ZigBee Alliance President and CEO Tobin Richardson to Address 4th M-Enabling Summit with a Talk on Internet of Things

BETHESDA, Maryland (May 18, 2015) —

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the ZigBee Alliance, a non-profit association of organizations creating open, global standards that define the Internet of Things (IoT) for use in consumer, commercial and industrial applications, will address the 4th M-Enabling Summit taking place in Arlington, VA June 1-2, 2015.

The Summit, which will run under the theme “Mobile Innovation: Smarter Living for All” is dedicated to empowering mobile technologies, and focus on next-generation innovations and breakthroughs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Richardson will provide opening remarks on “The Future of Internet of Things” Tuesday, June 2 to kick-off a discussion among industry, developers, representatives of seniors and persons with disabilities and solution providers about the considerable opportunities of developing solutions for seniors and persons with disabilities with new interoperable near field communications and Internet connected devices.
 
“Healthcare and assisted living are rapidly-growing markets for the Internet of Things,” said Richardson. “I believe that the M-Enabling Summit is right to focus on this technology right now, and I look forward to sharing why ZigBee standards are the foundation of the IoT, the impact our standards have on this industry currently, and our vision for ZigBee 3.0 when it is launched later this year.”
 
According to the Gartner Group, there will be nearly 26 billion devices on the Internet of Things by 2020; and a recent survey of the Pew Research Internet Project shows that 83 percent of technology experts and engaged Internet users interviewed believe that the Internet/Cloud of Things, embedded and wearable computing and remote interactive systems will have widespread and beneficial effects by 2025. Implications of those trends are considerable for organizations selling products or services to seniors and persons with disabilities, a global market place of more than one billion persons. Accessibility experts and advocacy organizations are also eager to promote the benefits of the Internet of Things which can bring life changing solutions to millions of consumers.
 
Axel Leblois, Founder and President of G3ict, who co-organizes the M-Enabling Summit with E.J. Krause and Associates, said: “We are very pleased that Tobin Richardson and the ZigBee Alliance are taking an active role in our discussion about the considerable opportunities of the Internet of Things for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. It will further motivate industry participants to address the fast growing market of life changing IoT applications and services for independent living.”
 
Sessions at the m-Enabling Summit will explore the hottest areas of mobile and assistive technology innovation:
• “The Internet of Things, A New Frontier for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities”, chaired by Gerry Ellis, Fellow of The Irish Computer Society and ITU representative for the ISO/IEC Guide 71
• Mobile-enabled Smart Homes, chaired by Bill Belt, Senior Director, Technology & Standards, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
• Internet of Things for travel and public spaces, chaired by Jay Cardinali, Worldwide Accessibility Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
• m-Health and well-being apps and services, chaired by Steve Ewell, Executive Director, CEA Foundation 

 
Supported by major disability and senior organizations, as well as industry associations and the private sector, the Summit, is expected to attract hundreds of participants from more than 40 countries, underlining the global scope of new mobile opportunities for users and developers alike. The Summit’s program will focus on accessibility innovations, with over 150 speakers, private sector leaders, apps developers, policy makers, mobile accessibility experts and disability advocates sharing their knowledge and experience. Confirmed presenters include representatives of leading organizations facilitating the accessible technology market.

Experts will discuss accessibility solutions highlighting 6 major tracks: Cutting edge accessibility environments, Internet of things & cloud computing, all-inclusive daily living, policy and standards, assistive mobile and wearable solutions, CMO/CIO accessibility imperatives.

For more information on registering to attend the M-Enabling Summit, please visit www.m-enabling.com.

To view a complete agenda: http://m-enabling.com/agenda.html.