Event Technologies That Still Hold Their Own in 2017

Every year sees a new set of event technology trends that bring in a fresh wave, newer concepts, and make event designing and planning more dynamic as a whole. The main factor and biggest trend in event planning these days is audience engagement, especially via technology, such as, beacon technology and mobile apps. We only expect that event technology will continue to play an increasing part in event planning and design in the future, which is something we are very excited about at Best Venues New York!

So, what are the 5 main event tech trends that we think will continue to remain strong in the second half of 2017? For all of you who are hoping to produce spectacular events, we have put together a list of technology ideas that are engaging, creative, or worth considering when planning upcoming eventsso that your attendees can fully enjoy the entire experience.

1. Event planning and design apps, and tools that engage the attendees

Expect event apps to continue to become more and more integrated into event planning - from seamless registration and easy to access information for guests to audience participation and social media sharing. Making your attendees a real part of the event by gathering their thoughts and encouraging them to think and share with the crowd has got to bring in some amazing results. Bring in tools that allow co-creation of the event content with the help of your attendees. For example, we have seen success with broadcasting live polls and gamification on overhead screens where the audience use their smartphones or tablets to vote. EventMobi offers an all-in-one event management app that features event polling.

2. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

The big tech companies, such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Samsung, have all made huge bets on VR and AR technology. And although it is still developing, we expect the technology to really start featuring at events. Applications for VR and AR include immersing and engaging the audience at trade show and expo booths, and virtual site tours. The technology is currently still quite pricey but as it becomes less expensive we will undoubtedly see VR and AR make more of a headway in experiential breakout or team building sessions as a highly creative, immersive – and fun! – way to engage attendees. Metavrse (stylized as MetaVRse) is a production agency worth checking out if you are considering VR and AR for your event entertainment.

3. Drones – the best photographer will know how to fly

Streaming the entire event with drones has become the raging trend and rightly so. You can capture some amazing shots and bring a high-tech vibe and enthusiasm within the crowd. Drone streaming is fascinating and fantastic!

4. Live Video Streaming – Bringing Social Media to life

Video has demonstrated its strength as a promoting instrument, and live video has ended up being its most appealing incarnation. Live video is a natural extension of strategies marketers have been using for a considerable length of time. It unites our clients - around the thoughts, events, and people that matter most to them. Social Media is more than likely the way that investors and sponsors will broadcast your event. Participants can get answers concerning your events, and share your content. Facebook is the biggest live video channel and allows audience engagement through reactions and comments.

5.Beacon technology - the transformation for events with digital badges

Last but definitely not least, we conclude our event technology series with beacon technology. Beacon technology companies like LOOPD, who recently integrated with etouches, can create digital badges that can help event planners and improve the attendee experience. The Bluetooth-based devices can instantly communicate with nearby phones or smart devices to connect, inform, and impress event attendees. Event professionals can collect valuable and game changing data with digital badges. Beacon technology enables event managers to keep track of attendance, their length of presence, and when and for how long attendees have visited each exhibitor booth. This can help with future agenda planning and measuring success or failure of exhibits/sponsorship.

As we all know networking is one of the key reasons attendees and sponsors attend events. Digital badges can therefore, be used to make meaningful connections within large group through the exchange of information, collection of data, and can also be used for fun gamification. We think that digital badges like LOOPD can maximize attendees experience, and create more memorable and successful events!

I hope you are all set to harness the positives and the advantages of these event technology trends? Make event engaging and remarkable!