Six Types of Event Technology Changing The Nature of Events
Event technology is changing how events are planned, executed and experienced. The rapid adaptation of social media across all manner of platforms combined with the fact that hardware like video walling is becoming cheaper, has made the look and feel of events more immersive than ever before. Here are six types of event technology that are disrupting the eventing landscape – for the better.
1) Social media and mobile have affected almost every stage of event planning and execution
Social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have made events a two-way dialogue, with more interaction and collaboration between attendees, those putting on the event and those speaking at the event. It’s broken down the barriers between these parties and is the ultimate inclusive event technology. All you need is your smartphone – mobile is another event game changer – and a Twitter account to get involved. Hashtags help create a parallel online event and allow your event to live on long after it is finished through photos and the conversations it started. It also happens to be a rich source of attendee information and a way to gain feedback about your event’s success.
2) Video conferencing is making your event’s location less of a barrier to attendance
Video conferencing has made it possible for events to defy geographical location. Thanks to high-resolution LCD and LED screens becoming ever more affordable, having a video wall at events on which information, images and video conferencing can be displayed, events offer more value for attendees. They’re able to access more information, enjoy a more aesthetically pleasing experience and can enjoy watching and listening to a keynote speaker who is several time zones away to boot. (The latter is also a much more affordable option than flying said speaker out.)
3) Make your guests feel like VIPs with individual QR codes
As with social media platforms, all you need to use QR codes is a smartphone. QR codes can be exploited in several ways in the context of event technology. Individual QR codes can be sent out to guests with their invitation and act as a ticket in to the event. They can also double as an access card to parking areas and to get into VIP sections at the event – precluding the need to have security staff verifying people’s identities.
4) Big data is useful for almost every industry – especially event planning
Big data is one of the hottest current trends across most industries. It lets you see patterns not easily visible to the eye, so to speak. This is especially useful for finding insights in data collected from hundreds of guests. The more data you collect, the more detailed and meaningful it becomes and the more tailored your events can be for your attendees. This is where Event Management Software comes into play, streamlining both data collection as well as managing the RSVP process before, at and after your event.
5) Holograms create an original and immersive experience at any event
If you can’t bring take your event to the ballet, then bring the ballet to your event. Holograms have made it possible to create a show even more real than reality. In 2010, Russian mobile broadband services company Yota brought holographics and their brand objectives to appear ultra-modern and innovative by putting on a holographic ballet for the premiere of the Russian ballet Swan Lake in London – event technology surely at its most beautiful!
6) Virtual reality takes your event engagement up several levels
Virtual reality booths bring together elements of video conferencing paired with holographics, to create a truly sci-fi experience. Virtual reality technology allows for a person to be captured in real-time, converted into a hologram and projected into another location. Rather than using video conferencing, a keynote speaker could appear and give his talk as a hologram – making the next logical step in event technology teleportation! Even this is somewhat possible already: Marriott Hotels in New York have introduced their Teleporter booth which transports your senses to a beach in Hawaii or a location in London. Getting on board with the latest event technology needn’t begin with virtual reality and teleportation. Give RSVP a call today and we can tell you about how Event Management Software can immediately propel your event planning from the twentieth century into the new millennium.