The Chief of the RFID Tribe Speaks About the Past, Present, and Future

By Rick Lingle, Packaging World

Mark Johnson could be called the chief of the RFID Tribe as well as a founder. Johnson formed the RFID Tribe two years ago on the principle that members collaborate and help each other in the emerging technology of RFID. That's according to Johnson, who started the concept in the first quarter of 2004 with 20 members meeting to collaborate about RFID technology in Dallas, TX.

Mark Johnson

Johnson's motivation for spearheading RFID Tribe? "I'm passionate about technology and technologists," he responds. Members come from such companies as Coca-Cola, P&G, Schering-Plough, Tesco, Unilever, and Wal-Mart.

What is the RFID Tribe and what does it do?

RFID Tribe is a global association for RFID professionals with local chapters. The group of industry experts collaborates on RFID and sensor technology, standards, venture capital, products, solutions, industry trends, people, and events. RFID Tribe's members use group e-mail and electronic bulletin boards tied to special interest groups and to geographical chapters to collaborate with RFID experts around the world. They use chapter meetings to collaborate with members from their metro area. RFID Tribe provides a platform for members to collaborate both locally and globally, along with a job board for RFID technology talent. The group serves as an engine for ideas, people, and capital.

What void does RFID Tribe fill?

RFID Tribe is comprised of individuals of which about 60% have technical backgrounds and 40% have commercial backgrounds. The cross-pollination of both technical and commercial interests makes the group vibrant. RFID Tribe is comprised of end-users, vendors, and academics from around the world.

What happens at a meeting?

RFID Tribe meetings are structured to encourage collaboration. A typical meeting starts with networking followed by lunch during which attendees hear presentations from one or two speakers. Each meeting has a theme. Examples include RFID and Consumer Packaging, RFID Middleware Technology, Starting and Funding an RFID Firm. The meeting wraps up with an opportunity for entrepreneurial collaboration.

What's with the "tribe" angle?

A tribe is a simply a group of people who have a common interest or objective. Individuals organize around RFID Tribe's geographical chapters and its special interest groups to find those individuals with whom they share common interests and with whom they choose to collaborate. The members affiliate with individuals who share their specific sets of interests and their area of expertise; for example, RFID Tribe Dallas, RFID Tribe Manufacturing, and RFID Tribe Healthcare.

What's ahead for the RFID Tribe?

RFID Tribe's direction is up to the members. Some of our best ideas have come from members who say, "I wish RFID Tribe did this for its members." RFID Tribe is currently working on education/learning initiatives with RFID education providers. RFID Tribe will continue its rapid growth from its current 2,000 members in 60 countries to more than 30,000 members. As the local chapters grow, chapter leaders guide each chapter's agenda and direction. RFID Tribe is growing rapidly and needs leaders for its local chapters.