A truly memorable event goes beyond mere enjoyment—it exceeds expectations and delivers lasting value to every attendee. It’s not just about having a good time; it’s about creating an experience that resonates long after the event ends, leaving participants with more than they anticipate.
In the recent years, the event industry has undergone a significant technological transformations to achieve that and is constantly improving. More recently in 2024 to enhance the attendee experience, the reliance on technology is ever increasing.
From leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for in-person to online chatbots to Augmented Reality (AR) for unique in-event experiences to the rise of virtual and hybrid event models and event management softwares to cater to a wider set of audiences, the industry is leveraging innovative software solutions to reshape how the events are planned, executed and experienced.
Let’s dive into the transformative technologies that are not just enhancing events, but completely redefining what’s possible and how you can take advantage of these too.
1. Virtual and Hybrid Events: The Non-Negotiable Future of Events
Virtual and Hybrid (Virtual + In-person) events aren’t a trend – they’re quickly on the path of becoming the new standard. The numbers are clear and compelling: a staggering 97% of event professionals expect to see more hybrid events in the future, according to a survey by Bizzabo. This isn’t a gradual shift; it’s almost revolutionising how we connect and engage.
Key benefits of having hybrid events:
- Exponentially increase audience reach and accessibility
- Unparalleled data collection and analytics capabilities for your events
- Flexibility for you and your attendees that traditional events can’t match
But here’s the reality: creating a truly seamless hybrid experience is complex. It requires a sophisticated blend of technology, strategy, and execution. Balancing the needs of in-person and virtual attendees, ensuring a consistent experience across formats, and integrating multiple software solutions are just a few of the challenges you face.
Leading the charge in this hybrid revolution are platforms like Hopin, which has seen explosive growth. As reported by TechCrunch, Hopin raised over $1 billion in funding, showcasing the immense potential and investor confidence in hybrid event technologies.
Implementing hybrid event technologies offers a range of features including virtual stages, networking lounges, and breakout rooms, enabling event organisers to create truly immersive virtual and hybrid experiences.
2. AI-Powered Chatbots: Your Event’s Tireless Digital Workforce
Artificial Intelligence isn’t coming to events – it’s already here, and it’s transforming interactions.
This widespread adoption is driven by the myriad of benefits these digital assistants offer:
- 24/7 attendee support that never sleeps
- Hyper-personalised recommendations at scale
- Real-time data gathering and analysis
The impact of AI chatbots on events is profound and far-reaching. According to a study by Cvent, 72% of event organisers plan to use AI chatbots to improve attendee engagement and support.
Implementing AI isn’t just about plugging in a system. It’s about creating an intelligent, learning entity that becomes an integral part of your event ecosystem. The challenges are significant: ensuring the chatbot’s responses are accurate and contextually relevant, integrating with other event management systems, and overcoming attendee scepticism towards AI-powered assistants.
Leading event management platforms like Cvent have recognized the potential of AI chatbots and have integrated them into their event solutions.
Implementing chatbots for your events can provide attendees with information about event schedules, session details, and venue logistics, as well as assist with registration and check-in processes, all while continuously learning and improving their responses.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Breaking the Boundaries of Physical Events
Augmented and Virtual Reality is shattering the limitations of physical space. With AR and VR it’s clear that these technology is providing a host of immersive experiences for event attendees.
The adoption of AR in events is accelerating rapidly. A survey by Bizzabo found that 74% of event organisers plan to use AR technology to create more immersive experiences for attendees. This widespread embrace of AR is driven by its innovative applications:
- Immersive product demonstrations that defy physical constraints
- Interactive environments that respond to each attendee
- Data visualisation that turns complex information into intuitive experiences
The challenge isn’t just implementing AR; it’s creating experiences that are so seamless and intuitive that they become an indispensable part of your event. This requires overcoming hurdles such as ensuring user-friendliness, seamless integration with the overall event experience, and addressing technical challenges like device compatibility.
The benefits of incorporating AR into events are clear and compelling:
- Increased attendee engagement and interactivity
- Enhanced information retention and learning
- Ability to showcase products and services in a more immersive way
4. Mobile Event Apps: Further Personalising Event Experiences
With everything getting more personalised, the adoption of mobile apps has evolved from a nice-to-have convenience to a must-have tool for event planners. The global mobile app market is set to reach $783.3 Billion by 2032.
The mobile app for event planners offers hyper-personalised use cases:
- Personalised agendas increase interactivity
- Real-time event updates and notifications for everyone involved
- Networking opportunities for attendees to enhance the overall event experience and satisfaction
- Real-time data gathering for attendee interactions and analysis
Leading the charge are event platforms like Cvent and Stova, which provide features such as personalised agendas, real-time updates and notifications, and adding networking opportunities to calendars, registrations, check-ins and much more!
The benefits of having mobile apps for events are evident:
- Increased attendee engagement and satisfaction
- Real-time information relay
- Reduced wait times for attendees and streamlined
5. Event Management Software: The Central Nervous System of Modern Events
In the data-driven world of modern events, comprehensive management software isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for survival. The global event management software market is set to reach $12.1 billion by 2030. This explosive growth underscores the critical role that robust software solutions play in today’s events landscape.
The importance of event management software is universally recognized in the industry. A survey by Bizzabo found that an overwhelming 92% of event professionals consider event management software an essential tool for their business.
However powerful, the software is only as good as its implementation and its management. The challenges are significant: integrating multiple software solutions to create a cohesive event management ecosystem, ensuring the software is user-friendly and intuitive for both organisers and attendees and maintaining data security and privacy.
This near-universal adoption is driven by the critical capabilities these platforms offer:
- Real-time data analytics for on-the-fly decision making
- Predictive modelling for resource allocation and attendee behaviour
- Seamless integration of marketing, registration, and engagement tools
Leading platforms like Cvent have set the standard for comprehensive event management solutions with over 4 million users and 300,000 customers worldwide.
6. Contactless Technologies: The New Paradigm of Event Interactions
In a world where health and safety are a priority, contactless technologies have moved from a nice-to-have convenience to a must-have requirement. According to a survey by Cvent, 68% of event organisers plan to use contactless technologies, such as QR codes, NFC and RFID, to further make the attendee experience quick and effortless while ensuring safety.
Transformative applications of contactless tech in events include:
- Frictionless registration and access control
- Personalised attendee journeys triggered by proximity
- Comprehensive data collection on attendee movements and interactions
The new challenge for event organisers is creating a seamless, intuitive experience that enhances rather than complicates. They must ensure all attendees are comfortable with and able to use the contactless technologies, integrate them seamlessly with the event’s overall experience, and address potential security and privacy concerns related to data collection.
The benefits of adopting contactless technologies are clear:
- Improved attendee safety and hygiene
- Streamlined event operations and reduced wait times
- Enhanced data collection and analytics
Event Planners and Companies have been adopting suites of contactless solutions, including QR code-based registration and check-in, as well as RFID-enabled attendee tracking to enhance the attendee experience while prioritising health and safety.
7. Gamification: Turning Passive Attendees into Active Participants
Gamification isn’t just about making events fun – it’s about driving engagement to new heights. According to a survey by Bizzabo, 68% of event organisers plan to use gamification techniques to increase attendee engagement.
Effective gamification is more than just adding points and badges; it’s about creating compelling narratives that drive meaningful engagement. The challenges include designing gamification strategies that align with event objectives, seamlessly integrating game elements into the overall event experience and maintaining a balance between fun and functionality.
Key impacts of gamification on events include:
- Increased attendee engagement and participation
- Reinforce information retention through interactive learning
- Data-rich interactions that provide deep insights into attendee behaviour
Leading event platforms have integrated gamification features that allow event organisers to create interactive experiences for attendees. These features include virtual scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, and leaderboards, which have been used by events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to boost attendee engagement.
8. Sustainable Event Management: Technology as a Force for Positive Change
Sustainability in events isn’t just about being green – it’s about being smart, efficient, and forward-thinking. According to a survey by Cvent, 62% of event organisers plan to prioritise sustainability in their event planning and execution. This focus on sustainability is driving market growth, with the global sustainable event management market expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2030.
Transformative sustainable event technologies include:
- AI-driven resource optimization to minimise waste
- Digital-first approaches that dramatically reduce physical materials
- Real-time sustainability metrics that engage attendees and stakeholders
When implementing green technologies; it’s about having a holistic approach that makes sustainability a core part of your event’s value proposition. This requires integrating sustainable practices effortlessly into event planning and execution, educating and encouraging attendees to adopt sustainable behaviours, and ensuring that sustainable event management solutions are cost-effective and scalable.
The benefits of adopting sustainable event management practices are multifaceted:
- Reduced environmental impact of events
- Improved brand reputation and alignment with sustainability goals
- Enhanced attendee satisfaction and loyalty
Leading event management platforms have introduced sustainable event management features, such as digital event materials, paperless check-in, and carbon offsetting options. These features have been adopted by various event organisers to reduce the environmental footprint of their events.
The Future of Events is Now – Are You Ready?
The technologies we’ve discussed aren’t distant possibilities – they’re the current reality of the events industry. The question isn’t whether these innovations will transform events, but how quickly you’ll adapt to stay ahead.
At Galekt, we’re not just observing these trends – we’re shaping them. Our comprehensive suite of services, from Cloud Strategy and Architecture Consulting to Application Development and Application Management are designed to not just implement technologies but to create integrated, intelligent event ecosystems that drive engagement, efficiency, and innovation.
The future of events is here, and it’s more exciting, more engaging, and more data-driven than ever before. And as they say, with great power comes greater responsibility. You need a partner who doesn’t just understand these technologies but knows how to help you leverage them to create unforgettable experiences.
Don’t just keep up with the future of events – define it. Partner with Galekt.
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