Event technology is revolutionising the event industry. From virtual reality to artificial intelligence to mobile event apps, advances in technology are transforming the way events are planned and executed. New event technology tools help to deliver an interactive, innovative, and memorable experience for attendees — and event planners should take stock of the tools available to them.
Let’s explore nine ways event technology is changing the event industry for the better.
1. Event Registration
Event registration technology enables organisers to save time and money while providing attendees with a better sign-up experience. Registration tools are now largely digital, such as online portals and mobile apps. This allows organisers to streamline operations, track ticket sales, and monitor event analytics.
These tools also play a role in marketing and branding the event. It supports a strong first impression and can set the tone for what your attendees will experience.
2. Mobile Ticketing
Mobile ticketing via event apps allows for a streamlined process that is simpler and more efficient than ever before. The majority of people own mobile devices and are comfortable using them to complete everyday tasks, from making purchases to checking information.
With the rise of mobile technology, event organisers can quickly create tickets and distribute them to fans digitally. This gives attendees faster access to events, better overall customer service, and increased revenue opportunities for promoters. It reduces the potential for fraud from false tickets being sold by scalpers or duplicated copies being used more than once. It’s also driving down the costs associated with physical tickets and traditional means of entry, such as using scanning devices.
3. Better Production & Execution of Events
From ticketing, registration, and payments to scheduling, announcements, and surveys – there’s an event app or software solution available for any task.
Using a centralised event planning solution like Canapii makes it easier than ever for planners to tap into event technology. All of your priorities are in a single place, helping you to save time and money while staying organised. What’s more, you can apply the same event planning technology to any type of event — in-person, online, or hybrid — of any size.
4. Virtual Event Attendance
If COVID had happened 20 years ago, the event industry would have been brought to a sudden standstill. Luckily, the event technology needed to execute virtual events was already in place and allowed many shows to go on.
Virtual events were trending hot before the pandemic. And even though many in-person events have returned, the virtual event formats remain strong. Event technology allows organisers to choose the format that works best for them. Virtual events may give planners a bit of an edge as it allows more people to access events regardless of geographic location.
5. Live Streaming
Alongside virtual event attendance, live streaming event technology enables some or all of an in-person event to be enjoyed by a virtual audience. They can engage in real time and feel like part of the action as it’s unfolding.
Unlike virtual events, which can be live or available on demand, live streaming is completely “in the moment.” This can create great marketing opportunities for organisers who want to hone in on a special moment during an event. Spread brand awareness and get everyone excited about key event segments.
6. Collecting & Analysing Consumer Data
Event technology not only simplifies the task of collecting data, but also provides organisers with valuable insights regarding their event performance.
Using event technology, planners can see important details at a glance, such as attendance numbers, feedback surveys, and even real-time analytics during an event. This makes it easier to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments on the fly. Planners can also use this data to better understand their audience’s preferences to improve future events.
7. Event Apps
Event apps are being used more and more by event planners to help streamline the planning and execution process. With an event app, organisers can easily manage their events from start to finish while staying in touch with event attendees.
An event app provides a variety of features in a single place, including ticketing, registration, live feeds, event photos and videos, schedules, interactive polls, maps, and even user-generated content. It’s a great tool to keep attendees engaged and provide valuable information that will help them make the most of the event. Event apps also allow organisers to customise their events with branding options like logos or custom backgrounds.
Plus, the more your attendees use your mobile event apps, the more data you can collect about your event and use it to improve future events.
8. Social Media Integration
Event technology is more valuable when it integrates with other tools and technology you’re already using. One area of interest is the integration between social media and event platforms.
Integrating with your social media channels makes content sharing seamless. For example, users can post event photos and videos in your event app feed and on your social channels. Collect leads and signups from social media. Keep attendees informed about event deadlines, dates, times, and other details in the days and weeks leading up to the event.
Social media plays a big role in promoting events and encouraging engagement among attendees. These integrations can save a ton of time for your marketing team and make for a better overall user experience.
9. Gamification
Nowadays, more and more companies are turning to event app gamification as a way to engage their guests and make events more enjoyable. Event technology makes this process much simpler, allowing planners to quickly set up game-based activities with minimal effort.
Using event technology, planners can create an environment that encourages competition and puts attendees in a fun, energised atmosphere. For instance, they can organise team challenges that involve trivia quizzes or virtual scavenger hunts. These activities not only provide entertainment but also promote group bonding. Additionally, event technology helps organisers keep track of progress throughout the game.
Leveraging Event Technology with Canapii
As a leader in event software, Canapii has taken care to develop event technology that works the way you do. Our solutions include features for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, helping you to plan, execute, and follow-up with every event from a central location. From live event streaming platforms to conference apps, ticketing and registration to event analytics, Canapii has you covered. Reach out to learn more and schedule a demo!
