Using Text Messaging for Conference Q&A

The Office of Energy for the State of Indiana contacted us about using text messaging for a conference they were putting on. WIndiana is a two day annual event sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor’s office. It brings people together to promote the growth of wind energy throughout the state.

Cris Dorman, the Coordinator of Public Outreach and Education, reached out to us about replacing the traditional notecard/microphone Q&As with an instant and effective substitute. In less than a week, we built a custom application for them that let audience members text in their questions throughout each presentation. These questions then showed up in real-time on the laptop in the front of the room so panelists and speakers could answer them.

The system worked perfectly for their needs. The program wasn’t overly complicated and participants in WIndiana had a new way to interact with presenters that proved both fun and effective.