Emerging event technology in 2019

The best and brightest new event tech trends

New event technology has developed to futuristic standards. Our attention spans are becoming more selective as we move through the digital age, so it’s important to keep people engaged with what they want to see.

New event technology is all about immersion. Virtual relativity, augmented reality and gamification create deep and captivating landscapes that enrapture event goers. Facial recognition, artificial intelligence and wearable tech make events seamless for hosts and attendees alike.

Have you got a bold idea for an upcoming event? Talk to the team at Microhire. We can facilitate your event from start to finish. With over 25 years of events experience, we have grown with the industry, and know how to make your vision come alive.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition has far more exciting applications outside of surveillance and biometrics. It can increase engagement, and heighten security at events.

• Security. Facial recognition is far more accurate than a lanyard with a grainy photo. By employing facial recognition at security checkpoints, only verified people can attend.
• Personalisation. This exciting technology can pick an attendee out of a crowd and deliver them a tailored message or call-to-action, right to their smartphone.

At the International Corporate Event Awards, Zenus facial recognition software was employed to manage hundreds of check-ins. This was achieved with just one laptop, allowing for the event to progress as planned.

Virtual reality & augmented reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) aren’t exactly new event technologies. As the technology improves year after year, event goers have been able to take part in richer interactive experiences.

• Hosting. VR can increase event attendance tenfold by opening the doors to people from all over the world. Attendees can now experience the full sensation of an event from their home.
• Interactivity. AR allows attendees to interact with stalls and traders at events through their smartphones. Models, drawings and demonstrations can be created in real time, right before their eyes.
• Showcasing. If space is an issue, showing products in action can be difficult. VR allows for infinite possibilities for attendees to experience products like cars, boats and caravans.

Qantas has already developed a VR system that whisks travellers away to far corners of the world. It was originally initiated for travel expos, but is now available as an app.

Artificial Intelligence

Popular culture has made us hesitant to adopt artificial intelligence. However, it can be very useful in the right hands. AI has far more applications than changing songs and placing online shopping orders.

• Recommendations. AI can formulate recommendations based on an attendee’s interests and personal profile. Guidance on networking, exhibitors and products can greatly enhance the event experience.
• Efficiency. Chatbots and interface-less experiences mean less staff on the ground. Outsourcing customer service to AI can save time and money by streamlining events for hosts.
• Data. AI can gather and analyse data that comes from events. From movement patterns, to food consumption, to crowd control, AI can paint a real-time picture of an event in motion, allowing for accurate future planning.

Sava Events, an American startup, has created a chatbot that can be tailored for specific events. Attendees can ask the bot for information on Facebook Messenger, Slack, Whats App, or several other messaging platforms.

Wearable event tech

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a popular technology for festivals, hotels and public transport. It’s the technology that underpins the contactless payment method on your credit card. It has also evolved into wearable technology that improves the experience and execution of events.

• Transactions. Buying and selling is the cornerstone of product conferences and trade shows. Attendees can securely pay for things with a RFID wristband, app or smartwatch.
• Pathfinding. Wearables can navigate event goers to stalls and other points of interest, based on their timetable and preferences.
• Access. Wearables can be programmed for use as access dongles. They can unlock doors, remove barriers and scan in to show attendance all throughout your event.

Carnival Cruise Lines have developed the Ocean Medallion. This small, wearable device is paired with a companion app and guides guests around labyrinthine cruise ships to activities based on their indicated preferences.

Gamification

Nothing provides sweet, sweet dopamine like playing games. Gamification can turn a dry symposium into an interactive and rewarding experience. Creative gaming coupled with VR, AR, and other event technologies can produce a real winner.

• Networking. Whether they are localised to a screen or cover the entire ground of your event, games promote team building, collaboration and trust between your attendees.
• Application. Games can encourage many behaviours in attendees, including visiting particular booths, engaging with sponsors, understanding content and working towards a common solution.
• Rewards. Games and competitions keep people engaged by offering tangible rewards like trophies and prizes, or intangible rewards like recognition and accomplishment.

The Boston Red Sox developed a VR batting simulator, allowing fans to take a swing from the home plate of Fenway Park. This immersive experience was developed to give young fans a taste of Major League Baseball.

Contact Microhire

Whatever your vision, Microhire can help it come alive on the main stage. From lighting, to content production, to digital support, we know how to pull off your big event. If you have something a little more futuristic in mind, we would love to talk to you about it. Get in touch today.