Event Tech Innovations: April 2024
Welcome to the latest installment of BizBash’s event technology roundup. This month, we’re diving into exciting new solutions designed to streamline event planning, enhance attendee experiences, and leverage the power of AI. From travel booking to content creation, here are the developments shaping the future of the events industry.
This article looks at tech solutions for multiple types of events and the latest updates in the industry.
To Build—or Tap Into—an Online Community
Reddit has unveiled Reddit Pro, a free suite of advanced tools aimed at businesses. This platform will help companies understand how to participate in relevant Reddit communities and connect with their target audience. It will also provide access to AI-powered community insights and trend analysis. Companies can assess performance analytics and take advantage of publishing tools, all to help effectively engage with users. Reddit’s chief marketing and consumer experience officer, Roxy Young, noted the importance of this new platform: “Through Reddit Pro, we’re connecting companies with communities in a mutually valuable way: unmatched insights and tools for enhanced participation from businesses, both organic and paid, which then drives more relevant and valuable experiences for our users.”
To Simplify Event Ticketing
Tripleseat, a hospitality industry event and sales management software, has launched Tripleseat Tickets. This new ticketing solution is designed to streamline the process for restaurants, hotels, and other unique venues. It empowers venues to create and promote their events with a unified platform that will drive increased revenue and brand awareness. CEO Jonathan Morse explained, “[Venues] can now easily sell tickets and promote their events with elevated branded landing pages and email marketing, resulting in increased sales and revenue.” Tripleseat also recently released a large party reservation solution for parties of 6-15 people, integrating online table availability, preordering, and pre-payment options.
To Quickly Generate Visual Assets and Other Event Content
Zoom Events is integrating new image generation capabilities within its AI companion tool. Event organizers can generate various visual assets, from event mastheads to virtual backgrounds. The service can also assist with content creation, helping users write event descriptions, speaker bios, announcements, and marketing emails.
Swoogo’s hybrid events offering is now generally available on the Zoom App Marketplace, combining Zoom Event’s virtual platform and Swoogo’s in-person event management technology. John Beckmann, head of Zoom Events, emphasized the hybrid events trend: “Hybrid events are here to stay, and it’s critical that event organizers design experiences that make both in-person and virtual attendees feel equally connected to the event.” This integration allows event planners to create seamless experiences for both in-person and virtual attendees.
To Help Independent Venues Save Time and Money
AmptUp has released its new Payouts feature, designed to streamline the event booking process for venues and talent. The platform aims to simplify the journey from initial contract to payment. It acts as a centralized hub for all necessary documents and information, also featuring real-time tracking of booking statuses, artist resources, and payout calculations. Holly Hagerman, CEO and co-founder of AmptUp, highlighted the feature’s importance: “Independent venues and artists rely on each other, and AmptUp’s new Payouts feature helps maintain these symbiotic relationships by ensuring that everyone is clear on the terms of the deal.”
To Improve Travel Booking
KAYAK has introduced new AI-powered tools to simplify travel planning. These additions include KAYAK PriceCheck, a patent-pending tool allowing users to upload a screenshot of a flight itinerary from any website. It will then search hundreds of sites to verify the price. Additionally, “Ask KAYAK” allows travelers to input specific requirements and receive recommendations.
To Digitally Manage Event Storage and Logistics
StoragePal is a tech-driven self-storage platform that’s aiming to reduce the costs associated with storing and managing event equipment. The platform allows event professionals to select storage options for their equipment, and the company then handles pickup, transport, and safekeeping until the items are needed again. Event planners can monitor their equipment, and request returns, through a virtual interface. StoragePal launched for event professionals in Paris and plans to expand to London, Amsterdam, and the U.S.
The Latest Updates, Promotions, Funding, and Merger News
Bizzabo’s Event Experience OS now incorporates hotel room block management, allowing event attendees to transition seamlessly from event registration to hotel booking. In industry news, Gartner recognized Bizzabo as a 2024 Magic Quadrant leader for Event Technology Platforms.
Pixis Drones has hired Mike Hamlet as creative director. This hire supports the company’s expansion into innovative aerial drone shows.
Banzai International Inc. announced an expansion of its event marketing solution, Reach. It includes a new operating business unit, new technology systems to support customers, and an expanded focus to serve additional customers.
Executive Platforms and Board.org have announced their combination, creating a platform to expand offerings and drive event attendees to a community platform.
