Digital Signage hero, Dave Haynes posts his final goodbye.

After nearly two decades of shaping the narrative and fostering community within the digital signage industry, Dave Haynes, the voice behind the hugely influential Sixteen:Nine publication, has announced his retirement. This marks the end of an era for many in the sector, as Haynes steps away having penned over 11,000 posts and conducted more than 400 podcasts, building Sixteen:Nine into the go-to independent resource for news, analysis, and opinion.

Launched in 2006, Sixteen:Nine quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the digital signage world. At a time when the industry was still finding its footing, Haynes provided consistent, insightful commentary, cutting through the noise with his characteristic candor and deep understanding. His daily blog posts were a must-read for professionals across the globe, offering a blend of industry updates, technology insights, and often, a healthy dose of skepticism directed at hype and inflated claims. The accompanying podcasts further solidified his reputation, providing in-depth conversations with key figures and thought leaders.

What next?

The publication is set to embark on a new chapter, picked up and run by Invidis, a prominent German-based consulting and publishing company specializing in digital signage. Invidis, with its own established reputation for industry analysis and events, appears well-positioned to carry the torch.

In a statement acknowledging the transition, Invidis expressed its commitment to preserving the core values that made Sixteen:Nine so successful.

"We will do our best to uphold that tradition and keep the essence of Sixteen:Nine alive,"

they stated, signaling a dedication to maintaining the publication's independent voice and insightful content. This assurance will undoubtedly be welcomed by the loyal readership built by Haynes.

For many, Dave Haynes' retirement signifies the closing of a significant chapter in the digital signage industry. His tireless dedication, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to independent journalism have left an indelible mark. As Sixteen:Nine transitions under Invidis' stewardship, the industry will be watching with keen interest, hopeful that the new custodians can indeed "uphold that tradition" and continue to provide the vital insights and community that Dave Haynes so expertly cultivated for so long. The digital signage world owes a debt of gratitude to Dave Haynes, and while he steps away from the daily grind, his influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Dave on several occasions and he has always been like a virtual, digital and physical mentor. He’s wishing him an incredibly happy retirement!