In a world where experiences reign supreme, the event industry has seen a seismic shift toward delivering unforgettable moments that engage and inspire attendees. In this context, technology has become the catalyst that’s helping event planners create customised and personalised experiences that seamlessly blend the physical and digital worlds.
From clever gadgets to event management software or apps, technological advancements have changed the way attendees interact with events, making it easier than ever to capture attention, drive engagement, and create memories that last long after the event’s curtains close.
VR and AR technology
VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technology has rapidly infiltrated the events industry (along with most others). This technological innovation provides a unique chance for event organisers to showcase a product, artwork, or even a keynote speech in entirely new and immersive ways.
Virtual Reality can transport attendees to other worlds and can be used to create virtual showrooms or experiential art displays. On the other hand, Augmented Reality can enhance the event floor by adding digital layers to the physical surroundings. Attendees can use their smartphones or tablets to scan images and objects which can trigger relevant VR and AR experiences to complement the event.
As the technology becomes more sophisticated, VR and AR will soon become the norm for events, rather than the exception. Incorporating this cutting-edge technology into events can provide a unique experience that sets events apart from standard events and can elevate those experiences to a new level.
AI-powered chatbots
AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly popular at events as they offer a new and personalized way to interact with attendees. Rather than relying entirely on event staff, chatbots can provide timely and accurate answers to frequently asked questions and provide general event information quickly. They also provide the opportunity for attendees to have an interactive experience, thus helping to engage and retain them throughout the event.
The chatbots use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to attendee questions, providing a seamless experience via voice or text. Additionally, the chatbots can track engagement and provide insights into attendee behavior and preferences, helping event planners tailor their future events more effectively.
Digitised networking
Networking has always been a crucial aspect of any event, whether it’s meeting people or generating business leads. But with the advent of digital networking tools, organisers can now amplify attendees’ experiences and improve connections more than ever before.
From online meeting platforms to social media apps, digitized networking makes it easier for attendees to engage with one another, create connections, and cultivate relationships. These digital networking tools help attendees connect with relevant people that they may not have met otherwise, making the overall event experience richer.
Livestreaming
Livestreaming an event is rapidly becoming a popular trend in the industry. It provides an effective way to engage a broader audience, increase attendance, and offer unique opportunities for people who can’t attend the event in person. Livestream involves broadcasting an event in real-time over the internet, allowing viewers to watch and interact simultaneously.
Livestreaming creates a sense of inclusivity by opening up the event to individuals and audiences who might not have been able to attend due to travel restrictions, work commitments, or a lack of available tickets. This greatly increases the reach of the event and potentially leads to a broader audience. Moreover, post-event, the recorded livestream can be repurposed as valuable marketing material, showcasing the event’s highlights and generating long-term engagement.
Livestreaming events can provide interactive options for virtual attendees to participate, share their opinions, and engage with other attendees. Through real-time chat and social media integration, they can comment, ask questions, and provide audience feedback, thus building an online community around the event.
Wearable technology
Wearable technology is one of the latest event tech trends that are changing the way attendees interact with events and increasing attendee engagement. Wearables like smart badges and wristbands can provide attendees with personalized and interactive experiences, keeping them engaged throughout the event.
For example, attendees can use smart badges to check in, access event information, track their movements, and receive real-time notifications about sessions and speakers. Smart wristbands enable attendees to interact with other attendees, participate in challenges and activities, and even make cashless payments for food and drinks.
Wearable technology also provides event planners with valuable data that they can use to understand attendees’ preferences and behaviors better. Organisers can analyse the data and tailor their events and marketing strategies to meet attendees’ expectations, resulting in higher satisfaction levels and increased ROI.
Conclusion
Livestreaming, wearable technology, AI-powered chatbots, digitized networking, AR, and VR technologies are just some of the latest event tech trends that can increase event attendance, provide data-driven insights, and engage attendees in new and exciting ways.
By incorporating the latest event tech trends, event planners can create memorable, unique, and immersive experiences that attendees will remember long after the event ends, driving long-term engagement and loyalty. It is essential to stay up-to-date with these changes to continue providing the highest level of attendee experience.
In conclusion, staying on top of the latest event technology trends is crucial for staying competitive in the industry and meeting attendee expectations, and ultimately, for creating unforgettable events.
