Technological development is the process through which technology or processes are invented, innovated, and spread.
The COVID-19 outbreak created unprecedented difficulties for the events sector. From multinational corporations to small enterprises, all businesses that depended on in-person meetings suffered significant losses. With nationwide lockdowns, an intrusive question hung over the heads of every event planner: Is the future of events in jeopardy? Recent developments in event technology, on the other hand, have shown the industry’s flexibility and durability.
Without further ado, let us dive into the new and upcoming technological trends that will transform the lives of individuals and the industry.
Insight
New technology is introduced regularly in the events industry, and it is either accepted or transcended. When it comes to corporate events, the business is always evolving. Occasionally, amazing technology that we could only imagine at one point in time becomes standard practice in our lives. Some trends, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, are still evolving and will continue to significantly impact businesses in the upcoming years. Even so, certain technological advancements provide us with a peek of what is yet to come. BlackOak Technical Productions can help you with human-friendly technical services according to your needs.
First, let us get to know what event technology really is!
Event Technology
Event technology is defined as any electronic equipment, software applications, or tools used to help plan events. It can make the process of registering, checking in, live streaming event production, or scheduling easier. Alternatively, it may produce sophisticated and powerful presentations, complete with lighting, music, and staging. However, technology can both facilitate and improve an event in every given circumstance.
Event technology, on the other hand, is not only for event planners and venues. Event attendees may also improve their overall experience by using the technologies made accessible to them via smartphone applications, social media, and wearable technology, among other things. It is no secret that technology can enhance our everyday lives. However, it also can transform an event by streamlining logistics and engaging your visitors in the process.
Augmented Reality (AR)
We see augmented reality (AR) utilized more and more in meetings and corporate events. However, technology has only been available for a few years. One of the ways you may utilize augmented reality at your next event is by animating static items to draw more attention. For example, you can use customizable filters and frames to convey a sponsor’s narrative or notify guests about new items on your website. As a result, attendees will be able to interact with the brand and the venue in a new, entertaining, and engaging manner, which will enhance the entire experience.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Experiential marketing and events have seen a tremendous increase in popularity over the past several years. Virtual reality (VR) is a fantastic tool for bringing a shared experience to online meetings and conferences. Using virtual reality, you can take guests on team-building museum tours, enable them to explore a virtual trade fair, or provide them with a thorough product demonstration.
To shoot in virtual reality, you will need a virtual reality camera and tripod, as well as a computer and VR editing software to put your final presentation together. You will also need to make sure that every event attendee has access to a VR headset. A fantastic option is to provide all registrants with low-cost virtual reality headgear, such as Google Cardboard, to use with their smartphone.
Extended Reality (XR) and Mixed Reality (MR)
Extended reality is an umbrella word that refers to all “immersive” reality experiences, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). For example, extended reality (XR) aims to provide people with an immersive experience by linking the interactive and physical worlds via technology.
Most people connect mixed reality with virtual reality headsets such as the Oculus Go, Oculus Quest, HP Reverb, Samsung Gear VR, Sony PlayStation VR, and Valve Index. However, there are more options available. Users are transported to a new world via these headsets, which are mainly used for gaming. Users may interact with the environment through the use of hand controllers that are supplied with the headset.
Although mixed reality began as a game and entertainment technology, it has found uses in various sectors, including education and training. Businesses are integrating augmented reality and mixed reality technology to provide training without traditional training equipment. The market’s growth is being fueled by rising demand for high-end consumer electronics, the launch of low-cost gadgets, and the expanding buying power of emerging economies.
However, the market’s development may be hampered by expensive setup costs and the lack of battery backups. Additionally, the market faces several barriers to mixed reality’s acceptance as the next disruptive technology.
Artificial Intelligence
AI will be a universal technology that supports almost every element of the event experience, including logistical, ticket sales, venue and transportation reservations, and attendance management. In short, artificial intelligence is changing the world.
Facial Recognition
Intelligent face recognition software powered by deep learning algorithms can potentially alter the exhibitor/attendee interaction matrix fundamentally. Hosts can instantly determine who a delegate is, their professional history, their hot and cold spots and if they are just stopping by to say hello or are actively seeking business. AI can make interpersonal interactions smoother and more productive for all parties, whether they meet in a physical or a virtual space.
Tracking
Additionally, virtually every action taken by a representative throughout an event will be tracked. Which web pages they linger on, which stands they visit, and even how much coffee they consume (during physical events), as well as which subjects get their hearts racing. Predictive analytics will anticipate what your customers want before they ask for it based on this data. The event feedback loop will be immediate, meaningful, and programmable by design.
Chatbots
Chatbots are computer software that simulates human-to-human communication, particularly over the Internet. They currently provide a significant amount of customer support; however, artificially intelligent chatbots will be the standard in the near future. Facebook has already implemented chatbots and is getting a lot of positive feedback.
Live Streaming
Event organizers have been using live streaming to offer high-quality hybrid events for some time now. However, with stay-at-home orders in place across most of North America, it has taken on added significance.
You may provide information to individuals who were unable to attend in person while boosting brand exposure and message via event platforms and social media. The more buzz generated by your live stream, the more interested people will get and the more likely they are to buy tickets to any subsequent events you plan.
Streaming may be utilized in conjunction with a conventional event location and offers accessibility for attendees who may have difficulties attending live events. Consider putting up displays and broadcasting key lectures, demonstrations, or presentations if you are hosting a big event in a vast location. This increases the number of individuals who connect with your event’s content and enables them to get the most out of their experience.
Live Translation
Although translation apps are not a new technology, their continuous development has resulted in advancements that have increased their use and relevance.
A communication breakdown may negatively impact an attendee’s experience. Similarly, failing to provide your events in various languages may significantly restrict your audience pool, especially with digital events.
Whether you utilize translation software, you will increase accessibility and ensure that all participants feel connected to and engaged with the information you deliver.
Determine how to make this technology easily accessible, whether through a headset, a mobile device, or an online conversation.
RFID
RFID improves the attendance experience by removing the need for tickets and physical payments at in-person events. RFID chips are tiny enough to fit into attendance wristbands and badges. Since they are scannable, they expedite the registration process. Additionally, they may be used to make cashless purchases on-site at events such as concerts and food festivals.
RFID is advantageous for speeding up person-to-person contacts in COVID-19 times and is worth considering for socially isolated events. Additionally, you can monitor guests’ behavior and mobility, providing important information about the venue’s layout by using RFID technology.
Event Planner
A competent event planner must be able to do multitasking while making required adjustments on the go. As a result, an increasing number of event planners are using project management tools and event technology to save time and money.
Because event planning may be a complex and time-consuming process, look for a platform that makes it simple to create a fully functioning event website, develop an event agenda, and manage registration/ticket sales.
Conclusion
COVID-19 posed significant difficulties for even the most seasoned event organizers. Cancellations and postponements have paved the path for virtual events, necessitating an increased reliance on event technology.
The good news is that event technology usage and development have been increasing for some time. With its acceptance unlikely to halt anytime soon, the existing choices will only improve and become more accessible. There are some undervalued marketing trends and also upcoming ones. Be sure to keep an eye on them.