Networld Media Group, online publishers of B2B websites covering the ATM, digital signage, self-service kiosk, mobile payments, restaurant and retail industries, has announced the appointment of David Drain as senior vice president of events. Drain formerly served as executive director of the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA), a not-for-profit trade association client of the company.
Networld Media Group also announced the hiring of digital signage industry veteran Paul Flanigan to replace Drain as executive director of the DSA. The selection of Flanigan was made in consultation with the association’s Executive Committee.
Drain joined Networld in 2006 to serve as executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association (SSKA). He helped co-found the Digital Signage Association (DSA) in 2007. In 2010, the advisory boards of SSKA and DSA agreed to merge to form the Digital Screenmedia Association.
During his tenure as executive director, Drain became a spokesperson for the kiosk and digital signage industries, oversaw the introduction of new websites, conducted numerous webinars, launched two awards programs and was instrumental in the development of the Digital Screenmedia Symposiums.
In his new role, Drain will be responsible for the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Retail Customer Experience Executive Summit and ATM & Mobile Innovation Summit.
Flanigan is a well-known industry blogger who was most recently vice president of communications and business development for Pro-Motion Technology Group, a digital signage solutions provider.
For several years Flanigan managed the $5 billion in-store digital multimedia network for Best Buy, which had over 100 million monthly impressions. His background also includes stints as a consultant, an adjunct professor (where he taught courses in digital multimedia) and a manager of marketing and entertainment for the Sacramento River Cats and San Diego Padres, respectively.
Flanigan has been an active member of the DSA, most recently serving as EVP of marketing. In his new role, Flanigan will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the DSA as well as carrying out the short- and long-term objectives of the DSA Board of Directors.
“David has a strong background in events and will be leading our company’s expansion in this area,” said Alan Fryrear, CEO of Networld. “Paul was a natural for assuming the leadership of the DSA. His background in digital media and long-term involvement in the association will keep the momentum going.”
“DSA is excited to welcome Paul as our new executive director,” said Bill Lynch, president of DSA. “He brings a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, both as an end-user and a vendor. We’re confident he’ll help DSA expand its influence in the digital omnichannel industry.”
Both Drain and Flanigan will be on hand for the DSA Advisory Board meeting and Customer Engagement Technology World show, both taking place in New York City next week.
About Networld Media Group
Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media communications company specializing in digital media, associations and events in the mobile, self-service, digital signage, retail, food service and financial services industries. Properties published by Networld Media Group include: ATMmarketplace.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, KioskMarketplace.com, PizzaMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com, MobilePaymentsToday.com and ChurchCentral.com.
About the Digital Screenmedia Association (DSA)
DSA is an independent, not-for-profit trade association whose purpose is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. Members include users of digital screenmedia in all vertical markets, as well as manufacturers, resellers and distributors of hardware and software, network operators, integrators, advertising agencies, consultants, analysts, publishers, tradeshow organizers and service companies. See http://www.digitalscreenmedia.org.
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