Dallas, TX – Freeman has expanded its PLANTOUR web tool to allow the use of aerial drones to capture a bird’s eye view of show venues.
The unprecedented step announced today means show managers will be able to provide exhibitors and potential sponsors with virtual tours of exhibit halls, meeting rooms and public areas inside the convention center. The video imagery is not computer generated. It is a real picture that will be worth a thousand words in terms of explaining room configurations, floor traffic hot spots and promising locations for signage and other sponsorship opportunities.
“We recognize that we must continue to make investments in our technology solutions to meet the needs of our customers, becoming a true extension of their marketing and operations teams,” said William Collins, vice president of product development.
Freeman is making use of drone technology that was once reserved for the CIA and other secretive agencies, but has been recently reaching store shelves. The real-life imagery produced by the unmanned aircraft interfaces with Freeman’s PLANTOUR platform, which currently provides show managers and other clients with floor plans, room configurations and other operational details on their computer or smart phone.
Collins said drones could soon be a fixture above the exhibit floor during shows. “Drones can be deployed during the show to capture live images of the event,” he said. “We are in discussions with our clients to see how they may leverage this technology to do just that.”
Reach William Collins at (214) 445-1000 or William.collins@freemanco.com
