Whether its about the latest advancements in smart homes, smartphones, or driverless cars, we are increasingly becoming reliant on tech to get us through the day.
That means big questions for the event management industry – over what will need to change and what it will it improve.
Here’s a look at how technology is transforming the industry and the benefits of using event management software, according to Maximillion Events:
Event industry in numbers
- Agencies expecting headcount rise: 83%
- Oganisers expecting growth in events: 67%
- Planners expecting rise in even budget: 39%
- Planners using events or meeting management software: 57%
- Planners that use specialist software, who find it valuable: 96%
Why event management needs tech
- Time Saving – event management software extracts data automatically, meaning more time to focus on other priorities.
- Stops human error – painfully maintaining several spreadsheets can lead to mistakes. Software cuts that out.
- Keep an eye on costs – technology means event managers can keep an eye on money and compare to previous years.
- Help with networking – tech can help attendees share experiences, meeting face-to-face as well as with live videos or social media.
- Improving collaboration – the process of collaboration can be enhance using technology when everyone works on the same platform.
New technology set to dominate the event industry
- Geofencing – This is where GPS or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used to trigger a response when a device enters or leaves an area.
- API- an Application Programme Interface helps to keep apps and cloud platforms in one place, meaning it’s easier to use.
- Automatic marketing and email – email is again being seen as a vital part of planning promotions, while automating marketing allows for more personalised emails to prospective attendees.
- Social media – a campaign is the backbone of any event. Investors and sponsors will advertise your event while attendees can find out about it and share its content
- Live streaming – Facebook Live is the best example as it lets viewers share reactions and comment. Live streaming means events can now reach and generate a larger audience.
- Wearables – like smart watches have the potential to monetise and change everything from the site inspection process, to beverages and food.
- Augmented/Virtual Reality – VR in particular is a new trend that’s useful for conferences and meetings. It’s great for attendee engagement especially when combined with wearables.
- Drones and robots – can be uses as bartenders, caterers, personal assistants, booth attendants as well as aerial photography and video during events.
