You will be able to improve your experience at the ATS 2017 International Conference through the use of new technologies. These include new functionalities on the conference app, use of beacon technology to facilitate attendee traffic flows and session attendance, and a web-based audience response system that will make sessions more interactive.
Conference App
For information at your fingertips, download the conference app from the App Store or Google Play. Supported by Gilead Sciences, Inc., the app can be used to build your itinerary, learn about special events, browse sessions and speakers, map your trip to the Exhibit Hall, and receive important updates.
Two new features will make the app a must-have networking tool. Connect helps you find other attendees and share your contact information. You can identify and message other attendees, as well as take notes and compile contact information of colleagues you meet.
Contact Scanning lets you easily exchange contact information by scanning a colleague’s registration badge. Once scanned, their contact information will appear on your screen and can be stored on your device, saving you time and allowing you to continue the conversation long after the conference. You can find this on the home page. (You may need to scroll down to see it on your device.)
Together, these and other capabilities make the ATS 2017 conference app a must-have tool. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download it today, or go to conference.app.thoracic.org.
Audience Response
The ATS is implementing new Audience Response System technology that helps presenters and attendees interact during the conference. The ARS also translates feedback into charts and graphs that can display results in real time. However, unlike the system used previously, which consisted of small electronic keypads, this year the ARS system will be web-based. When you are in the session room, you will be able to participate by typing a simple URL into your browser on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Alternatively, you can access the ARS through the conference app by selecting a link in the session program.
This is a pilot program that will involve 47 sessions. All session rooms engaging this ARS system will have Wi-Fi, which will allow attendees to browse the web and check email. We hope to expand the use of this technology at ATS 2018 in San Diego.
Beacon Technology
What’s in your badge? A tiny computer chip that will make your life easier during ATS 2017.
Beacon technology will be used to scan badges to capture attendance at select sessions. This technology will help the ATS ensure that everyone has the optimum conference experience. No more waiting in line to attend a popular session while your badge gets manually scanned. Sensors will automatically scan the blue disc affixed to your registration badge.
This technology will give us a better understanding of attendee traffic flows, help us plan future conferences, and allow us to provide the best possible learning experience.
If you have any questions, please contact ATS staff or the onsite team from Panvista, our service provider.