Issue #84 | December 8, 2006 | Written by Written by Andy Kowl, Editor-in-Chief

With all of the global RFID implementations, from the U.S. Department of Defense; to new smart passports in many countries; from retail to shipping; anybody reading this knows that RFID technology, in all of its manifestations, is taking over the world. Not soon, to be sure, but inexorably. That is why RFID Switchboard will be co-sponsoring a U.S. Pavilion at the world’s largest tech event in 2007.

There are RFID shows being produced everywhere. Many European countries have such conferences. We worked with the Korean conference producers for what might be the largest exclusively-RFID (and sensors) show, which draws almost 30,000 attendees. RFID Switchboard has been approached by the largest Japanese show, too. Like many of the other giant Asian technology expositions, their RFID conferences are add-ons to existing shows. Nonetheless, the Asian shows dwarf those in the U.S., which have probably never drawn 3,000 paid attendees.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating that bigger is better – or that it isn’t. To me, if a trade show presents great information; offers enough exhibits to gain an insight into what is coming in your industry and as a source of new suppliers; and provides the proper atmosphere for networking and building contacts, then that is a good size show.

Still, the venerable CeBIT trade show in Hannover, Germany, is impressive in its sheer scope. They bill themselves as “the leading business event in the digital world.” CeBIT is likely the largest technology trade show in the physical world, too. Last year, as they celebrated their 20th anniversary, they drew about 430,000 visitors from 70 countries to acres of exhibit halls containing 6,200 exhibits. In 2006, the RFID industry was invited join their digital brethren when CeBIT introduced their first “Auto ID/RFID Solutions Park,” which about 100,000 attendees visited.

For the March, 2007, CeBIT , I am proud to announce they have asked RFID Switchboard if our Chief Technology Officer and the usual writer of this column, Louis Sirico, would present an RFID Keynote in one of the main halls. In other words, to present Lou’s Views literally on a global stage. We eagerly accepted and are excited to be part of such a grand event.

The international response we get here at RFID Switchboard is substantial, active and growing. In the last three days alone, I have had emails from readers in India, New Zealand, Iran, Mexico and Namibia. The one thing they have in common is the excitement to be among the first to gain an advantage from RFID induced efficiencies, and to use that as a competitive advantage.

This year the RFID section of CeBIT is expanding to cover 5,000 square meters of centrally located Hall 6, with more than 70 companies exhibiting. RFID Switchboard is co-sponsoring a U.S. Pavilion of RFID companies will be represented in the business “park.” Needless to say, they are projecting an increase in attendance from 100,000.

In fact, CeBIT is so serious about this, for the first time in the 20+ years they are offering on-site technology training. The RFID training classes are being planned in conjunction with our friends from OTA Training of Texas.

If you decide to join us at CeBIT be warned: there is so much to see it is spread out over several acres, so you better put on your walking shoes. On display besides auto-ID are many types of technology from enterprise storage, PCs, mobile & wireless, security, telematics, navigation, and home and in-car electronics.

Here in the U.S., if you want to join our delegation in the U.S. Pavilion, CeBIT is represented with offices in California and New Jersey. If you are interested in exhibiting or learning more, please contact our pal Petrina De Chine at +1 562.901.9191 ext 106 or pdechine@hfusa.com. Drop me a line if you plan to attend. If we hear from enough people over the next couple of months, we may throw an RFID Switchboard party there.