In the fast-paced world of event management, staying up-to-date with evolving technology is crucial. Technology has revolutionised the events industry, enhancing the overall experience for both organisers and attendees. From event registration and seamless check-ins to immersive AI experiences and a huge rise in virtual and hybrid events, technology plays a crucial role in streamlining processes and creating memorable experiences.
One of the key technologies that have transformed events is event management software. While maybe not one of the most exciting evolutions in event technology for event attendees, this software allows organisers to efficiently manage various aspects of an event, including ticketing, scheduling, and attendee engagement. With just a few clicks, organisers can create personalised registration pages, send out automated email communications, and track attendee data in real-time. The efficiency created by such software has created time for event organisers to spend enhancing other aspects of events, propelling the event industry in an increasingly creative and exciting upwards trajectory, where time-rich organisers have space to think, create, and plan never-before-seen elements of events.
Mobile apps have become an integral part of events and have been at the centre of the evolution of event technology throughout this past decade. Attendees can access event information such as schedules, speaker bios, and venue maps right at their fingertips. These apps also enable networking opportunities by facilitating direct messaging between attendees and providing interactive features like live polling during sessions.
Another game-changing technology in events is virtual reality (VR). VR allows attendees to immerse themselves in virtual environments that replicate real-life experiences. From virtual product demonstrations to immersive brand activations, VR adds a new dimension to events by engaging attendees on a whole new level. Just this week Meta rolled out new AI products for consumers, which include bots that create photo-realistic images and smart glasses that answer questions, as well as an updated virtual reality headset. The products are intended to bring together virtual and real worlds, which will complement the demand for innovative and exciting virtual and hybrid events.
Virtual events allow organisers to reach a global audience without geographical limitations. Through immersive virtual platforms and interactive features like live chats and networking lounges, attendees can experience an event from the comfort of their own homes. Taking virtual events and mixing them with live events, hybrid events have also emerged as a popular trend in response to evolving technology and circumstances. Combining both physical and virtual elements, these events offer flexibility for attendees who may prefer either option. Advanced technology enables seamless integration between on-site activities and online experiences.
Live streaming and video conferencing technologies have made it possible for remote participants to join events from anywhere in the world. This not only expands the reach of events but also enables global collaboration and participation. As a result of a significant increase in the reliability of this kind of event technology, virtual events have gained significant traction.
With this digital transformation within the events landscape, expectations from clients and event attendees are at an all time high. As event technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential for professionals in the industry to adapt and embrace these innovations. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and techniques, our team at Make Events can create unforgettable experiences that engage attendees on multiple levels while maximising efficiency in planning and execution.
Recent Make Events event highlights where the use of event technologies have been maximised to create innovative experiences include:
Softcat – Women in Tech Event 2023
Recognising the need to address the gender gap within the tech industry and creating a platform to inspire and empower women, this event aimed to bring together influential leaders, industry experts, and aspiring women in tech.
Make Events designed a captivating and immersive environment that blending technology and elegance. The event incorporated elements such as futuristic lighting, interactive displays, and custom-designed props to create an atmosphere that inspired innovation and creativity.
Autotrader – Atcon 2023
Make Events worked with our long-standing client Auto Trader to produce their annual all-employee conference, held at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester for over 900 delegates.The event included a huge 30-metre LED screen that needed to deliver complex content and live feed footage. An exciting and innovative conference was delivered, complete with a technically impressive set, complex production, engaging content and even a live-action Auto Bot!
John West Tuna – Stronger Together 2023
A one-day business conference combined an evening celebration in Liverpool for their UK, Ireland and Netherlands colleagues. Make Events produced an exciting and interactive conference where delegates moved into a number of engaging breakout sessions, including a hurling demonstration and a super exciting wheelchair basketball demonstration where delegates worked in teams and got into the competitive spirit!
Delegates then came back together for closing remarks, and were surprised with a drumming team building session and an evening party complete with an open bar, delicious street food vendors, giant interactive games and a live drumming band performance, before hopping on the coaches back to the office!
