The coolest presentation tool

I just returned from the Morningstar Investment Conference in Chicago. Although the emphasis was on investments and analysis, there were also technology aspects. The one I found most fascinating will surprise you: It was a vendor's display in the exhibit hall. This was no ordinary display — not a backdrop or banner. It was a virtual person! "Standing" in the front of the booth, a woman beckoned passersby with a "Slow down there!" or "Don't walk by yet." Then she talked a little about New York Life's Mainstay Investments or encouraged attendees to sign up for their raffle. According to Frank Ranu, MainStay Investments' social media director, the project was pricey, but well worth it. In the competitive environment of trade shows, this unique animated billboard attracted a huge crowd nonstop. So, what exactly was this virtual greeter? A back projector played a video recording of an actress on a plastic cut-out of a woman. Absent the two-dimensional Plexiglas, the woman seemed real — complete with blinking eyes, moving lips and gesturing hands. The virtual greeter was triggered by a motion sensor, which then spoke one of six randomized introductions. As a self-professed gadget lover, I was amazed and intrigued. Yet, could this "toy" be relevant to a wealth advisory practice? A brainstorming session with Mr. Ranu uncovered the following applications: • An impressive greeter for clients visiting the office — a real "wow" factor! • A virtual instructor to explain financial planning concepts, etc. • A modern way to communicate "face" to face with millennials Is this practical for the average RIA? Likely no. Is it totally cool? Oh yeah! What do you think? Sheryl Rowling is chief executive of Total Rebalance Expert and principal at Rowling & Associates. She considers herself a non-techie user of technology.