JCA Highlights Next-Generation Museum Interactivity at IAAPA's 2013 Leisure and Attraction Expo

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerging technologies in the leisure and attraction industry was the focus of a panel discussion including Jacobson Consulting Applications, Inc. (JCA) President and CEO Steve Jacobson at the 2013 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) expo currently taking place in Orlando, Florida, through November 22.  Highlighting JCA's client work with The Tech Museum of Innovation (The Tech) on the Smart Museum, Jacobson discussed how advances in technology and its utilization are allowing museums to elevate exhibit interactivity, as well as personalize and enhance the visitor learning experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131119/NY19958 )

The Smart Museum is a technology-driven platform for which JCA has built the application programming interface (API) that allows the exhibit designer to program their exhibit and access individual visitor demographic information, interests and their history with that particular exhibit.  JCA also will implement the radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to be worn by museum visitors that will scan for location data and individual interaction.  

The data that is collected through this technology provides valuable insights for exhibit designers:  are guests spending too long trying to figure out how an exhibit works, are they walking away because it doesn't engage them or is too complicated?  Exhibit designers can not only use guest interactivity data to help them build better exhibits, but each exhibit can theoretically build on the previous exhibit.  "If you understand the level at which someone interacts with an exhibit, you can provide them with customized interactions that allow them to become even more involved." said Jacobson. 

The ability to "tag" into an exhibit has been utilized by The Tech in the past to enhance visitor interaction.  The technology at work in the Smart Museum takes this interactivity to the next level:  exhibits will have the ability to recall not just language preference, but also visitor names and what projects or challenges a visitor may have excelled at in the past, and can recommend other experiences or challenges that particular visitor may enjoy within the museum.  This provides quantifiable data and concrete measurements of visitor engagement.

"Being in the IT industry, we tend to think of enriched exhibit interactivity simply as cool technology, but for museums and attractions, this is a way to elevate the level of education and learning for their members and guests.  It's a way to offer each person the opportunity to learn at their level," said Jacobson.  "We are at the vanguard, the next generation of museum technology and museum interactivity," said Jacobson.

The IAAPA panel discussion also included speakers from Walt Disney Imagineering; Urban Ski Areas at Vail Resorts; the Empire State Building; Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.; and Trajectory Ticketing.

About JCA:  For 25 years, more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations have turned to JCA as a strategic consulting partner to make websites, ticketing, membership, and related technologies work for people.  JCA has experience with all major nonprofit software and web systems.  JCA's team works hard to deliver websites that generate revenue, function more effectively, and integrate with the systems that leading nonprofits depend on.  To learn more, visit http://www.jcainc.com. 

About The Tech Museum of Innovation:  The Tech Museum of Innovation is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Tech — located in the Capital of Silicon Valley — is a non-profit, experiential learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing applied technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge presented by Cisco, our annual team-design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, The Tech endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.

About IAAPA:  IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 is the largest idea-sharing event with the more than 80 expert led education programs for industry professionals in the business of engaging, educating, and entertaining guests.  The Expo brings together long-time industry leaders showcasing their latest products with new, up-and-coming innovators debuting unique items.

Contact:
Nichole Cooper
1-262-446-2004
[email protected]

SOURCE Jacobson Consulting Applications, Inc.