Why the VISA Process Needs to be Reformed

Complex VISA Process for International Visitors

Originally written, October 20, 2011

 I recently sat on a webinar provided by the Power of Travel Coalition on the topic of Visa Reform.  I knew getting a Visa to visit the United States was a challenge, but never realized the impact it had on our economy and the opportunity that faces us and our industry in the future.

Currently, if you are not from one of the 36 countries that went through the rigorous Visa Waiver Program (VWP) qualification process, then you must apply for a Visa for travel into the United States through scarce number of U.S. Consulate offices within that country of origin.  Countries that are not part of the VWP are notably China, Brazil, and India.  These countries alone represent 17 percent of international travel into Western Europe.  If the U.S. can capture this same percentage from China, Brazil, India, plus the other non-VWP countries, this would attract 98 million more legitimate overseas visitors, create up to 1.3 million U.S. jobs by 2020, and produce $859 billion in cumulative additional economic output.

So, how are we going to do this?  Obviously, the current system is sluggish and impedes travel to the U.S. by non-VWP countries (see picture).   For example, some travelers in China and Brazil have to travel thousands of miles to the nearest U.S. Consulate office for a face-to-face interview.  The wait times in these countries are as much as 100 days and can cost thousands of dollars for businessmen and families.

Through the USTA (US Travel Association) including other international travel advocates like IAEE, the following bills have been put in front of Congress:

S. 1601 – This FY12 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill was recently passed in the Senate and Needs House approval

H.R. 3039 – the Welcoming Business Travelers and Tourists to America Act of 2011

Both of these bills will address the Visa issue by:

• Reducing the Visa Process to 12 days or less
• Hire enough personnel to meet demand
• Pilot use of videoconferencing technology for Consulate Visa interviews
• Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program

 What Can You Do?

1. Go to www.travelcoalition.org and click on the center of the page that says “Action Alert: Urge Congress to Support Visa Reform…” Follow the instructions on sending a message to your representatives from your state.On the same page (above)
2. Sign up to be added to the Power of Travel Coalition and get updates on how USTA and IAEE are doing on this important issue. 
3. Send messages to your social networks utilizing the links above to get your colleagues and friends involved with this important issue.  It not only impacts the Travel & Exhibition industry, but all industries that rely on international visitors.

For more information on this important issue you can also visit www.smartervisapolicy.org

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the Next Big Thing?

Written by Terence Donnelly, October 2012

At the recent IAEE Mid-Year Meeting in May of 2012 in Washington DC, I had the pleasure of co-presenting a session with Jay Tokosch of Core-Apps.  The topic was a result of the some of the findings from the IAEE Trends and Emerging Issues Task Force.  In learning about some of the new trends, Jay and I thought we should try to share with other industry compatriots what the “next big thing” was in our industry.

As of this writing, some of these items are not as fresh and new ideas.  But, let me share with you some new ideas and technologies impacting our industry not only today, but into the future:

QR Codes.  Not new technology, however, the meetings and exhibition industry is continually looking for new ways to adopt and implement this relatively “free” technology.  First, what is a QR Code?  Simply, it allows you to have a unique visual footprint (pictured) that is scannable by any smartphone device.  Similar to when you  use your smartphone Barcode scanner in stores to compare prices.  QR codes can direct the scanning device directly to a website, a YouTube Video, or any location to access additional content on the scanned object.  This is becoming popular in museums to help individuals access additional information or a live narrative about an object being viewed.  Consider the opportunities on the trade show floor as exhibitors or sponsors seek to promote and communicate the value of their offerings to participants.

Mobility.  Jay and I spent a lot of time discussing the future impact of the smartphone on the trade show industry.  Gartner predicted that by 2013, internet access by smartphone devices will eclipse access made from PCs.  That is why you are seeing rapid development in new smartphone-only technologies that will impact our daily lives.  The possibilities are endless for trade shows as well, but let me share some really exciting opportunities right around the corner as it relates to mobility;

Lead Retrieval on Smartphones.  It is already here, and the days of devices and printing leads will be extinct.  Companies like Experient are already preparing for this market shift which will ultimately improve the ROI for exhibitors through utilization of new, effective technology on their own personal devices during and outside the trade show hours.

Gamification.  Trade show organizers are making it fun to interact with participants through smartphone and tablet games.  As the gaming and interactive technology improves, this will be further implemented by organizers to stay engaged with their audience and attract more sponsorship dollars.

Near Field Communication (NFC).  By the end of 2013, all smartphones will be equipped with an RFID chip.  NFC-enabled phones will allow individuals to store personal information – including payment information – on their device and share this information securely to NFC enabled merchants or companies.  So for payments, you can just waive your phone over a merchant’s NFC machine (pictured), or if your in a store and your NFC chip is sending signals of your personal interests, then the store’s kiosks or video screens will be displaying items (clothing, electronics, etc) based upon your needs.  What does this mean to the trade show industry?  The “paperless show” is a reality.  No more name badges.  Only sessions, sponsors, or exhibitor booth locations show up on your smartphone based upon your own personal interests.

Augmented Reality.  Have you seen the AT&T commercial when the person holds up their phone in front a crowded street in a small European city?  Then the names of the restaurants and stores show up like information bubbles on the smart phone’s screen.  Okay, now translate that into a trade show environment.  You are about to walk down aisle 1200 on the show floor, you’re tired,  so why not hold up your phone and see what companies are exhibiting in that aisle and how far are they away and what is their booth number?  Think of the sponsorship opportunities!

Data Optimization.  Lastly, the focus of executives for associations and for-profit trade show organizers is data optimization.  With the shifting of market trends happening with a blink of an eye, c-level executives can not make “gut” decisions any more.  They must be based upon fact.  And the facts must be easily obtained and current.  Hence, trade show organizers are seeking solutions to help them better manage and understand the intelligence they are collecting on their members and event participants.  By having a 360 degree view of their constituents, organizers can better customize the experience for those who are looking for – and demanding – that more “personalized” approach.  So, expect the “online brochures” of the past to make way for a more interactive, personal, and engaged experience online for members and participants.