The pandemic has spurred the adoption of software technologies and solutions in the event industry. After all, virtual and hybrid events are completely dependent on technology. And as event organizers have been somewhat forced into the technological age of event organizing, many have begun to realize the benefits of event technology. The world’s demographics today are also way different than they were just a few years ago.
Changing demographics inevitably affect the way events are planned and organized.
Previous generations have adopted this technology widely, turning this era into the digital age. They have a penchant for using advanced technologies to make life easier. Children as young as three know how to navigate mobile phones and other technologies. So, over time, people become more creative and tech-savvy.
Knowing trends in event technology and embracing those that matter most gives event organizers and managers a competitive edge. Studies show that event technology can increase attendance and productivity by a significantly higher percentage.
But with new event technologies constantly emerging, how do you know which ones to consider? We’ve got you covered with the event tech trends you need to know to succeed.
Contactless registration and check-ins
Even if events quickly return to live and hybrid events in 2022, it will take time for some in the events industry to feel comfortable seeing each other again in large groups. One solution is to use contactless registration software, which is much easier to do than most of us might think.
Here’s how it works: The event technology provider offers a check-in kiosk, and attendees simply scan a QR code on their phones upon arrival. The software sends the participant’s badge to a nearby printer to facilitate badge collection. Contactless registration improves health and safety measures and is much simpler and faster than traditional registration procedures. This means you can finally say goodbye to long lines and congestion.
NFC-enabled badges for a seamless attendee experience
While there are several badge options to choose from, NFC (near-field communication) enabled badges can make the event experience seamless and high-tech for attendees and organizers. Instead of scanning traditional barcodes or QR codes, NFC makes it possible to exchange data simply by holding the badge near another device.
Not only can this help save time and streamline processes like registration, session tracking (both active and passive), and lead retrieval, but it can also power other great badge features such as digital wallet, swag distribution etc. Overall, these badges can hold 30 times more information than QR codes, allowing all event attendees to gather more information about each attendee.
A dedicated event ticketing software
Centralize everything about your event by creating an event-specific app, a growing trend in events. This app can contain maps, schedules, speaker bio lists, lunch menus, and other information your attendees need. You can also gather important details here. If attendees RSVP for sessions on the app, you can see where your team might need more seats if a lot of attendees are expected.
You can also see where there might be fewer attendees and where you might want to promote strays if a session needs more people. You can send urgent messages through the dedicated event ticketing platform like “The juggling act will start in 10 minutes in the hall”.
Creating an online event ticketing system also contributes to the growing trend toward greener and more eco-friendly events. With all your information in one place, you’ll save paper (and money) without having to print maps, timetables, and more.
An immersive experience with VP and AR
Live events are now more than just a venue with seating arrangements and stages from which panelists or speakers can speak. By using immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), you can keep attendees engaged with your event until the very end.
From showcasing your products to taking your attendees beyond the physical confines of your venue, immersive technologies are a powerful tool for making event experiences fun and engaging.
For example, during a product launch event, you can leverage virtual or augmented reality to allow attendees to have a hands-on experience without bringing the product to the website. It also gives them a deep understanding of your product and makes your event an experience they won’t easily forget.
Live streaming features
While you don’t want to publicly share all of your event content, you can live stream select keynotes or sessions from your event. Event technology can help you stream speakers at your live event to everyone at home. For completely virtual events, you can live stream speakers from their living rooms so attendees can watch live from their own rooms.
This technology can also be used to share live or pre-recorded presentations, Q&A sessions, and more. To engage people, consider opening a text chat where people can ask questions or share their thoughts during the live stream. If you can’t go live, you can also record sessions and share them post-event to keep the conversation going and keep the public talking about the event for those who couldn’t attend or missed a session to participate in another event.
Event gamification
Have you ever waited for a movie to start at the cinema before the preview screen showed a game or a puzzle? It adds a bit of fun to the experience. You can do the same and more by gamifying your events. According to numerous studies, gamification helps develop new skill sets and increase our problem-solving abilities and is also essential for networking.
Many people mistakenly believe that gamifying at an event is using an app on a smartphone. Instead, it has more to do with human psychology than just using technology. It gives depth to any event by focusing more on the human experience. Gamification uses the gaming experience to make your experience more immersive and interactive. Include ways for attendees to earn points by answering event-specific trivia questions, participating in real or virtual scavenger hunts, completing post-session polls, and competing against other attendees during your event.
At events like sales grand openings, add leaderboards to boost competition by showing which sales regions have the most points, incorporate creative art projects to summarize sessions, book questions about this year or run a creative video pitch contest. Game and competition integrations help people engage more with your event and set it apart from other (less enjoyable) experiences.
Data tracking through wearable devices
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an inexpensive technology option that any event planning team can use to gather attendee admission information, spot access gaps, and more. Secure access and even streamline access to your events. “Signaling technology” is a similar concept and allows teams to track attendee preferences and record attendee behavior to create a more personalized experience.
RFID tracking is a cost-effective way to help your team collect useful behavioral data about attendees. Review this information to validate your event’s success and highlight areas for future improvement. For example, planners can use RFID technology as an analytics tool to track session popularity or how long attendees visit each booth. It can also help track attendees, secure event access, cashless payments, social media integration, and more. Look for PVC wristbands equipped with RFID chips.
Author Bio:
I am Rebekah Murray. I am working as a content strategist at EventBookings. I have 12+years of experience in the field of content writing. I am passionate about exploring and writing about events, technology, marketing, and education-related content. Find me on Twitter.
