Macworld/iWorld Adds iBeacon and Passbook Technology for Seamless Check-In and Interactive Attendee Scavenger Hunt

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IDG World Expo today announced its unique integration of Apple's iBeacon and Passbook technologies into the upcoming Macworld/iWorld 2014 event from March 27-29, 2014, at Moscone Center North in San Francisco. iBeacon and Passbook are two of most cutting-edge mobile innovations in the Apple ecosystem, and Macworld/iWorld is at the forefront of events using these technologies to enhance attendees' onsite experiences. Powered by Twocanoes Software and Passjoy.com, attendees will experience a streamlined check-in at the event using existing Passbook technology already on their phones – no additional app downloads, upgrades or complicated instructions needed. Additionally, this technology will be showcased through the first-ever Macworld/iWorld iBeacon Scavenger Hunt, with prizes for all participants.

The use of iBeacon technology, which is native to iPhone 4S (or any later models) running iOS 7, empowers attendees to quickly and effortlessly check-in at Macworld/iWorld 2014. Instead of using traditional GPS or WiFi technology, which is less accurate indoors, iBeacon uses Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology, which also benefits users by not draining device batteries. Macworld/iWorld 2014 is able to feature this new technology through partnerships with Twocanoes Software, a creator of groundbreaking Mac, iOS and Beacon hardware, software and apps, and Passjoy.com, a developer of beautiful Passbook and iBeacon user experiences. As attendees enter Moscone North, they will receive an alert via the Passbook app that will display a barcode for express check-in. Bleu Station, a Twocanoes Software device with iBeacon technology, enables passes to be shown automatically on the lock screen of the registered users' iPhone.

"We are always excited when we get a chance to provide Macworld/iWorld attendees the opportunity to interact with the latest Apple technology at our event," said Paul Kent, general manager of Macworld/iWorld. "Partnering with Twocanoes Software and Passjoy.com to utilize iBeacon technology and the Passbook App enhances the attendee event experience and is a great example of the innovation we showcase at Macworld/iWorld."

In addition, Macworld/iWorld, together with Macworld Magazine, will be hosting the first official iBeacon Scavenger Hunt using Passbook. To create the iBeacon Scavenger Hunt, Macworld/iWorld enlisted Twocanoes Software and Tom Benson of Passjoy.com to develop the technology. Twocanoes Software provided the beacon-enabled platform for the scavenger hunt and worked with PassJoy.com to create a great user experience with Passbook passes for the game.

The theme for the interactive scavenger hunt is "30 Years of the Mac," and through a series of clues found on posters throughout the Expo Hall, participants must find and scan four specific 2d barcodes. When an attendee downloads a beacon-enabled pass and is in range of a Bleu Station iBeacon, a hint will be presented to find the next beacon-enabled pass. Participants who collect all four beacon-enabled passes will receive a three-month free subscription to Macworld Magazine and will be entered into a drawing for a MacMania cruise to the British Isles.

"iBeacon technology solves a lot of the indoor navigation challenges that other solutions cannot," said Timothy Perfitt, founder, Twocanoes Software, who together with Tom Benson of Passjoy.com developed the technology behind this functionality. "Macworld/iWorld's use of our technology is a great example of how to streamline processes while providing a fun, unique and interactive experience for attendees. These uses just scratch the surface of possibilities of iBeacon technology and we look forward to working with Macworld/iWorld to interweave more of this technology throughout future events."

CLICK TO TWEET: #MacworldExpo2014 uses #iBeacon tech from @twocanoessoft & @Passjoy for attendee registration and scavenger hunt http://bit.ly/1ihrydA

Tens of thousands of attendees—from app developers and enterprise IT professionals, to consumers of all ages—gather at Macworld/iWorld to see cutting-edge new products and apps and to hear presentations from tech luminaries. Register now! For the latest news on speakers, trainings and exhibitors at Macworld/iWorld 2014, connect with us on Twitter @MacworldExpo event hashtag #Macworld2014, like us on Facebook, circle in with us on Google+, and follow us on Instagram and YouTube.

About Macworld/iWorld
Macworld/iWorld is the ultimate celebration of Apple fans' passions and innovations. Every year, thousands of attendees—from app developers and enterprise IT professionals, to consumers of all ages—attend Macworld/iWorld to get the inside track on the cutting-edge new products, apps, and training and discussions with tech luminaries. Attendees will encounter a blend of Apple technology-infused art, music and film, as well as learning opportunities, and a shopping mecca in the Expo Hall filled with products and services for Apple users of all skill levels and interests. Whether a home user, an artistic hobbyist, a professional or a true Technorati, Macworld/iWorld gives attendees the chance to experience all that the amazing world of Apple-related tools can offer. Macworld/iWorld will take place March 27-29, 2014 at the Moscone Center North in San Francisco. For more information, please visit http://www.macworldiworld.com.

About IDG World Expo
IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) is an award-winning producer of tradeshows and events for professionals and consumers seeking world-class education, strategic business relationships, and access to industry-leading products and services. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes Macworld®/iWorld®, the MacIT® Conference, Electronic Entertainment Expo® (E3®), Digital Entertainment World (DEW), The Game Marketing Summit® (GMS), Anime Expo®, BlogHer, BlogHer Food, and Macworld Mobile. IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About Twocanoes Software
Twocanoes Software facilitates enterprise beacon deployment through Bleu Proximity, its integrated family of software, hardware, and custom development services. Using iBeacon Licensed

Technology, Twocanoes' Bleu Station USB-powered beacon and accompanying toolkit simplify remote provisioning and administration across many physical locations. Twocanoes Software is located in Naperville, Ill. Visit twocanoes.com and bleu.io to learn more.

About Passjoy.com
Passjoy is a creator of powerful Passbook and iBeacon user experiences for retailers, conventions, sports and consumer product companies. Passjoy's Wallet CRM engine creates beautiful, dynamic marketing campaigns, coupons and loyalty cards, resulting in 20-40X greater customer engagement compared to static mobile wallet content. Passjoy will be talking about the future of Passbook at a Macworld/iWorld session on Saturday March 29 at 11:45 a.m. Passjoy is located in Dublin, California. Visit passjoy.com to learn more.

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SOURCE IDG World Expo