Saturn’s CEO, Chris Welsh, reflects on the company’s presence at this year’s Screen Media Expo
5-6 May 2010, Earls Court, London
"While our initial impression was that numbers were down, it soon became apparent that the quality of attendees had altered, for the better, compared to previous years. Conversations on-stand were very productive. We were talking to more key decision makers and what’s more we were having equally as promising discussions with exhibitors as we were visitors."
"This year we revealed a refreshed brand identity which represents much more than a new look and feel. It’s a symbol of Saturn’s repositioning in the marketplace as a recognised authority in all aspects of digital signage."
"Because we’ve been immersed in digital signage since the start and learnt an awful lot along the way, we’re often called upon in a consultancy capacity. Our move to a business model centred on a more impartial approach has evolved as we’ve been invited more and more to get involved in major projects as a strategic partner – regardless of whether we’re supplying the physical hardware and software. This realisation that we’ve become a recognised industry expert has brought us round to a new way of thinking, which is reflected in our new positioning as the 'Digital Signage Experts'."
"One reason for us adopting this approach is to encourage more integration. I believe there’s much more room for collaboration than is currently being exploited and so it seems do some of the companies we’ve traditionally viewed as competitors. We’re not arrogant enough to believe our proprietary assets always offer the best solutions and we have long sought alternative platforms in such cases. But if we formalise relationships with alternative providers we can all be in a win-win situation. Not least the client."
"Indeed, ScreenMedia Expo 2010 threw up some interesting in-roads and if nothing else, we’ve planted a seed. Watch this space."
