Event Management & Data

How Technology Has Changed Events & Conferences

Victoria Rudi
August 15, 2019

Table of Contents

Technology has largely impacted the way we socialize, the way we take up information and is now changing the way we plan and attend important events. For the past 3 to 5 years, we have noticed big changes in conferences and events that have left a lasting feeling.

 

The days of awkward networking, brochures and mailing lists are far behind us. The internet, along with other technologies is dominating successful event management.

The Adoption of Tech

The way things are, using sophisticated event technology is most likely to come at a price that might not be affordable for everybody. This is why its adoption is not similar across all segments. According to a Pulse Report, just 0.6 per cent of the pool of event organizers can afford to invest in major event technology. Companies that have such luck are expected to spend about £30k of their budget on such technology. If you belong to this group, it is good news for you, since you’re offered various options to choose from.

What if you don’t have enough to Spend?

Business owners planning to organize events but are limited on a budget are not left out. They can still dedicate some fraction of their budget towards tapping from the power of simpler technology, such as event apps.

How Technology could Feature in the Future of Events and Conferences?

Several companies have already started using the ideas stated below, while others are here for inspiration.

#1. Measuring traffic

For those planning big international exhibitions, it will be a good idea to measure not just the traffic around particular areas of the event hall, but also footfalls. This can be possible by making use of smart mats across the arena, and map the space of the event by popularity.

#2. Event technology

The internet has largely contributed to the advancement of event creation. It is the focal point of almost every company. The internet has changed the way we send out invitations, outreach and event promotions. Public excitement and PR is generated across a wide range of social media accounts, and invitations are now done digitally.

#3. Targeting a guest list

Social media provides information on demographics. Before the digital age, getting a targeted audience was more challenging, but nowadays, you can get the right people to your event by following easy steps. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook make it possible for event organizers to promote their event to the targeted audience before and after an event, reaching the right people who have expressed interest in the type of contents conferences will cover. Some demographics covered are:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Educational level
  • Professions
  • Interests
  • Places visited in the past
  • Talks held online

Taking note of the data around attendees and their online usage can enable you to know your most loyal supporters, and how they can assist in getting more people to your next event.

#4. Networking, visibility and conversation

The link between the internet and event planning goes beyond targeting the right locations. It can also be used for exposure, buzz, excitement and advocacy. It can be the cheapest and most efficient way of promoting an event.

Creating conversation and visibility for your brand can make your marketing efforts more interactive, thereby gaining the respect and interest of people, and at the same time giving them an idea of what to expect when they attend such conferences.

You can create advocacy before your event by:

  • Making use of social media channels to target the right demographics
  • Creating an event brand the audience can recognize
  • Producing information and promoting conversation with the aim of engaging people
  • Encouraging the conversation all year round, so the event becomes timeless

#5. Monitoring conversations

The internet makes it possible for you to see reviews, opinions and interactions publicly, which means that maintaining a good reputation online is vital for your success. Because of this, it is necessary you surround yourself with a brand having positive content and conversation.

Before the internet became popular, attendees would not have much exposure to how their peers perceived an event. But nowadays, the opposite is the case. A reputation driven by peer pressure is important for success.

#6. Worldwide attendance

These days, the audience can be bigger than those physically present in the venue of the conference – all they need is a strong broadband connection. Speakers and attendees can be part of conferences from any location they are. By making your events this way, you get to have more exposure. Google Hangout and YouTube streaming is an accessible method of broadcasting events.

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Victoria Rudi
Senior Content Specialist
With a Master’s degree in Event Management and a keen follower of SaaS technologies, Victoria is an event content master, producing insightful and valuable for Eventtia’s blog and beyond

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