What’s Next Summit to Reveal Top Tech Trends to Watch for Boomer and Senior-Focused Marketers

Which technologies are gaining popularity and sustained use among today’s seniors? With which digital media are boomers and seniors really engaging – and how can that insight be used to make marketing plans that target them more effective? Why are more companies turning to a “mobile first” strategy to capture tech savvy boomers on the go? All of these topics and more will be explored at the 10th Annual What’s Next Boomer Business Summit, taking place on March 12, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, IL.

“The ways that boomers and seniors are adopting new technologies – whether it’s mobile devices, social media, or home care technology – has been evolving at such a fast clip that it’s hard for marketers to keep up,” said Mary Furlong, CEO of Mary Furlong & Associates and executive producer of What’s Next. “The beauty of this conference is that it brings together experts who have the very latest data, insight, and case studies to help marketers pivot in the direction their customers are going. The value attendees will gain for the time and money they spend at this event will yield remarkable dividends in both the near and long term.”

In the “Tech Trends and the Boomer Senior Market” session, Boomer and senior market analysts will discuss the latest data about technology adoption, including aging in place, use of Internet, smart and cell phone, telehealth/remote monitoring, caregiving, communication and engagement applications, home care technology and next generation emergency response systems.

For businesses looking to reach international audiences, “The Future of Global and Digital Boomer Consumers” session will explore global trends on boomer and senior consumer spending and offer insights about surprising and dramatic shifts in their media use. A session specifically dedicated to mobile technology, “Marketing through Mobile: Future of E-commerce, Gaming and the Mobile Wallet,” will show attendees how gaming, the mobile wallet and mobile video are changing the way Boomers live, play, work and spend and how businesses can maximize their return on marketing investments with mobile messaging.

The What’s Next Boomer Business Summit is also hosting its first Mobile Apps Smackdown this year. The competition will pit developers of innovative mobile apps across several industries including travel, health and wellness, finance, social media, education, hobbies, entertainment, news, commerce, local, search and social against each other for top honors. The five finalists will compete before a panel of judges comprised of leaders in the fields of aging, product development and venture capital. The winner will receive a cash prize plus meetings with potential investors and CEOs who have successfully taken aging products to market.

In addition to presenting their app at the event, finalists will also receive complimentary exhibit space to showcase it during the entire conference.

The speakers who will present on technology related topics at What’s Next include: