Event technology is a term used to describe all of the digital implementations and software used by the events industry. After the recent digital transformation of the past two years, attendees expect to see and engage with more technology at special events and concerts. Meet your guests’ expectations and give yourself a competitive advantage by implementing the latest technologies at your next event.

With the ever-evolving and emerging new technologies, you might wonder which ones make the best impression at events. Look no further. We’ve got you covered with our favorite event technologies you need to know about! 

VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual reality (VR) is at the top of our list for a reason! Take audience engagement to the next level by merging in-person and digital experiences like never before. With the use of VR headsets, you can transport your guests to a whole other dimension beyond the screen. Complete your presentations with 360-degree videos and interactive visualizations. 

This technology is beneficial in a few different ways. 

Event organizers can offer more platforms to engage attendees with. Vendors and exhibitors can use VR to provide highly immersive booth experiences, giving them a leg up on their competition, and leaving a lasting impression on their booth visitors. Event venues can feature VR headsets as an opportunity for rentals to boost profits. 

QR CODES

From restaurants to shops, you see QR codes everywhere these days. By eliminating the component of touching, QR codes help people interact with content in a safer and more hygienic method. You’ve probably noticed that most restaurants have replaced their menus and other reusable paper goods with QR codes. No third-party app needed here! Smartphones can access any QR code through the built-in camera function, so they can be posted and shared anywhere!

So, what can QR codes do for the event industry?

From event registration to ticketing, QR codes can cover a lot of your event bases. Add your event’s QR registration code to all your physical and digital marketing tools, such as posters, flyers, and postcards. You can program the code to seamlessly organize event registrations and ticket purchasing. If you are concerned about the health of your guests on the day of your event, add a germ and touch-free QR code outside your venue, with a health and safety questionnaire. QR codes can also provide maps, directions, event check-ins, brand experiences, and more. The possibilities are endless!

LIVE TRANSLATION

While English is still the dominant language used at most events in the US, having the capability to communicate in your audience's native language is an incredible opportunity for connection. With the help of live-translation technology, hosts and event organizers can invite non-English speaking guests to their events and know that they will be equally as engaged and immersed in the experience. 

You may remember our blog from earlier this year, “Language Accessibility: Ensure Your Event is Welcoming For All,” where we discussed how to ensure every event can invite participants to engage in a most comfortable dialogue with them. In that article, we mentioned:

• Videoconferencing technologies that provide the closest approximation to face-to-face interpretation 

• Smartphone apps that offer automated translations

• Apps that provide language services connecting to live interpreters

We’re happy to share that these translating technologies are developing and growing in a way that will make events truly global.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to technology that can understand and engage in any environment using smart learning, words, and syntax. It sounds so futuristic, but the reality is that we all are using it on a daily basis. You ask Alexa, “What is the weather today?” “Hey Siri, can you set my alarm for 7:30?” You unlock your iPhone with Facial Recognition and use chatbots for help on your latest Amazon purchase. See? AI is everywhere! So why not implement it at events? Here’s how you can do it:  

• Facial Recognition for Event Check-In: This technology automatically matches the attendees’ faces to their tickets. This means no more lost tickets or fewer issues in line. 

• Personalization & Recommendations: Have your attendees fill out a survey about their interests before coming to your event or trade show. Then AI will match them with the people, booths, and companies that most closely match their profile and would be most interested in exploring further.

• Improve Attendee Communication: Translation tools, chatbots, and all the event details you could ever need to know, AI has been a strong tool for communication and information. 

•  Collect Valuable Data: AI can also be utilized to gather, manage, and examine data throughout the event. With that data's help, you can improve future events to ensure an unforgettable experience for your guests!

The world of event technology continues to grow and develop at a rapid pace, affecting all our lives and how we see the present and future of events. Elevate your next event and take advantage of these technologies by contacting the experts at Wizard Studios today!