2018's top technology trends: How Colorado tech is pushing the envelope

by April Bohnert
January 23, 2018

When it comes to tech, nothing stays the same for very long — and 2018 will be no different. We talked to four local techies about the trends they predict will hit their industries in the year ahead and what they’re doing to stay ahead of the curve.

 

FareHarbor industry tech trends Colorado
Photo courtesy of Fareharbor.

FareHarbor provides tour and activity operators in the travel industry with an online platform from which to manage and grow their businesses. VP of Account Management Gabby Quarantiello shed some light on the shifting tides in their industry and how they’re helping customers leverage new trends.
 

What do you predict will be the most important trend in your industry in 2018?           

The tours and activities industry grew by leaps and bounds in 2017, as more and more activity and tour operators began to embrace online reservations. The industry is aided by strong economic tailwinds, and the growing number of travelers who prefer to book online are opting to spend money on unique and “Instagrammable” experiences rather than physical goods.

 

How is your company working to address those trends?

In order to help our 5,000-plus clients succeed in 2018 and beyond, we’ve added tools such as FareHarbor Telescope, the industry’s first predictive pricing platform powered by artificial intelligence to help our clients maximize their revenue. We’ve also doubled down on our commitment to customer service and improving our core product offerings as we continue to expand internationally.

 

Fanatics industry tech trends Colorado
Photo courtesy of Fanatics.

Fanatics is one of the largest online sports apparel retailers in the world, and they’ve gotten there by delivering the products fans want, how and where they want them. Engineering manager Jay Ockers shared what’s on the horizon for the e-commerce industry and what Fanatics is doing to stay ahead of the curve.

 

What do you predict will be the most important trend in your industry in 2018?

Improvements in machine learning are reshaping expectations of how customers experience websites. Custom content, delivered based on ever-evolving profiles, makes the experience on a site more intuitive and reduces the amount of time potential customers must spend looking for products and services.

 

How is your company working to address those trends?

Fanatics is working to understand all of the data available to us on every request to make sure that the fan’s favorite teams are presented to them as early in the experience as possible. Our profiles are always evolving to better capture any insight that we can find to better understand what motivates fans to visit us and how we can provide them with a better experience. Every iteration flows new knowledge into our models and drives better, more customized experiences into the logic that customizes each site visit.

 

ThriveHive industry tech trends Colorado
Photo courtesy of ThiriveHive.

Digital marketing trends change on a seemingly day-to-day basis, which means ThriveHive’s work on its guided marketing platform is always evolving. Perry Evans, senior vice president of product strategy and corporate development, told us what technology they’re eyeing to drive major innovations in 2018.

 

What do you predict will be the most important trend in your industry in 2018?

One of the big problems with small businesses and digital marketing is the genuine need to be guided and supported, but budgets and marketing knowledge prevent anyone from taking the time or expense to properly assess their needs and align with the tools and services that are the best fit.  

 

How is your company working to address those trends?

There are two technologies that get us really excited as we tackle this problem: artificial intelligence/machine learning and conversational user experience. AI and machine learning present the opportunity to create guidance informed by data-driven assessment, comparative intelligence and experience observations. Conversational UX promises to bring casual and approachable delivery methods critical to small business user engagement. At this intersection is a really compelling formula for a transformative approach to "guided marketing" for millions of small businesses — which is our business mantra.

 

Homebot industry tech trends Colorado
Photo Courtesy of Homebot.

Homebot offers a tool to real estate agents, lenders and brokers that helps their clients better understand how to turn their home into a wealth-building investment. It’s an industry that’s ripe for tech innovation. CEO Ernie Graham explained how the company’s platform could drive a new trend in real estate.

 

What do you predict will be the most important trend in your industry in 2018?

Consumers are realizing that home equity will account for the bulk of their retirement wealth and need help to protect and optimize it. The top lenders and realtors in the industry will be empowering their clients with intrinsically valuable information to save money and build wealth.

 

How is your company working to address those trends?

Homebot is at the center of the movement to create intelligent content that makes it easy for consumers to optimize their home as an asset. Our marketing platform positions lenders and realtors as the messenger of this content and a valuable wealth advisor for taking action. Truly a win-win for both the consumer and the professional.

 

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