My Invent-In-Place series focuses on the amazing and wonderful technology, science, innovation, and creativity taking place all over America.
I recently was hosted by the Economic Development Commission of Orlando, FL and traveled with Jennifer Wakefield, VP Marketing and Communications for customized briefing of what’s brewing in Orlando.
My focus is #sportstech so we visited the new campus for the USTA (United States Tennis Association) and got a close up tour of the new smart courts throughout the area. These courts are beyond the leading edge of sportstech - utilizing the PlaySight image processing and analytical algorithms to record strokes, ball trajectory, speed and spin shot data, as well as player movement. Clearly the next step in the sport.
I also spoke with Jack Elkins, Director of Innovation for the Orlando Magic, to learn more about his philosophy on innovation. In 2015 Amway Center launched the Venuenext platform to enhance fan experience and Jack is clearly a leader in the growing movement of understanding how sportstech and innovation are changing the game.
We ended the day with a fantastic view into how VR, Mars and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee have come together for a fantastic fan experience in Houston Texas next month. From IDEAS in Orlando “The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee has unveiled Future Flight as its “WOW” Factor for the 2017 Super Bowl LIVE fan festival. Featuring an out-of-this world virtual reality experience and numerous hands-on space exhibits, Future Flight will share with the public the incredible journey to Mars and beyond. The unveiling took place at the 2016 Space Commerce Conference and Exposition (SpaceCom).” WOW, would love to see that in person!
The next day I visited Otronicon at the Orlando Science Center and got to geek out on deep space exploration, simulation innovations, and my favorite CodeTeachers, founded by Ashley Moore. This organizaion “offers classes at several locations and schools throughout Florida. Codeteachers helps kids gain an early advantage in technology and maker skills.” The enthusiasm of both parents and kids in her presentation was infectious and very inspiring.
Invent-In-Place is an ongoing series about the bright future we face in America today.
Beverly Macy is author, educator, and thought leader in social and digital business; she is also the author The Power of Real-Time Social Media Marketing and teaches Global Sports & Entertainment at UCLA Anderson School of Management.