that it was difficult to hear between the two simultaneous discussions that were happening in the conference room, as the divider between the two was nothing more than a mere curtain, thus making the louder speaker the more audible one.

While the conferences were occurring, many executives were out in the lobby and bar area renewing relationships and friendships and making deals.  Given the activity in the restaurant and bar, it’s hard to believe those staying at the hotel that were not part of the show were too pleased with the constant activity.

On Tuesday night, a dinner was held and many delegates that were not British (including me) got their first taste of Yorkshire Pudding.  At the dinner, autographed football shirts were auctioned and several thousand dollars were raised for the charity Her Breast Friends.

With the business activities done, the group headed to Barca Bar for the rest of the evening.  Many delegates were seen returning to the hotel when some of the delegates were heading out Wednesday morning for early flights.

World Telemedia 2010

admin    Company News, Telemedia     world telemedia 2010

Strategy: World Telemedia, Malta 2010

WT10 focuses on areas that represent a genuine opportunity for service providers and media groups alike whilst showcasing the content, services and applications that consumers will continue to demand in 2010 and beyond:

• Adult Chat & Dating
• Psychic, Horoscope & Life Coaching
• International Billing & Micro Payments
• MGambling & Telemedia (marketing & billing)
• Responsibilities & Compliance (UK PRS)
• Premium Media & Marketing & Content Services

This show has consistently brought together delegates from each sector of the Telemedia “value chain” to learn, network and do business in some of Europe’s best hotel venues. Combining seminars, workshops, exhibition, hospitality, 5 star networking and a packed schedule of lavish evening events, WT10 embraces the most exciting areas of web, media, marketing, mobile and fixed line in a unique 24/7-trading environment.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at this valuable industry forum and hope that if you haven’t already booked, you’ll take this opportunity to consider making the trip to Malta.

You’ll find Advanced Telecom Services there, so we look forward to forward to seeing you there:

9^TH – 11^TH JUNE

CORINTHIA SAN GORG HOTEL

ST JULIANS

MALTA

www.wtevent.co.uk

COSTS AT A GLANCE

Networking Pass Euro 425

Full Delegate +Euro 205

Weekend Networking Pass +Euro 150

Buffet or sit down lunch included with all passes

AT&T Comeback

admin    900 Numbers, Telemedia     900 Numbers, AT&T

AT&T, once the largest company in the world, now ranks 18th in sales.

When Advanced Telecom Services began its business in 1989, AT&T was the largest company in the world.  That made the business of 900 numbers so attractive to the founders of ATS.  Being supported by the largest company in the world was certainly an attractive opportunity.

22 years later, AT&T is no longer supporting the 900 number product that created the initial opportunity for the business.  And, it is no longer the largest company in the world.  That honor is now taken by Wal-Mart.  By far.

Wal-Mart sales in 2009 were $408 billion which easily put it ahead of Dutch oil giant Shell at $278 billion, according to Forbes magazine.  AT&T holds down 18th place with $123 billion in sales.

When it comes to profits, there’s an interesting group of companies at the top of the international profit charts.  Russian oil company Gazprom is number one at $24 billion in profits.  The top six most profitable companies are all in the oil business until ICBC (China’s largest bank) comes in seventh place.  AT&T ranks 16th with a not so shabby $12 billion in profits in 2009.

Text Message Voting Chooses British Olympic Ski Team Goggles

advanced34    Company News, Cool Stuff, mobile marketing, Telemedia, Text Messaging, United Kingdom     2010 Vancouver Olympics, Adidas, Advanced Telecom Services., British ski team, mobile marketing, Olympic ski team, premium sms, text message voting

In just a month, the sports world will come together in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.  And,

Text messe voting will choose the ski goggles for British ski team.

Advanced Telecom Services will be there.

Well, in a way.

Advanced Telecom Services has been chosen as the service bureau for the Adidas Olympic Ski Goggles Design contest.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for designers around the world.

Designers are able to customize a pair of Adidas iD2 goggles to be worn by a British athlete competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The public will vote via premium SMS text message in the UK and the USA for the winning goggles.  Text message voting will identify the top 10 finalists.  The finalists will each receive several pairs of the iD2 Adidas ski goggles to implement the actual design onto the goggles and then return the sample to Adidas.

Adidas will choose the ultimate winner from the ten finalists.  The winning design will be implemented on the ski goggles worn by a 2010 Winter Olympian from the British ski team.

Advanced Telecom Services is proud to be associated with an internationally recognized brand like Adidas.  It is also an honor to be associated with the British ski team and the Vancouver Olympics.

At Advanced Telecom Services, we have the Olympic spirit.

Hulkamania Runs Wild Again

advanced34    900 Numbers, IVR, Telemedia     900 number, Hulk Hogan

Last week, the return of Hulk Hogan to pro wrestling gave TNA Impact its highest ratings ever for Monday Night.

Hulk Hogan led TNA to its highest ratings ever.

TNA Impact airs on Spike TV.

The special live three hour edition of TNA Impact recorded 2.2 million viewers.

Advanced Telecom Services owes a lot to Hulk Hogan.  ATS was fortunate enough to do the WWF wrestling hotline and the Hulk Hogan Hotline during Hogan’s time at WWF and later at WCW.  AT&T has confirmed that the Hulk Hogan Hotline was the biggest 900 number in the United States from 1991 through 1993.

President Bob Bentz remarked for years what a class guy Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan) is.  “He once called on Christmas Day to wish my son and me a Merry Christmas.  That small gesture meant a lot to me.”

It’s good to see Hulk Hogan back in the ring where he belongs.  Hopefully, he’ll think about bringing back that 900 number again.

Wide World of Sports Uses 900 Number from ATS

advanced34    900 Numbers, media, Telemedia     Advanced Telecom Services., premium sms, text message voting, TV 900 numbers, Wide World of Sports

The internet can be a strange thing.  Sometimes old article posts that were

ABC used a 900 number for voting.

put up years ago suddenly show up on another site.  Such is the case with an article about television programs using 900 numbers.

Majestic51 bills itself as The Ultimate Online Men’s Magazine.  It also has a section about The World of the Weird which is where they put our article.  Makes you wonder, but hey guys, we appreciate the publicity anyway.

The article mentions the 900 number that Advanced Telecom Services did for ABC’s Wide World of Sports a few years ago.  During a figure skating competition in Boston, viewers were able to eliminate the traditional figure skating judges and vote for the skater of their choice through a 900 number or via text message voting.

A great idea, no doubt.  More television programs should be seeking non-traditional revenue through 900 numbers and premium SMS voting programs like ABC’s Wide World of Sports did.

Employment Opportunity

advanced34    900 Numbers, Cell Phones, Dating, IVR, Telemedia     jobs Philadelphia, marketing jobs, telemedia jobs

Marketing Manager job opening at Advanced Telecom Services.

Advanced Telecom Services and Advanced Mobile Solutions are seeking a full-time marketing manager in its Wayne, Pennsylvania offices.  The marketing manager will report to the presidents of each company. 

Successful candidate should have a college degree and a minimum of two years experience in both internet marketing and traditional marketing.  Candidate should also have a passion for both mobile phone and internet applications.

The marketing manager will have outstanding written communication skills.  He or she will also have knowledge of internet advertising, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and conducting webinars.  Some knowledge of html and CSS is a plus.  Traditional marketing skills required include literature design, database management, email promotions, and trade show participation.

Salary plus 401k with matching, paid vacation, and medical and dental benefits provided.  Apply to: bobb@advancedtele.com. 

Advanced Telecom Services, founded in 1989, provides telemedia services to media and advertising agencies.  Services include mobile marketing, interactive voice response, 800 and 900 numbers, and internet dating solutions.  Advanced Telecom Services has offices in the USA, Canada, UK, and Ireland.

Advanced Mobile Solutions, founded in 2005, specializes in delivering mobile content to large database companies.  The company has been funded by Ben Franklin Technology Partners.  Its impressive client list includes apartments.com, Houston Chronicle, and BHI.