Technology has long played an important part in the corporate event and trade show scene, and knowing how to best utilize event tech is going to continue to be essential moving forward. From attracting attendees to your event to keeping them engaged when they arrive, staying up-to-date on technological advances has never been more important.
To help ensure your events continue to be successful in the New Year, we have outlined the most exciting technological trends you should be of aware of below.
1) Hybrid Events
Hybrid events are the new “it” thing in corporate events. Hybrids use webcasting, a form of media technology that streams live events over the Internet in real time, to allow the event to reach attendees both inside and outside the event space, making it accessible to those who cannot attend in person.
Recent research has estimated that more than 50 percent of companies are beginning to integrate such hybrid technologies into their events, and the trend is well warranted. In a recent survey, almost half of respondents said that 10 percent or more of their online attendees later attended an event in person. In other words, a little time spent designing engaging content for your webcast audience can go a long way toward generating leads and increasing buzz for future events.
2) Mobile Apps
With over half of Americans owning a smartphone—and that percentage slated to rise higher in 2014—mobile apps are becoming increasingly important for trade shows and corporate events. By providing attendees with precise information about the time and location of your event and the attractions you’ll be hosting, mobile apps make visitors feel more connected to the event and increase the likelihood they will show up. Mobile apps also have the benefit of allowing attendees to connect through social networking channels like Twitter and Facebook, which are quickly becoming an essential way to market to the masses.
As more and more events integrate mobile apps, event attendees have begun to expect them. Having a well-designed and easy-to-use app can really set you apart from the competition and make your brand one to remember.
3) Cloud Software
Anything that makes it easier for your attendees to engage with your event is bound to be a huge hit. Cloud computing software does just that. Cloud software allows you to store information about your company and event on the Internet. Everything from product demos to press kits, interactive games, and more can easily be made available to the public.
As such, cloud technology eliminates the need for many paper-based forms of communication, decreasing your carbon footprint and helping you to appear environmentally conscious. With over 50% of corporations currently using a private cloud—and many of them starting to integrate a hybrid component that shares information with the public—the time to join in on this emerging trend is now!