As we enter further into the second quarter of the year, many look ahead for trends on the rise in their industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. 2020 is already a revolutionary year for corporate event management and although a lot remains uncertain, there are promising opportunities for event technology in the hybrid event space.
As you begin planning your next big event, it’s important to learn about these trends that may be here to stay. Also, discover how to use the same strategies as leading brands who are already paving the way despite the challenges of cancelled in-person events.
So which trends are on the rise this year? Let's get into it
1. Live Streaming
Live streaming has been a staple trend in the world of event technology for some time. However, in the wake of COVID-19, many companies are changing their usual in-person events into virtual events(as brands such as Google, Facebook have done).
Streaming has a variety of benefits. You extend your event to users who weren’t able to make it, engage international customers, and get the talk going online about your event. Plus, if people see how impactful your event is online now, they’ll be more likely to consider buying a ticket for any future in-person versions. In the end, it’s all about engaging as many people as possible.
2. Artificial intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence is on the rise because of its ability to customize experiences for individuals while simultaneously bringing the community together during this tumultuous time.
In general, AI helps associate certain attendees with their field of work and interests which then ensures that the best, most helpful content reaches the right people as soon as they need it. Or, at the very least, it has the power to streamline the experience. This adds some much-needed simplicity for event attendees who have already had to adjust to so many other changes these past few months.
It’s important to note that AI shows up in many forms. Some common examples include:
Event chatbots
Facial recognition during event registration
Voice translation and interpretation during panels
Event newsletter personalization
3. Enhanced attendee experience
An event is all about the experience. And even though in-person events are on hold for now, you can still create digital or hybrid versions your audience will find value in. There are a few main ways to enhance attendee experience online:
Personalize communication - Send personalized push notifications, emails, and texts to each attendee, recommending them sessions they might like. You can also create a “plan your own” experience where the attendees can choose the experience for themselves.
Offer a wide range of topics - Many people want to learn new skills during quarantine and will likely continue expanding their resumes as the job market temporarily deflates. Anything that helps your audience prepare themselves or feel more confident about future works.
Simplify registration - Remove the burden of extra steps and unnecessary complications for stressed out and exhausted attendees. Program a registration system that allows attendees to book their tickets and/or future travel arrangements in one go with as few steps as possible.
4. Facial recognition technology
Facial recognition is software that tracks, records, and stores an individual’s facial features. And while it’s not 100% accurate all the time, it’s still quite useful for a number of reasons.
Because contactless event check-ins are a likely requirement for the next couple of years, this technology will be critical. Attendees can simply scan their face and be let into the event once the machine recognizes them. The experience is both safe and seamless for all involved. Since we’re so used to this technology, most attendees are already familiar with it and can expect it at any in-person event.
Is best to invest in cybersecurity backups and double-check with your technology provider that all necessary precautions have been taken before launching it for your event attendees since facial recognition information could fall into the wrong hands at any moment and although systems are getting better at preventing identity theft.
5. AR and VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality(VR) have been utilized in the industry for the past couple of years. And now that the majority of the world is confined to their homes, it’s providing a necessary service to those who need a safe mental escape for both work and play that doesn’t risk anyone’s health.
You can delight your attendees in a myriad of ways. Assess who your audience is and create an experience that not only wows them but gives them something to take back to their team. To really wow your attendees, aim to tell them a story with a world that only exists inside that headset.
6. Live translation
The use of live translation will continue to be utilized throughout 2020 as audiences feel a stronger need to connect with the outside world during this large scale shared experience. If you’re able to extend your event to attendees that may not speak your native language, you’ll see a spike in international interest. Accessibility should be a priority in the event space. The more ideas cultivated across language barriers, the richer the industry can become.
7. More secure data collection
By collecting real-time event data, you give attendees the opportunity to tell you what is and what isn’t working at your event. Then, you can interpret that data to provide even more impactful speakers, helpful technology assistance, and encouraging content.
Event data translates the needs and wants of your audience into actionable takeaways. Virtual events present even more opportunities for data collection—with more opportunities for trackable statistics, reports, and attendee analytics available than at their in-person counterparts.
Planning your next event may seem a little daunting at first, given the huge changes we’ve all experienced recently. Just know that you can still connect with your attendees on a real, authentic level through digital and hybrid events.
Know that every conference, meeting, and event experience will be different and require different tech features, so keep all of these trends for 2020 and beyond.
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