Live events are back in a big way following the stultifying effects of the pandemic. This time around, however, they look a little different. Amid all the action, a new focus on technology is developing, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at its centre.?
Just a few months ago, both Google and Microsoft unveiled new AI-powered features for their productivity-software products. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella summed up the game-changing potential: “We believe this next generation of A.I. will unlock a new wave of productivity growth: powerful copilots designed to remove the drudgery from our daily tasks and jobs, freeing us to rediscover the joy of creation.”?
Three ways corporate event organisers can use AI tools??
AI is now making huge waves in the world of events, reshaping how many companies design live experiences. Here’s a snapshot:-?
- Task automation: PCMA and Gevme launched Project Spark, an AI productivity tool, at IMEX Frankfurt this year. Designed to jump-start routine event planning tasks, such as writing session descriptions, speaker bios, video transcriptions and agendas, it potentially offers huge time savings for event planners. The team claims there could be a 70 per cent time saving on setting tasks.?
- Sentiment Analysis: AI-powered sentiment analysis tools can assess attendee feedback and reviews to gauge brand sentiment. Zenus’ Ethical Facial Analysis system measures impressions, demographics and positive/negative sentiment at an event - all in real time. The IMEX team experimented with Zenus to collect anonymised data (i.e. this doesn’t include information that may lead to an individual being identified) about certain IMEX show features (such as the giant letters at IMEX Frankfurt – aka the selfie hotspot!) as well as sponsor activations. The resulting insights have helped us understand how people respond to localised physical aspects of our events. Relying on data alongside anecdotal feedback and our own experience has shifted the way we make decisions about some aspects of event design.??
- Personalised learning experiences: A survey by Deloitte states that more than 50 per cent of companies currently use AI for employee training and it’s easy to see why. One of its most significant benefits is the ability to provide customised feedback to employees based on their individual needs and performance. Monitoring employee activities allows for real-time analysis of their work, providing insights into areas where they excel and those that need improvement – in turn, shaping learning and development programmes. Additionally, AI can provide predictive insight into potential issues or opportunities enabling companies to take preventative measures before any problems arise.??
In a world where resources are stretched, deadlines are tight and to-do lists are long, many corporate event planners are now looking to AI to enhance how they work.? We’re at the beginning of a new era of technological growth. No-one knows where it’s going to lead, but we do know the pace of change is – already - supersonic.??
Want to know more?? One of our education tracks at IMEX America this year is dedicated to Technology and Innovation – we can guarantee plenty of insights, guidance and good advice. There’s also a dedicated learning programme for corporate event planners at IMEX America covering stakeholder relations, event design and neuroscience. More details here.?
