Technical Amusements

The newest entertainment technologies to amuse and amaze your guests

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Look around and you quickly realize that technology plays a gigantic role in our daily lives. So it should come as no surprise that technological games and amusements are the hottest forms of entertainment at events today. To give you the scoop on the latest and greatest, we walked into the world of technology to introduce to you eight of the hottest entertainment technologies available today.

Rolling Video Games

For the ultimate technology experience, try Rolling Video Games—trailers on wheels that allow up to 16 people at a time to game together or against each other. Ideal for kids, teenagers and young adults, these trailers also offer the perfect opportunity for parents and adults to check out the games their kids are talking about. Each trailer is outfitted with four widescreen, high-definition televisions that line the walls. Opposite the televisions are 16 built-in, Ultimate Gaming Chairs with individual headrest speakers and vibration motors that are synched to the game, getting participants as close to the action as possible. The trailers offer the latest games from the Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Not familiar with how the games work? Not to worry. Each trailer is equipped with a “Game Coach” who remains on-site for the entire event to facilitate the process and answer any questions.

For more information, visit rollingvideogames.com

Pixal Paint

Brand new from Creative Backstage is PIXAL Paint, an interactive 10-foot video screen that allows guests to digitally “spray paint” words, images or anything they want, creating their own graffiti or works of art. Users feel as if they’re actually spraypainting their own images and designs. The background screen can be customized to create a coloring book, paint-between-the-lines experience, or a company logo can appear in the background that attendees can paint on or around. Use it as a signature board where attendees can leave their personal mark or hire a professional artist to “paint” to the amusement of attendees. The possibilities are endless and it’s sure to amuse and 
entertain any audience.

For more information, visit www.creativebackstage.com

T-Shirt TV

The next time you hold a live event, why not add true “live” TVs? Brought to you by Brand Marketers, this is the perfect blend of technology and human interaction. T-Shirt TV features flat screen televisions that are imbedded into wearable T-shirts. Each shirt can hold any media, whether it is commercials, music videos or important announcements. Imagine having your sponsor’s commercial walking around your event, playing videos that move to where your attendees are, or hosting a fashion show in which each model wears a different commercial. This new technology is taking the marketing world by storm and the only limits are 
the bounds of your own imagination.

For more information, visit www.t-shirttv.com

Boogie Heads

While it may not be the newest in entertainment technology, Boogie Heads remains a favorite at events around the globe. Participants are placed in front of a green screen and draped in green fabric. They have their choice of songs and then are asked to sing along as the song plays, karaoke style. After the song ends, participants can view a video that combines their singing faces with the bodies of professional dancers. The result is a hilarious video that can be easily transferred to a DVD and sent home with attendees as a memento and a reminder of a great event. The systems can be purchased for use multiple times or rented 
from various suppliers across the U.S.

For more information, visit www.boogie-heads.com

Wii Bowling

A little over two years ago, the Nintendo Wii entertainment gaming system took the world by storm with its unique form of gaming interactivity. Now, metroConnections takes that a step further by creating interactive, virtual Wii bowling lanes for events. This can be used as a simple entertainment aspect to any event or as the main event in the form of a Wii bowling tournament. MetroConnections will come to the venue of your choice and set up a line of giant screens as well as a bowling alley seating area that gives attendees the feeling of a live bowling alley. Additional props, trophies, bowling shirts and more can be added upon request to complete the experience.

For more information, visit www.metroconnections.com

CEIVA

Looking for constantly updated décor for your next event? Let your attendees provide it for you with CEIVA digital photo frames. Attendees can snap pictures using their cell phones and upload them to frames placed strategically around the room. Inspire guests to participate by holding a photo contest in which the best photo wins a prize after the event. The photos can be used later in marketing pieces or posted online to generate interest and viral marketing. Different framing options are available including wood, black and custom skin designs. Let your attendees be your event photographers. They will entertain themselves and others while providing you with photos to use for years to come.

For more information, visit www.ceiva.com

Flip Book Photos

Bring out your guests’ creativity by allowing them to create their own 6-second videos, which can be converted into old-fashioned Flip Books. Talk of the Town sets up a photo station with background lights and camera and provides numerous props for attendees to play with and to inspire a skit. The performance need only last a total of 6 seconds and, within minutes, the skit is printed into a 60-page, business card-sized Flip Book. Guests can watch their skit performed right before their eyes as they flip through the pages. The Flip Books are completely customizable to match any event or brand. With the ability to print 45–50 books per hour, Flip Book Photos could be all you need to make your event memorable for every attendee.

For more information, visit www.tottevents.com

Photosphere360

Hitting the market at the end of 2009, Photosphere360 combines entertainment, branding, social media and take-home souvenirs. An 8x8-foot green screen enclosure is affixed with a 360-degree camera suspended from the ceiling. Groups can enter the booth and within seconds, a complete 360-degree snapshot is taken of the entire group. The picture can be combined with logos or other backgrounds that print immediately afterward, giving attendees a great souvenir while reminding them who they have to thank for the marvelous picture. Each image not only can be printed, it also can be turned into an interactive movie linked to social media sites across the internet. This is the ultimate in viral marketing and a great spin on traditional photo booths that your attendees will love.

For more information, visit www.photosphere360.com

About the author: Aubrey Blankenship

Aubrey is the former editor and art director of Event Solutions magazine and a freelance contributor.