5 tech trends that event planners should adopt

EE News Desk Oct 01, 2019

Technology is playing a critical role in event planning and execution today. Event planners and event agencies are leveraging technology to create immersive experiences and impactful brand stories. Use of technology in events makes it all together a new world.

Here are 5 tech trends to look out for in 2020 to give your event a competitive edge:

Drones for security

The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that 7 million drones will fly by next year. That’s nearly three times as many since 2016. Planners can expect drones to help at events in several ways. First, if internet speed is a problem (before 5G becomes mainstream, of course), drones can provide mobile hotspots that will make a big difference. Second, drones can fly over the event space, providing aerial monitoring that allows for better security. These flyover devices can be used to take some amazing photos or video of the event for future marketing or to simply give to attendees as a take-home gift.

Augmented reality experiences

Technology doesn’t have to be all about business; it can be used to create interactive experiences and activities at an event. If the popularity of Pokemon GO taught people anything, it’s that they can really have fun with augmented reality. Another way to use AR is by enhancing live music at an event.

Automation at events

Being an event planner comes with its fair share of stress—so much so that Forbes listed it as the fifth most stressful job of 2017, ranking it just after being a police officer. The most common reason? Planners often find themselves strapped for both time and resources. Luckily, technology is coming to the rescue as event management systems continue to offer new ways to automate more menial tasks, such as registration, email promotions, social media marketing and surveys. If you haven’t automated these tasks yet, look for one event management software that can automate all these things into a single platform and integrate with other business tools you may be using for accounting, marketing and the like.

Data, data, data

If your company has yet to catch onto the data trend, it had better act fast—some tech experts say any company that isn’t investing in data next year could be out of business by 2021. More companies are using analytics tools to meet the needs of their clients. This includes event planners. While post-event surveys are helpful, why not capture data in real time? Simple geo-location data can help personalize the event experience by highlighting certain activities that an attendee should check out nearby. It can quickly help solve real-time event problems, such as high-traffic situations that can be highlighted when too many people are in a certain area at a given time.

Digital privacy

While data are key to having a competitive edge, digital privacy is equally important. If an event requires collecting personal information from attendees, planners must sure they’re up-to-date on whatever digital privacy laws will be rolled out or not. Remember: Attendees like transparency protection of their personal data.

(This article first appeared in crainsnewyork.com)