Social Media Portal

Marketing specialist Ruth Churchman on WTS USA 2016 and top tips for firms in wearable environments

Social Media Portal (SMP): What is your name and what do you do there for EDP Ltd and WTS USA 2016?

Ruth Churchman (RC): I?m Ruth Churchman, marketing specialist. My role in the company is to create dynamic relationships with media outlets (like SMP) and ensure maximum exposure for WTS and our clients in the right communities.

SMP: Briefly, tell us about WTS USA 2016

RC: WTS USA 2016 is a dedicated event for IOT, wearables and smart technology. We provide a space for thought-leading debate on key industry issues, expectations for the future, and of course the opportunity to network! Entering our 5th show (our 2nd in Santa Clara) we can?t wait to see the innovative products and releases the show always brings.

SMP: When/where is the WTS USA 2016 and who are your target audience?

RC: WTS USA takes place at the Santa Clara Convention Centre from 4th-5th October 2016, and we attract delegates from a huge range of backgrounds ? clothing, retail, healthcare, government and defence, finance, automotive, aerospace, etc. What our delegates have in common, however, is their passion for the newest in technology and wanting to network with their peers.

SMP: Why did you choose the US for this event and what is wearables market like in this region?

RC: Located right in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Convention Centre is right in the midst of one of the most exciting locations for Smart Technology. Our show will be at one of the biggest global hubs of invention and innovation.

SMP: Who are your main keynotes, guest speaker and who are you most looking forward to?

RC: With speakers lined up from Google, Facebook, SigFox and even the FBI there?s a lot to get excited about. Personally, I am particularly looking forward to Mounir Zok, Senior Sport Scientist for the US Olympic Sports Committee, because I find the scope for wearables in Sport a extremely exciting area!

SMP: What are the challenges that you?ve encountered and how are you overcoming them in what you have been doing so far at WTS USA 2016?

RC: One challenge we face at the WTS Office is simply keeping up with the industry! Things move very quickly and keeping at the cutting edge is hugely important to keep the shows fresh and at the fore.

One thing which really helps us achieve this is asking our exhibitors and speakers ?What are YOU excited about in the industry at the moment??. Knowing what inspires our clients ensures our fingers stay firmly on the pulse.

SMP: What are the high moments of what you have been doing so far?

RC: It?s always rewarding to finish a show and hear from our exhibitors what a huge success it was. Hearing that our exhibitors had a book full of leads at our last show in London was certainly a win for me!

SMP: What do you think is going to be the most interesting aspect wearables for the next 12 to 18-months and why?

RC: While the show explores a couple of really exciting areas like the Internet of Things, and Augmented and Virtual Reality, I think Digital Health has the potential for significant growth and development this year. Despite the recent problems faced by the likes of Theranos, there can?t be any denying that the healthcare industry has a huge capacity for disruption.

SMP: What are your top five predictions for wearables for the next 12 to 18-months and why?

RC replies with:

• I think we will continue to see an increase in mainstream adoption of wearable tech, especially as more fashion brands and tech companies form partnerships.
• Smart Technology will be used increasingly in industry ? not only in manufacturing (where we already see potential for augmented reality) but also through connected technology in Enterprise.
• Digital healthcare will start to be implemented by big business. More and more companies will turn to wearables to encourage health and well being of their employees.
• With exciting innovation already happening in the world of textiles, it won?t be long before smart clothing becomes a must-have for all sport fans.
• Smart watches will grow in their popularity as new models are released. They will also become less tied to the mobile phone.

SMP: What are your top overall five tips for firms trying to break into the wearable market and why?

RC replies with:

• Ensure to get your idea patented. D Young has been a major sponsor of our shows for several years and always offer great advice to start ups on how to protect ideas. It is so important that you know your idea is patentable before you go any further.
• Ask advice. There are plenty of successful wearable companies who were start-ups not so long ago with a wealth of advice. We often have a start up zone at our shows which showcases how to start a successful wearable business.
• Get out there ? it?s so important to get your idea as much exposure as possible. Our show is a great way to network with other business, manufacturers, suppliers and the press all at one time, and we have compelling packages specifically designed with start up needs and budgets in mind.
• Have a clear vision and know your market. The most important thing is create something that people love and that will sell, so take your time with the market research.
• Be determined. Being a small start up in such a fast changing environment can be downright exhausting. Keep focussed on what is important and know that there are plenty of success stories that grew from start ups just like you.
  

SMP: Is there anything else we should know, or is there anything that you?d like to share?

RC: WTS is really excited to partner with SMP and I would love to see some of your readers at our Show this October in Santa Clara. As a gift from me to your readers I would like to offer a 30% discount on conference passes ? just use the code WTSLINKUSA16 when registering for tickets.

SMP: Best way to contact you and WTS USA?

RC replies wth:
Hashtag #wts2016 for the US show and hashtag #wts2017 in the UK next March. You can also follow us on Twitter @Wearabletecshow and me @RuthEvolve.




SMP: What did you have for breakfast / lunch?

RC: Today it was Quark with toasted almonds and a drizzle of honey. If you haven?t heard of quark (I hadn?t come across it until recently) it?s like a thick yogurt that?s super high in protein ? and I love it!  

SMP: What?s the last good thing that you did for someone?

RC: Making a round of tea for the people in the WTS Office. I don?t think this office could run without a proper brew!

SMP: If you weren?t working at WTS USA 2016 what would you be doing?

RC: One thing I love about WTS is keeping up to date with the newest technology in sport. I love to work out ? and have been known to compete in triathlons ? so I would have to pick something to do with sport technology.

SMP: When / where did you go on your last holiday and why?

RC: I don?t know if a weekend away counts as a holiday ? but I spent last weekend down by the coast in Cornwall. WTS is based in Bristol so we?re not too far from the sea, and I have recently fallen in love with surfing so I?m always desperate to get down there!

SMP: What?s the best wearable technology you?ve seen this year and why did it grab your attention?

RC: What a horrible question - there are so many to choose from! Ambiorun, ATO-Gear and MIO all had some really exciting products on show this year ? but I think German start up Antelope and their performance enhancing sportswear piqued my excitement. The textile itself intensifies the work out so a 20 minute work out can see the results of a three hour gym session ? and anything that promises less time in the gym is a bonus for me!  

SMP: What?s the first thing you do when you get into the office of a morning?

RC: Check my email and make a cup of tea!

SMP: If you had a superpower what would it be and why?

RC: It would be great to be able to predict the future.  Think what wearable tech may be just around the corner!

Tune in to WTS USA taking place at the Santa Clara Convention Centre from 4th-5th October 2016

WTS USA takes place at the Santa Clara Convention Centre from 4th-5th October 2016 - See more at: http://socialmediaportal.com/Events/2016/08/Ruth-Churchman-on-the-forthcoming-Wearable-Technology-Summit-USA-2016.aspx#sthash.iwUltdpy.dpuf

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