In this panel discussion, industry leaders from diverse sectors examined emerging trends, real-world implementation challenges, and insights on how digital signage is reshaping customer experiences across retail, corporate, and public spaces:

John Shelley - Head of Sales, OptiSigns
Kati Buckley - Product Manager, OptiSigns
Harry Ladd - Senior Director of Retail Experience & Store Support, La-Z-Boy Inc.
Amanda Flynn - Chief Revenue Officer, USSI Global
Luis Carillo - Business Development Director, Nexmosphere
Zac Howe - Sr. Manager, AV Engineering, Verkada

🔑 Top Takeaways from the Panel on Sensors, Signage & Smart Spaces

1. Directional Advertising is Getting Smarter (and More Personal)
   Brands like La-Z-Boy and jewelry retailers are using real-time data to direct customers to the right products at the right time—whether that’s via showroom kiosks or mall signage targeted at seasonal shoppers.

2. Dwell Time is the New Gold Standard:
   With sensor tech, advertisers can track how long people engage with content, who they are, and how they feel about it—then optimize messaging in real time. A 24-second dwell on a Nike ad? That creative’s a keeper.

3. Data-Driven Merchandising Beats Gut Instincts:
   Retailers can now use actual engagement data to decide which products deserve shelf space. Anecdotes are out—data-backed decisions are in.

4. Sensors + AI = Ultra-Responsive Experiences:
   Content can shift dynamically not just based on people, but on conditions like weather, temperature, or time of day. Think hot drinks on a cold morning, or umbrellas on a rainy day.

5. Digital Signage is Expanding Beyond Retail:
   Corporate environments are now dashboard-heavy, using signage not just for announcements but to unify teams and improve visibility across departments—from sales KPIs to company goals.

6. Personalization in the Workplace is Here:
   Wi-Fi recognition, MAC address detection, and network presence can trigger personalized content or alerts—like recognizing when a remote worker is in the building and making them feel seen (literally).

7. AI-Generated Playlists & Dashboards Are Coming:
   Imagine content queues that adapt to who's watching or what the sales team is focusing on that hour. The future is curated, reactive, and highly contextual.

8. Platform Flexibility is the Make-or-Break Factor:
   Every business has different needs. Success comes down to platforms that can flex to match unique goals—rather than trying to force-fit cookie-cutter solutions.

9. Collaboration Across Teams is Fueling Innovation:
   AV, IT, marketing, and sales are no longer siloed. Shared dashboards and cross-functional signage are making companies more cohesive—and more competitive.

10. Simple, Strategic, Scalable Wins the Race:
    The consensus? Making hard things easy is the ultimate goal. The best systems are the ones that simplify complex data and deliver real-time value—without overwhelming users.

Want more insights like this? If you're at InfoComm 2025, stop by the AVIXA Xchange Live booth and catch one of our sessions and meetups at #4761!