In our previous article, we gave you a glimpse of where the events industry is headed in the future when it comes to the adoption of new and upcoming technologies. (In case you haven’t read it yet, we do recommend you check it out here!)
This new article is all about highlighting some of the most exciting ways technology could be practically used in your next event. These are our insights and ideas coming from several decades of combined experience in the events industry. So, without further ado, let’s dig right in!
If you’re not looking to read our full guide, why not cheat and just check out our infographic here…
8 Ways Technology Could Feature In The Future Of Events
In this section, we’ve compiled some of the best tech ideas that we would love to see and use in future events. Countless event companies across the globe, including Purple Patch, have been utilising several of these to get great results while some of them are simply there for inspiration
1. Measuring footfall and traffic using smart mats
In case you are planning a large international event or an exhibition, it’s a good idea to measure not just the footfall at the entrance but also traffic around specific areas in your event arena. Using smart mats throughout the arena can help you do this efficiently and even map the event space by the popularity.
2. Use chatbots to make communication seamless
In our previous article, we shared how chatbots can be used to personalise recommendations for your event attendees and help keep them engaged using the power of AI (or Artificial Intelligence).
But the possibilities with chatbots are virtually endless! For example, if you are planning to organise an auction, how about using chatbots to tell your attendees instantly if their silent auction bid gets trumped and then give them in-auction tips?
3. Analyse emotional responses using big data
Did you know you could use big data to analyse the response of your audience to the presentation content by measuring their heart rates in real-time? This data alone could revolutionise the way you run your future events! Helping you achieve better results and better ROI eventually as you learn more about how your audience thinks and perceives what you present to them.
4. Reach your audience wherever they are
Using tools like iBeacon to communicate with or send messages to the event delegates depending on the areas they are currently in is a great way of guiding delegates around the event space. If you use this idea for trade fairs, it becomes fairly easy to drive traffic to various event areas at specific times in the day, e.g. to listen to a seminar.
When paired with AI and chat bots this could be an exceptionally powerful tool!
5. Make networking easy with personalisation
Ever noticed how dating apps use proximity to promote communication on their platforms? In a similar way, you too can leverage this same technology at your event along with a fair degree of personalisation to instantly message and let your attendees know when they are in close proximity to someone who’s on their “want to meet” list. This could be used with great success at corporate events, networking events or exhibitions.
6. Stream live event video to reach the online audience
This is one trend you can’t afford to miss out on, unless your event is purposely a private one. Most event organisers today will have an onsite video editing and streaming of the live event for social media distribution, or event just to share with delegates on a dedicated website so that no one misses out on key speeches or seminars. Allowing them to log in whenever they want and get a slice of the action.
7. Using facial recognition and biometrics to offer personalisation
Not only can you use facial recognition and biometrics for improved security and screening at a public events for example, but also the same technology can be utlised to create an exceptional delegate experience using personalised greetings for attendees as they enter different spaces.
How about guiding attendees to their seats using facial recognition, and therefore allowing the speakers to identify with specific people in the crowd using this information?
8. Utilising AR and VR
As mentioned in our previous piece, VR and AR are set to change the events game, but how can you use them to improve your events?
AR is a great way to make your presentations stand out, literally, by placing graphics in the audiences 3D world! Using AR to creative interactive charts and graphs, or to bring 2D presentations to life right infront of their eyes.
VR is a close second the AR. By allowing people to enter a virtual reality either at your event or at the comfort of their office you’re able to immerse the audience members in your messages, not just read them. Alongside this is the opportunity to host more attendees to your events without increasing your costs, by letting them check-in in VR from their office or home. Increasing your reach and exposure, while amazing your audience.
Final Thoughts
Although there are limitless possibilities for the use of the above tech in events, we know that some of them are a lot further away from reality than others. However, event tech is only just getting started and you can be sure to see technology make its way into professional events in 2019 and beyond.
Having said this, it’s advisable that you don’t focus solely on fancy technology and try to look at the bigger picture when it comes to making your event a success.
No fancy event tech can replace doing your homework and being certain about the kind of ROI that you can realistically expect from the technology you are planning to invest in.
Find out more about our events services.