What are some emerging technologies or trends that can enhance your event experience and engagement?

Emerging technologies are transforming event experiences, particularly through virtual and hybrid formats. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can create immersive environments, allowing attendees to explore content in interactive ways. Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual elements, broadening reach and engagement. Live streaming, interactive polls, and Q&A sessions enhance participation for remote attendees. Advanced event platforms also offer features like networking lounges and gamification, making experiences more engaging. Embracing these technologies fosters greater interaction, ensuring that both in-person and online attendees feel connected and valued.

Virtual and hybrid events have become an integral part of our industry, but indeed following the pandemic amongst our event agency clients there is now an increased demand for offline events, with a focus on networking. However, as a supplement, AR/VR tools are proving to be very good. As an example, I can cite a business event that was held simultaneously in different cities and at each location there was a screen through which guests, as through a portal, could see their colleagues from other cities. A simple trick, but it generated the greatest positive response.

Emerging technologies and trends poised to enhance event experiences and engagement include virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), offering immersive environments and interactive experiences; artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized attendee journeys and efficient event management; live streaming and hybrid event formats, expanding reach and participation; wearable technology for seamless access control and networking; and interactive polls and gamification to increase participation and engagement. These innovations can transform events into more engaging, accessible, and tailored experiences for all attendees.

We started using QR codes to add them onto attendee badges. This way, attendees can connect immediately without having to look someone up. We are always thinking about how we can enhance the experience for the attendees and what they need. When we implemented this at various events we put together, it was always very well received by the client and the attendees.

We found a great use of AR technology to immerse guests in the event experience. We created a 3D video with welcoming words and presentation of the event program. Then at the entrance each guest was given an invitation card with a QR code to install the app. After pointing the camera at this card, he saw this video that “levitated” around the invitation card.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing event experiences by providing immersive and interactive environments. AR can enhance live events by overlaying digital information onto the physical world, allowing attendees to access additional content, such as 3D models or videos, through their devices. VR, on the other hand, can create fully immersive experiences where participants can explore virtual spaces, attend sessions, or network from anywhere. These technologies engage attendees in novel ways, increasing retention and excitement. By incorporating AR and VR, event organizers can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are transforming event experiences by creating immersive and interactive environments. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing physical spaces with digital information, such as interactive maps, product demonstrations, or gamified experiences. VR transports attendees to virtual worlds, allowing them to explore 3D environments, attend virtual tours, or participate in immersive simulations. By integrating AR and VR into your events, you can captivate attendees, provide unique experiences, and differentiate your brand in a competitive market.

Augmented Reality (AR) technology can enhances presentations and product demos by providing quick access to additional and follow-up information. These activations can overlay digital data onto the real world, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously. During presentations, AR can display supplementary data, graphs, or videos that provide a deeper understanding of the topic. In product demos, AR can highlight product features, provide interactive 3D models, or even simulate the product's use in a real-world scenario. This immediate access to enriched content enhances the audience's understanding and engagement, making AR a powerful tool in these contexts.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are emerging as powerful tools to enhance event experiences and engagement. AI can analyze attendee data to personalize interactions, recommend sessions, and improve networking opportunities based on interests. Chatbots provide instant support through messaging platforms, answering common questions about schedules, venues, or speakers, which enhances the attendee experience. They can also assist with registration and ticketing, streamlining processes. By leveraging AI and chatbots, event organizers can offer personalized, efficient communication, ensuring attendees feel supported and engaged throughout the event.

La IA está ya permitiendo agilizar procesos que de otra manera no se podrían realizar, como predecir patrones de asistencia en función de la elección de una ciudad o una sede o automatizar el cronograma del evento ayudando a una mejor asignación de recursos (tiempo de dedicación).

Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots are revolutionizing event engagement by providing personalized experiences and real-time assistance to attendees. AI-powered chatbots can answer questions, provide event information, and offer recommendations based on attendee preferences. By analyzing data from previous events and interactions, AI algorithms can optimize event content, scheduling, and logistics to enhance the overall attendee experience. Integrating AI and chatbots into your event strategy can streamline communication, improve attendee satisfaction, and drive engagement throughout the event lifecycle.

The data and knowledge shared at events are powerful tools to drive impact. Providing insights to attendee behaviour, preferences. Enabling organizations to tailor their offerings and make informed decisions. Some events even serve as content engines for associations and academic groups. The rise of AI has further amplified the power of event data. AI can sort and aggregate vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, transforming raw data into actionable insights. It identifies patterns and correlations often missed by human analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the event dynamics. The combination of event data, knowledge sharing and AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the effectiveness and impact of events.

Uma das vantagens da IA é a de permitir a automatiza??o de tarefas operacionais como elabora??o de rooming list. Também auxilia bastante no dia a dia na criatividade.

Biometrics and facial recognition technology are emerging trends that can significantly enhance event experiences and engagement. These technologies streamline check-in processes, allowing for quick and secure access without the need for physical tickets or badges. Facial recognition can personalize interactions by identifying attendees and providing tailored content or greetings. Additionally, biometric data can enhance security and safety during events, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry. By implementing biometrics and facial recognition, event organizers can create a seamless, efficient experience that improves attendee satisfaction and engagement.

En muchos de los congresos de ámbito sanitario, es necesario llevar un control de acceso a salas de los asistentes, ya que conlleva una serie de créditos. Desde hace muchos a?os, se suele realizar mediante un control manual de personal de sala o a través de lectores de identificaciones. El reconocimiento facial ayudaría a facilitar este proceso aportando un mayor nivel de seguridad y control en el proceso.

Blockchain and smart contracts are emerging technologies that can enhance event experiences and engagement. Blockchain provides a secure, transparent way to manage ticket sales and prevent fraud, ensuring authenticity and reducing scalping. Smart contracts automate processes like ticket issuance and payments, executing transactions only when specific conditions are met. This increases efficiency and trust in the ticketing process. Additionally, blockchain can facilitate loyalty programs, allowing attendees to earn rewards for participation and engagement. By leveraging these technologies, event organizers can create a more secure, efficient, and trustworthy environment for attendees.

Blockchain technology and smart contracts are revolutionizing event management by providing secure, transparent, and decentralized solutions for ticketing, payments, and contracts. Blockchain enables tamper-proof record-keeping and transparent transactions, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of event data and transactions. Smart contracts automate and enforce agreements between event organizers, vendors, and attendees, reducing administrative overhead and minimizing disputes. By leveraging blockchain and smart contracts, event organizers can enhance trust, transparency, and efficiency in event operations, resulting in smoother processes and improved attendee experiences.

Think about how you will cross the digital and analog worlds. Teams need to be careful dividing their execution teams up and making them focus on one area without a viewpoint to the other. For example, having an Event Digital Strategist is vital and powerful, but if they are only aware of the digital strategy and have yet to connect and align their strategies to the analog team, both will suffer. Modern humans live in both the analogue and digital ecosystems. The analog is still the most natural and comfortable experience for most. Ask questions of your team: if we do "A" in analog experience, how will we support it in the digital world? If we do "B" in digital, how will we reinforce it with an analog human experience?

Implementing eco-friendly tech like digital signage or QR codes instead of print materials can be a great way to align with growing concern for environmental issues.

I would most clearly add 2 more to this list: 1. AI-Powered Matchmaking / B2B Networking Networking is a key motivator for event attendance, the AI ensures participants engage with like-minded professionals. Powered by algorithms, this feature analyzes attendee profiles, interests, and networking objectives to facilitate meaningful connections. 2. Smart Wearables Technology can now be integrated into the attendee attire, transforming the way they engage with the event. Imagine a smart badge or wristband that not only grants access but also serves as a personalized event guide, providing real-time schedules, speaker information, and interactive maps. It's an innovative and effective way to enhance attendee experiences and collect data.

The question will always be: what is the problem to solve or the opportunity you want to tackle, and which technology is the best positioned to support you. When it comes to choosing a networking technology, I suggest you start by asking yourself: what is the experience I want to create? Most of the networking technology focus on "speed networking", which is very transactional and provides little value. Some of us are would rather propose a "deep networking" approach, that focuses on quality rather than quantity. In that case, meaningful relationships are developed during your event, and not after. You choose!

Acrescento aqui as ferramentas de Tradu??o Simultanea por IA! Um grande avan?o para o mercado. As plataformas que tem se destacado podem ser acessadas pelo próprio celular, e com possibilidade de tradu??o para mais de 70 idiomas. Estou muito animada com esta possibilidade!