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Event Trends 2026: What Corporate Event Organisers Need to Know

Event Trends 2026: What Corporate Event Organisers Need to Know

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The events industry is changing. Here is what the Event Trends for 2026 are showing.

In 2026, corporate event organisers are under increasing pressure to deliver better attendee experiences, measurable results and greater efficiency—often while working with tighter budgets.

Artificial intelligence, personalised experiences, real-time data, seamless registration and sustainability are becoming increasingly important to the way events are planned and delivered.

But the biggest shift isn’t simply about adopting new technology.

It’s about using technology to create better human experiences and prove the value of events.

Recent 2026 industry research according to Forrester points to the same direction: AI is becoming more practical, event data is becoming more important, and organisations are placing greater emphasis on measurable outcomes and attendee experience.

Here’s what corporate marketing teams, event managers and exhibition organisers should be watching.

What are the biggest event trends for 2026?

The biggest event trends for 2026 include:

  1. AI becoming a practical event management tool
  2. Personalised attendee experiences
  3. Seamless and contactless registration
  4. Real-time event data and analytics
  5. Greater focus on event ROI
  6. More sustainable events
  7. Smaller, more intentional experiences
  8. Technology integration instead of disconnected systems

Let’s look at what each means for event organisers.

1. AI Is Moving From Experiment to Everyday Event Technology

AI has been one of the biggest conversations in the events industry.

But in 2026, the question is changing.

It’s no longer simply:

“Can we use AI for our event?”

The better question is:

“Where can AI actually make our event better?”

Industry research shows that event professionals are increasingly focused on practical AI applications that save time, improve productivity and provide measurable value. Cvent reports that 50% of meeting planners are using AI to help plan and execute events, while 84% expect AI to have a moderate to major impact on the meetings and events industry in 2026.

Where can AI be used in events?

AI can support areas such as:

  • Event planning
  • Attendee communications
  • Registration
  • Personalisation
  • Content recommendations
  • Data analysis
  • Lead qualification
  • Reporting
  • Predictive insights

The opportunity isn’t to add AI simply because it’s fashionable.

The opportunity is to remove repetitive work and give event teams more time to focus on people.

2. Personalisation Is Becoming an Attendee Expectation

A generic event experience isn’t enough anymore.

Attendees want information that is relevant to them.

That could mean:

  • Relevant sessions
  • Personalised communications
  • Recommended networking opportunities
  • Content based on interests
  • Easier navigation
  • More choice over their event experience

Cvent’s 2026 research highlights a shift towards attendee-led personalisation, where people have more control over the content, connections and experiences that are relevant to them.

For corporate events, this can make a significant difference.

A financial services conference, pharmaceutical conference and internal HR event may all have completely different audiences.

The experience should reflect that.

3. Registration Needs to Be Seamless

One of the simplest ways to improve an event experience is to remove unnecessary friction.

Registration is often the first physical interaction an attendee has with an event.

If they arrive to find:

  • Long queues
  • Manual paperwork
  • Incorrect information
  • Slow check-in
  • Badge printing delays

…the experience starts badly.

Modern event registration technology can simplify the process through:

Online registration ? automated communications ? QR code check-in ? onsite accreditation ? real-time attendance tracking

For conference and exhibition organisers, this creates a smoother arrival experience while giving organisers better visibility of attendance.

4. Real-Time Data Is Becoming More Valuable

Event data used to be something teams reviewed after the event.

That’s changing.

Marketing teams increasingly want to understand what is happening while the event is happening.

For example:

  • How many people have arrived?
  • What is the attendance rate?
  • Which sessions are attracting the most people?
  • How many leads are exhibitors capturing?
  • Are VIPs attending?
  • Where are registration bottlenecks occurring?

Real-time data gives event teams the opportunity to make decisions while there is still time to act.

It also creates better reporting for stakeholders after the event.

5. Event ROI Matters More Than Ever

One of the biggest questions marketing directors face after an event is:

“What did we get for our investment?”

Events are increasingly being treated as measurable business activities rather than simply marketing expenses.

Cvent’s 2026 research highlights the growing importance of events as a source of first-party data and measurable business insight.

For corporate events, meaningful measurement can include:

  • Registrations
  • Attendance
  • Engagement
  • Leads generated
  • Sponsor interactions
  • Session participation
  • Attendee feedback
  • Follow-up opportunities

The goal isn’t simply to say:

“We had 500 attendees.”

It’s to understand what those 500 attendees actually contributed to the event’s objectives.

6. Sustainability Is Becoming Part of Event Strategy

Sustainability is no longer simply a nice addition to an event proposal.

It is becoming part of the planning conversation.

Organisers are looking at areas including:

  • Travel
  • Food and catering
  • Energy
  • Printed materials
  • Waste
  • Venue selection
  • Digital alternatives

Importantly, sustainability doesn’t have to mean making an event less impressive.

The focus is increasingly on understanding where an event creates the greatest environmental impact and making decisions based on measurable data.

7. Smaller, More Intentional Events Are Growing

Bigger doesn’t always mean better.

In 2026, there is increasing interest in events that prioritise quality of interaction over sheer attendee numbers.

For corporate marketing teams, this could mean:

  • Executive roundtables
  • Client events
  • Industry breakfasts
  • Smaller networking events
  • VIP experiences
  • Targeted roadshows

The objective becomes less about filling a room and more about getting the right people into the room.

This is particularly relevant for financial services, B2B marketing and high-value client engagement.

8. Event Technology Needs to Work Together

Event organisers don’t want another five systems that need to be managed separately.

They want technology that works together.

For example:

Registration

?

Communication

?

QR Check-In

?

Badge Printing

?

Attendance Data

?

Lead Capture

?

Reporting

The more connected the event journey becomes, the less manual administration is required.

Forrester’s 2026 research found that two-thirds of organisations surveyed had integrated their primary event platform with their wider sales and marketing technology stack—a 44% year-on-year increase. Organisations with deeper integrations were also more likely to activate event data effectively and report greater satisfaction with event performance.

What Do These Event Trends Mean for Corporate Marketing Teams?

The biggest takeaway is simple:

Technology isn’t the goal. Better events are the goal.

AI, QR codes, analytics and automation only matter if they help you:

  • Save your team time
  • Improve the attendee experience
  • Increase engagement
  • Capture better data
  • Support exhibitors and sponsors
  • Demonstrate ROI
  • Reduce event-day stress

The best event technology should work quietly in the background while your team focuses on the people in the room.

How RSVP Agency Helps Organisations Deliver Better Events

At RSVP Agency, we combine event technology with hands-on support to help corporate teams deliver seamless events.

Our solutions include:

  • Online event registration
  • Conference registration
  • Exhibition registration
  • Event ticketing
  • QR code check-in
  • Onsite accreditation
  • Name badge printing
  • Lead capture
  • CPD attendance tracking
  • Real-time attendance reporting
  • Event analytics
  • Onsite registration support

From the first invitation to the final report, our goal is to make the event journey easier for organisers and better for attendees. Read more here.

The Future of Events Is Smarter—but Still Human

AI and event technology will continue to change the industry.

But the most successful events won’t necessarily be the ones using the most technology.

They’ll be the ones using the right technology in the right places.

Because behind every registration, QR scan, data point and interaction is a person.

And that’s what great events are ultimately about.

People connecting. People engaging. People doing business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Event Trends 2026

What is the biggest event trend in 2026?

AI is one of the most significant event trends in 2026, particularly for practical applications such as planning, automation, personalisation, communications and data analysis. However, attendee experience, measurable ROI and technology integration are also major priorities.

How is AI changing event management?

AI is helping event teams automate repetitive tasks, analyse data, personalise attendee experiences and generate insights. The focus in 2026 is shifting from experimenting with AI to demonstrating tangible business value.

What technology is important for conferences in 2026?

Important conference technology includes online registration, QR code check-in, digital or onsite badge printing, attendee management, real-time reporting, lead capture and integrated event data.

Why is event data important?

Event data helps marketing teams understand attendance, engagement, lead generation and event performance. It also provides evidence that can be used to demonstrate event ROI and improve future events.

Are sustainable events becoming more important?

Yes. Sustainability is increasingly being incorporated into event strategy, with organisers examining areas such as travel, food, energy, waste and materials. Measurement is becoming increasingly important to ensure sustainability efforts have meaningful impact.

What will corporate events look like in the future?

Corporate events are likely to become more personalised, data-driven and technology-enabled, while continuing to prioritise human connection. Successful events will combine automation and intelligent technology with meaningful face-to-face experiences.

Ready for the Future of Events?

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, exhibition, financial services event, pharmaceutical conference, roadshow or internal corporate event, RSVP Agency can help simplify the registration and attendee journey.

Let’s make your next event smarter, smoother and easier to manage.

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How Real-Time Event Attendance Tracking Transforms Corporate Events

How Real-Time Event Attendance Tracking Transforms Corporate Events

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Discover how real-time event attendance tracking with corporate event software improves ROI, compliance, and engagement. Learn how QR code check-in and RSVP software for corporates turns events into measurable business assets.

Corporate events are only as effective as the data they generate. Yet many organisations still rely on manual check-ins, spreadsheets, and disconnected systems to track attendance. This results in inaccurate records, lost insights, and limited visibility into event ROI. As we discussed in Why Most Corporate Events Fail to Deliver ROI, fragmented event systems make it almost impossible to measure ROI accurately.

Modern corporate event software solves this problem, giving event teams real-time attendance tracking, accurate reporting, and actionable analytics.

Why Accurate Event Attendance Tracking Matters

Without precise attendance tracking, event teams can’t answer critical questions:

  • How many guests actually attended vs registered?
  • Which sessions or activities drove engagement?
  • Did the event meet business objectives or ROI goals?

Integrated RSVP software for corporates ensures that every guest interaction is logged, verified, and ready for analysis — transforming raw attendance data into actionable insights.

QR Code Check-In: Fast, Reliable, and Scalable

QR code check-in is now the most effective way to capture real-time attendance at corporate events.

Key benefits include:

  • Speed: Guests scan QR codes at entry, eliminating queues.
  • Accuracy: No manual errors from handwritten lists.
  • Real-Time Data: Teams can monitor attendance live.
  • Integration: Attendance flows automatically into dashboards for reporting and analytics.

For conferences, exhibitions, and internal corporate events, QR code check-in is essential to achieving accurate event data analytics.

Research published in this journal has shown that QR code?based attendance systems can significantly improve attendance tracking efficiency and accuracy, reducing human error and administrative burden compared to traditional methods, particularly in environments with large participant numbers.

Turning Attendance Data Into Actionable Insights

Real-time attendance tracking is only useful if it leads to actionable decisions. Leading corporate event teams leverage this data to:

  • Monitor session popularity and adjust on-site schedules
  • Identify no-show patterns or low-engagement areas
  • Compare attendance across multiple events
  • Feed accurate insights directly into post-event reporting

This approach transforms events from operational tasks into strategic marketing assets.

Compliance and Security Benefits

Attendance tracking isn’t just about data — it’s also about compliance and governance. Modern corporate event software ensures:

  • POPIA-compliant secure guest data storage
  • Digital indemnity and consent forms linked to attendance
  • Verified records for CPD accreditation and reporting

Embedding compliance into the attendance process reduces risk and administrative overhead while keeping your organisation audit-ready.

How Integrated Corporate Event Software Makes It Possible

High-performing event teams rely on one integrated system that manages:

  • Invitations & RSVPs
  • Ticketing & payment
  • QR code check-in
  • Attendance dashboards
  • Surveys and post-event insights

Everything consolidates into a single source of truth, giving leadership confidence in the metrics and allowing teams to optimise events in real time.

Conclusion

Real-time event attendance tracking is no longer optional for corporate events. It is critical for:

  • Improving guest engagement
  • Measuring ROI accurately
  • Ensuring compliance
  • Scaling events efficiently

When attendance is tracked automatically with integrated RSVP software for corporates and QR code check-in, every event becomes measurable, optimisable, and repeatable — turning events from cost centres into strategic business assets.

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Event Tech Trends You Need To Know About

Event Tech Trends You Need To Know About

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Event technology continues to evolve at an exponential rate. With myriad new software and applications touted as the next big thing, it’s hard to know which event tech trends are worth paying attention to. One thing we know for sure is that event technology will continue to change the face of events as we know them – for the better. We’re hedging our bets on the following five trends that are shaping events around the globe.

Event tech trend # 1: Apps are the order of the day

Bespoke apps created specifically for an event were, until recently, a luxury few brands could afford. Just like Uber, Order In and Uber Eats have become commonplace; event apps will soon be too. The most obvious benefit of an event app is that it encourages engagement (another event tech buzzword that we’ll get to in a bit) In addition, you can gamify data collection and present it in a way that’s user-friendly to boot. From simplifying the check-in and registration process to collecting crucial guest data, bespoke event apps will not only enhance the guest experience – but that of event managers too.

Event tech trend # 2: Virtual payments will become de rigueur

Your guests are already using cashless payment systems like Snapscan, FlickPay, Master Pass and the like. While virtual wallets have been popping up at events like Kamers and the KKNK, they’ll soon become the industry’s preferred method for financial transactions at both corporate and commercial events. You can also expect virtual payments at events to move beyond the virtual wallet: last year saw the launch of Mastercard’s ‘Selfie Pay’, a system which uses facial recognition. The app has been rolled out in various European countries, with plans to launch in SA in the coming months.

Event tech trend # 3: Social media makes live streaming events easier than ever

Social media behemoths Facebook, Instagram and Twitter’s Periscope embraced the power of video and launched live streaming options at the end of last year, making what was previously a costly and complicated task as easy as opening your smartphone’s camera. Live streaming your event not only increases exposure, but also connects guests and speakers who would otherwise be separated by geographical boundaries. As well as being able to broadcast your event around the globe with the swipe of a screen, live video will also act as an add-on to other digital content, further enhancing the overall experience. As event attendees come to expect video on demand from events, robust on-site wifi connections will become more important than ever.

Event tech trend # 4: Attendee engagement will become an increasingly important metric

As this article from Corbin Ball & Co. points out, the more engaged your guests are with your event, the higher the resulting ROI. As such, brands will increasingly focus on engagement levels, measuring metrics from a number of engagement facilitating technologies and sources. These include social media sentiment and activity, on-site and mobile surveys and polls, event app analytics, live streaming apps, event registration software and more.

Event tech trend # 5: Data analytics will come to the fore

We’ve written a lot about how the right data is crucial to successfully using your events as a potent marketing tool. In coming years we will see increased advances in the use of data analytics to improve your guests’ experience, as well as the way you interact with them. There are myriad ways to go about collecting all-important attendee information, from event apps and RSVP software to mobile polls and surveys and social media. It’ll become increasingly easier to integrate and analyse data from multiple sources thanks to advanced cloud-based systems and robust, custom built APIs (like our very own RSVP software) Possibly one of the biggest advantages of integrated event software will be the ease with which brands can calculate event ROI – a task that has been notoriously difficult to do.

We’re excited to see what else the future holds for the events industry!

Learn more about our RSVP software that streamlines the RSVP process and gathers crucial guest data here.

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Event Technology Takes To The Skies Using Flying Robots

Event Technology Takes To The Skies Using Flying Robots

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Believe it or not, flying robots – or mini drones – are quickly finding their place as a bona fide event technology option for corporate events. According to a 2015 Cievents’ blog on ‘The rise of the drones’, mini drone event technology can be used by event planners to:

  •  Help foster social interaction, and better engage event attendees;
  • Live stream events onto screens using an aerial perspective;
  • Live stream audio-visual content of guests or speakers into an event;
  • Help event organisers survey potential event spaces before even selecting them.

Certain mini drones can also be used as aerial carriers for small items, while other flying robots come with extra accessories that enable them to operate on land (much like a remote-controlled car) – allowing for different visual perspectives on video recordings.

So, how do mini drones work – what is the extent of their functionality?

There are numerous mini drone models on the market. One US-based manufacturer, Parrot, has created a “connected robot” called Rolling Spider. This mini drone is smartphone-controlled and allows users to view and control video recordings, in real-time, from a range of up to 20m/66ft. Rolling Spider can reach up to 18kmh/11mph and is operated through an app that can be downloaded onto any iOS or Android smartphone. This mini drone can do flips, take aerial shots, and has a battery life that allows for eight minutes of autonomous flight and recording time.

Another Parrot model, the Bebop Drone, is fitted with a full HD, wide angle video camera.  According to Parrot, it is lightweight and safe and has an embedded GPS system with Flight Map Control that allows you to pre-plan your flights. This is handy if you want to use this event technology to do some outdoor video recording for live streaming at your events.

So, now that you may be keen to try out drone technology for your next event, where do you begin?

According to this informative blog by Sean Hollister, beginner flyers should first get their hands on a cheaper drone fitted with propeller guards. This is because drones can be tricky to operate at first, and propeller guards are a great safety precaution for preventing damage to both your property and self. Hollister rates the following cost-effective mini drones as the best overall:

  •  The Air Hogs Helix X4 Stunt. According to Hollister, this drone is easy to control and won’t damage anything it hits as you learn to fly it. On the flipside, it’s far from speedy and it makes a terrible noise when it flies. This may mean it won’t be that inconspicuous as an event technology.
  • The Syma X5C comes with a propeller guard and, for its size and price, is fitted with a pretty good camera, says Hollister. It can be flown both indoors and outdoors, is wind resistant, and has a seven-minute flight time.

The good news for South African corporate event organisers is that there are companies that already stock drones for recreational use in the country

DRONEWORLD is a supplier of brands such as Parrot, Fat Shark and AEE. The company reassures us that drones have been legal to operate in South Africa for recreational purposes since 2015. Action Gear is another company in South Africa that stocks and supplies drones.

For more information on other trending event technology options, download our Event Technology 101 eBook. This handy eBook will bring you up to speed on the history of event technology, and will provide you with some useful tips on how to turn your event attendees into engaged participants. It also touches on the value of using automated Event Management Software.

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Why QR Codes Are Leading The Latest Event Technology Race

Why QR Codes Are Leading The Latest Event Technology Race

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Have you ever used Quick Response (QR) codes for your event registration? QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store data and can be scanned and read by Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. They look something like this:

When it comes to the latest event technology, QR codes are fast becoming the ‘in thing’ because of how they simplify and consolidate the event registration process. They’re also exciting to interact with and lend themselves to some creative use in further engaging your guests in the event experience. 

The following are some of the imaginative ways that you can use the QR code as touchpoints at your next corporate event:

QR codes are fun, interactive and improve guests’ safety at your events.

Because QR codes are so easy to encode, print and distribute, they lend themselves to being used in a number of versatile ways. Other than being used digitally for event access you can:  

  • Use QR codes in your print marketing during the build up to your event. Attach them in emails or post them onto your social media channels to entice people to engage with your online event brand.
  • Print them out as wearable armbands and ask guests to use them to access your event or certain venues outside of the main event location. o Print them onto welcome packs and encode them with additional information about the order of events for the day, or link them to exclusive event-related video footage.  
  • Include this latest event technology in brochures as a direct link to sponsors and other marketing information.
  • Print them onto moveable objects, such as your event management team’s T-shirts. QR codes have been painted on cars before and even converted into tattoos.
  • Turn them into 3-dimensional objects, like cubes, or display them digitally on screens around your venue.

The downside to QR codes mean that you need to ensure that your email invitation software is ‘hacker-safe’.

Because QR codes are a relatively easy event technology to make, it means that hackers can also use them as a means to encrypt and spread viruses. The good news? Using an established and reputable email invitation software system will eliminate the chance of your event QR codes being tampered with.

The latest event technology, combined with sophisticated Event Registration Software, allows you to generate secure codes for all of your guests, and ensures that the personal information that is encoded on them remains private. These codes can be sent directly to event guests (via email, SMS or as a printable ticket), so event access remains private and secure. 

Codes can be stored on guest’s smartphones and used to access event venues, which eliminates an unnecessary paper trail or the chance of guests losing their event tickets. 

If you are interested in finding out more about some of the latest event technology on offer, contact us now. 

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The Then And Now of Event Technology

The Then And Now of Event Technology

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Event technology has changed a lot over the last three decades. Considering that the world’s first personal computer (PC) was only released by IBM in 1981, and the World Wide Web was invented a mere nine years later, digital technology has made some relatively rapid advancements in the last 35 years. In this blog, we take a look the associated advancements in event technology and how these have improved the way we run events in the 21st century. 

The first online event registration tool makes its glorious appearance in 1995 

While South Africa was celebrating its first year as a democratically-led country (under the iconic figure of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela), Microsoft was releasing Windows 95, while JavaScript – a popular software coding language – made its first introduction on the web development scene. In the same year, the first online meeting registration tool was developed and, in a separate development, a two-dimensional barcode, containing event guest’s full contact details, was printed for the first time on guest’s badges – making it the forerunner of the popular QR code.

Fast-track another five years and the first trade show goes virtual, SpotMe develops a mobile networking device and event technology advances even further

By the year 2001, a virtual event had been run in an online environment for the first time, and the beginnings of what we now know as mobile applications had made their earliest appearance on the digital technology market. Online event technology advanced to include capabilities that allowed event planners to find and book suitable venues, meeting spaces and hotel rooms for their guests. (This may not sound like much now, but it was a massively cost and time-saving breakthrough for event planners at the time). 

Welcome to 2016, where event technology continues to improve in both function and capacity  

In 2016 we can celebrate that wireless connectivity (better known as wifi) has been around for a good 13 years, which means that we have been able to develop capacity for smartphones and ipads to serve as online (and on-site) event registration and entry management tools. Event database software systems can now also be updated and operated in real-time. We can pull off events that are interactive and fully-immersive thanks to ongoing advances in event technology. We are a far cry from the pen-and-paper approach that was undoubtedly the order of the day for event organisers before the 1980s.

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How to Choose The Right Event Planning Software

How to Choose The Right Event Planning Software

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Event technology guide The event technology of today is a far cry from its predecessors. Thanks to the plethora of options available, planning and managing not only the event itself but also the way you communicate with your guests is easier and more efficient than ever. As event tech continues to evolve at a speed akin to that of light, you may find yourself wondering which tool to choose from a seemingly endless array of options. Before you invest in the latest event planning software, here’s what you need to know.

Not all event tech is made equal. Before you fork out for all the bells and whistles, take a step back to determine what you need to get out of your investment

Event planning software exists for one reason and one reason only: to assist you in creating and managing superior events. They might go about this in different ways, addressing various aspects of your event (social media management, finding vendors, facilitating interaction amongst guests, etc.) but the end goal is the same: an improved event. What differs dramatically though, are your particular needs. To make sure your money is well spent, first identify the areas that require some assistance. For example, you may want to streamline your RSVP process, or embark on a social media strategy to help your events gain traction. By establishing what your objectives are, you’ll be able to refine your search for the event planning software that can help you best achieve this.

Make sure your choice of event technology is purchased from a vendor that’s constantly bettering their product

Remember the floppy disk? What was once touted as a revolutionary piece of technology is now moot. Make sure that you won’t be left with a white elephant three years down the line by choosing event technology that’s built to continually evolve and improve. Other considerations include:

  • How your new event tech purchase will fit in with any existing event management software you’re using
  • Your budget
  • The cost of implementation
  • Available customer support and resources

Purchasing advanced event technology is all well and good, but if you’re unable to cover the basics, implementing improvements is that much harder.

If you’re still not sure about what kind of event technology will benefit your events the most, our advice to you is this: start at the beginning. By investing in event planning software that streamlines the bones of your event (the RSVP, registration and post-event processes), you’ll be able to build a solid foundation. Then – and only then – should you begin investigating other apps or software.

Thinking about purchasing guest list management software? Make sure you’re well-versed in all things event technology first.

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Event Technology Essentials for Keeping Your Corporate Guests Happy

Event Technology Essentials for Keeping Your Corporate Guests Happy

event-technology-essentials-for-keeping-your-corporate-guests-happyManaging a corporate event – which more often than not, entails a substantial guest list – is only feasible when you’ve got the proper event technology at your disposal. Extensive guest lists contain a myriad of information that if managed manually, can see your entire corporate event end up in shambles. Making use of intelligent event technology isn’t optional – it’s essential. Here’s what you need to know about implementing guest list management software at your next corporate event.

If your attendees aren’t happy, your event will have been in vain

This statement may sound harsh, but unfortunately, it’s true. If your corporate event leaves anything less than a smile on the faces of your guests, it’s a pretty safe bet that they’ll refuse any future invites, and choose to investment in a competitor instead. All hope is not lost, however. The event technology available to event planners makes giving guests an enjoyably, impressionable experience far more achievable than if you were to attempt this yourself.

Make sure you’re making the registration process as streamlined and convenient as possible with on-site registration software

The majority of corporate events entail a laborious registration process. You can mitigate against long lines and frustrated guests if you’re using event technology that incorporates on-site check-in. Besides speeding-up the process, hiccups like duplicate information and last minute arrivals which often end up stalling the line are eradicated. If your corporate event entails hundreds of guests, making use of a self-check-in option can further aid in a speedy, stress-free arrival.

QR codes act as a personal event guide for your guests – aiding in crowd control and free-flowing foot traffic

A valuable addition to any corporate event – especially large scale functions like conferences or expos – QR codes that contain personalised information assist both your guests and your event team. Besides being a crucial part of access control, they’re also an efficient way of ensuring your guests have the event agenda on hand, eliminating any poor souls having to wander the corridors in search of their next session.

Making use of Event Management Software that enables you to send personalised post-event surveys benefits both attendees and you, the event planner

One of the most effective ways of gauging how your guests perceived your event is via a post-event survey. But take note: this doesn’t mean that a one-size-fits all, generic survey sent to the entire guest list is suitable. Make sure you’re using event technology that has a built-in functionality that allows you to customise form fields (in both your invitations and post-event surveys), in order to convey the fact that you value and respect your guests.

Being able to personalise all communication you have with guests is one of the benefits of embracing event tech like Event Management Software

As well as making sure that all of your communication is personalised, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re collecting and storing all information that you’re privy to in a legally-compliant way. We recently wrote about the lesser-known requirements of the POPI Act, which includes obtaining permission to use your guests’ information, as well as notifying them as to your intentions with regard to this data.

Guest list Management Software that allows you to do all of the above, is an essential factor in ensuring your corporate guests leave with the very best impression of your event.

For more on tailoring the event experience – and garnering the best possible response from your attendees – we can help you turn your Events into Marketing Gold.

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Is Your Event Technology Letting Your Brand Down?

Is Your Event Technology Letting Your Brand Down?

You’ve got years of experience in the event industry, and a talented team of event planners at your side. Yet planning your events is far from smooth sailing. What’s the deal? We’re betting that your event technology is to blame. Event planning is an inordinately competitive industry, which means that even the most experienced event planners find themselves coming up short if they’re not equipped with the right event technology.

If you suspect that your events are suffering at the hands of your event technology, watch out for these six tell-tale signs:

1. Your online invitations are bouncing or being marked as spam

You’ve spent ages designing gorgeous online invitations, yet many of them end up ignored, lost at the bottom of spam folders. Why? We hate to break it to you, but your event technology is to blame. If you’re not using event management software that makes use of a white-listing service (we use SendGrid), the majority of your online invitations will sadly never see the light of day.

2. You have insufficient information about guests

We often speak about how the efficacy of your events boils down to the information you have about them. If you’ve got inadequate data on hand, you’re left with a vague idea as to the kind of event that will resonate. A sorry state of affairs indeed. Your event technology should not only be collecting every single piece of information about your guests, but storing it in an easily accessible portal too.

3. The RSVP process takes too long and requires several fulltime staff

Event planning is a full time, ‘round the clock, mad rush of a profession. Streamlined processes are key to making sure that you’re able to keep your head above water. Event technology that doesn’t automate the RSVP process is, quite frankly, a waste of money. Event planning software should make this process as easy as possible, enabling your team to focus on the other aspects of an event that require their full attention.

4. You have to ask guests for the same information every time you run an event

It’s beyond embarrassing to have to ask a guest who’s attended multiple events the same questions about their preferences every single time you re-invite them. Besides the fact that you’re putting people off your brand, you’re also wasting a lot of time doing what your event technology should be doing anyway.

5. You have no way of gathering feedback about your events from guests If you manage an event but have no way of knowing how it was received by your guests, you’re guilty of the event equivalent of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Your guests dictate whether your event was a success or not – without a way to gather their feedback, you’re unable to determine what needs improving or changing. Event technology that enables you to conduct a post-event survey isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity.

6. Post-event reports are a nightmare to compile and are often inaccurate

The last thing any event planner feels like doing after an event is crunching the numbers. Unfortunately, this aspect of your job is unavoidable, but it can be simplified with the right event technology. Software that collects and stores data makes it a whole lot easier to work out whether your event resulted in ROI, and if it didn’t, the reason why.

If you’re tired of being let down by your event technology, find out about our event management software that enables leading local and international brands to manage events in the most efficient way possible.

Get your FREE guide to turning your events into
marketing gold!

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Nine things your event technology should do

Nine things your event technology should do

Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or are busy finding your feet in the industry, you’ll know that your services are only as good as the event technology you use. Make sure that you’re armed with event technology that can do the following:

1.  Work across all devices.

If your event management software only works on a desktop, it’ll add very little value to your events. Your event technology must work across all devices, and be operational wherever you are. This will ensure that you and your staff will be able to access it wherever they are, on their devices of choice.

2.  Streamline the entire event planning process.

From the RSVP process to check-in, the right kind of event technology consolidates and streamlines every single aspect of the management of an event. Many people forget that event technology exists to make your life simpler – make sure that your event management tools aren’t complicating the event process.

3.  Cut down on queues.

Frustrating your guests due to long queues is a cardinal sin. Event technology should speed up the registration and check-in process in order to ensure a guests isn’t put off before they’ve even set foot in the venue.

4.  Keep all staff informed in real time.

Avoid miscommunication and human error with event technology that’s updated in real time. Corporate events entail multiple guest lists and multiple staff to register your guests. It’s therefore crucial that multiple members of staff are able to access and operate the software, without running the risk of data being conflicted.

5.  Elevate the entire guest experience.

The right kind of event technology should bolster your entire event. Faster queues, QR codes instead of adhesive name tags, and a check-in process operated by tablet – as opposed to a paper and pen – are all key in creating an exceptional event experience.

6.  Position your brand as industry leading.

Using the latest event software firmly positions your brand as one that’s ahead of your competitors, innovative and future-focused.

7.  Collect detailed data.

An event provides you with a vast amount of valuable information about your guests – your event technology must be able to gather and store this data. If it can’t, you’re losing out on precious data that holds the key to creating relevant, engaging events. Read our blog here, about why the quality of your events relies on the data you’re collecting.

8.  Have accurate reporting tools.

Compiling post-event reports based on hard data is crucial for demonstrating the success of an event to your clients. Thus, detailed, data-driven reporting capabilities are imperative.

9.  Add value to your clients.

By being able to see exactly how your event performed, your clients are able to improve their events, tailor their offerings to suit their guests and as a result, achieve ROI.

Is your event technology able to do all of this? Chances are, it isn’t. Find out more about our industry-leading event software that’s advocated by leading international and local brands.

Get your FREE guide to turning your events into
marketing gold!

Enter your details below and we will send over some magic for you to use. By entering your details below you consent to receiving our mailers. *No spam we promise. Only valuable tips and updates.

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