Event Tech Check: New Tools and Strategies for Events
BizBash delves into the latest technological advancements revolutionizing events, from promotion and networking to overall management. This edition highlights new tools and strategies that are shaping the event landscape.
On September 6th and 7th, Google Play enhanced the fan experience at Zedd in the Park, a music festival held at Los Angeles State Historic Park, for its Play Points members. The Google Play Playground was a 3,600-square-foot, multi-level area offering a prime view of the main stage, along with interactive elements like glow-in-the-dark games, a dance floor, mini-golf, a photo booth, and an arcade station featuring a digital mini-game that mirrored the real-life playground. A giant slide leading into a ball pit provided a fun way for fans to return to the festival grounds from the viewing platform.
Eventbrite Enhances Event Promotion
Eventbrite is expanding its platform to empower all organizers, irrespective of their professional level, with the ability to publish and promote unlimited events and tickets without organizer fees. Additionally, organizers will gain access to the platform’s comprehensive suite of ticketing and marketing resources. Eventbrite is also optimizing its Pro Plans and will be launching a timed entry feature to assist organizers in boosting their reach and ticket sales affordably. The updated Pro Plan includes an email marketing subscription that delivers significantly higher open rates than industry averages, according to the brand. The new timed entry feature seeks to enhance crowd management and improve the attendee experience, complementing Eventbrite’s recent TikTok integration, which allows event links to be easily added to videos.
“When you use Eventbrite, you’re getting access to a comprehensive suite of tools that are both powerful and easy to use, all designed to help you connect with new audiences and engage your community,” said Julia Hartz, co-founder, CEO, and executive chair of Eventbrite. “We’re here to make the process from idea to execution as smooth and cost-effective as possible. By making our platform and tools available to everyone, our goal is to help organizers connect with more people and propel the success of their events.”
Connector Transforms Event Networking
Connector, an AI-driven, location-based networking app, helps professionals make meaningful real-time connections. Using its proprietary Value Score technology, Connector identifies nearby individuals with shared interests, enhancing networking effectiveness and reducing the awkwardness of introductions. The app’s key features include customizable privacy controls, location-based connection notifications, and various profile management options. Launched in partnership with the Mopar Vendor Expo, which took place in Las Vegas from September 8-12, Connector aims to transform event networking by proactively suggesting valuable connections, fostering ongoing engagement that surpasses traditional event apps.
“Connector is a user-friendly, discreet, and powerful way for everyone in attendance at the Mopar Vendor Expo to nurture relationships that build business,” said Steven Eppinger, founder and CEO of Connector Technologies. “Connector leverages the powerful combination of location- and interest-based technology, built on a network of identified event attendees focused on business objectives. This platform has the potential to foster collaborations like never before, making the Mopar Vendor Expo the most valuable event of the year for attendees, exhibitors, and their companies.”
Simpleview DAM for Destination Marketing
Simpleview, now part of Granicus, has released its newly engineered Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, Simpleview DAM, specifically for destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Powered by Cloudinary, this platform integrates with Simpleview’s CMS and tech stack, providing a centralized solution for managing, optimizing, and distributing digital assets like images and videos. With AI-powered features, automated media transformations, and analytics, Simpleview DAM seeks to increase operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and deliver high-quality content across platforms. The DAM system aims to assist DMOs in advancing their marketing efforts and enhancing user experiences.
“As fast and flawless visual experiences become increasingly foundational for modern commerce success, it’s critical that brands can quickly and easily manage, transform, optimize, and deliver their images and videos across channels,” said Evgeni Agronik, vice president of ecosystems at Cloudinary. “We’re excited that Simpleview’s impressive roster of DMO customers will now have access to the single source of truth and powerful automation that Cloudinary’s intelligent, composable DAM provides.”
BoothEasy Elevates Event Engagement
BoothEasy, based in Austin, Texas, offers event organizers and exhibitors opportunities to enhance engagement and leave lasting impressions through AI integration, instant sharing, and customizable activations. BoothEasy’s offerings cater to events of all sizes, providing services from full content coverage, including photography and videography, to interactive photo experiences like photo booths and AI-driven concepts. A notable feature is the instant headshot experience, offering attendees professional-quality headshots immediately ready for use on platforms such as LinkedIn.
Industry Updates: Mergers and Acquisitions
Several significant developments have occurred in the event technology sector:
- Cvent Acquires Splash: Cvent acquired Splash to strengthen its offerings for corporate marketing professionals.
- Chillz U.S. Acquires WYA: Chillz U.S., the parent company of Linkstub, has acquired event tech company WYA.
- Sphere Entertainment Co. Announces V-U2: Sphere Entertainment Co. unveiled an exclusive cinematic experience, V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film at Sphere Las Vegas, showcasing the U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere show.
This Event Tech Check provides a glimpse into the evolving technology landscape and serves as a valuable resource for event professionals striving to stay ahead of the curve.
