Event Tech Check: Innovations Shaping the Future of Events
Event professionals are constantly seeking ways to enhance attendee experiences and streamline event management. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting new tools and technologies emerging in the industry.
Enhancing Attendee Engagement
To facilitate better communication and networking, Splash, a global event marketing technology company, has partnered with Guidebook, an event app builder, to introduce a new integration. This partnership, set to launch in June, aims to boost attendee engagement through a mobile app. Features include instant push notifications, real-time content updates, live polls, Q&A sessions, private messaging, and a social feed, with opportunities for in-app sponsorships and targeted ads. The app also offers comprehensive analytics and feedback tools.
“One of the biggest challenges for event organizers is creating authentic in-person experiences for attendees,” said Kate Hammitt, CMO of Splash. “Using an event app is a critical piece of that on-site experience, facilitating connection, relaying real-time information, and ensuring attendee value. We’re partnering with Guidebook because their best-in-class event app software will work seamlessly with Splash to showcase the brand at every touchpoint, support higher engagement, and, ultimately, drive better business results.”
Streamlining Event Planning
Joi is a new planning and scheduling software designed by event planners, specifically for event planners. Starting at $40 per month, the software offers a program builder, microsite, event app, scheduling tools, and budget management capabilities. Joi’s co-founder, Rob Vass, notes that the service is designed to boost productivity, potentially reducing time spent on event documentation by around 80%. Furthermore, the software’s license allows for unlimited collaboration, enabling customers to invite unlimited team members without extra costs.
Instant Live Translation
Interprefy has launched Interprefy Now, a new product designed to provide AI-powered instant live translation for small- to medium-sized professional meetings. The tool eliminates the need for specialized equipment, allowing attendees to engage in multilingual discussions using just a smartphone. It delivers real-time translation of both spoken language and text captions.
“If you’ve ever needed to communicate with people who speak a different language than yours in a professional situation, and don’t want to extend your meeting’s duration with consecutive interpretation or have equipment for simultaneous interpretation, then Interprefy Now is for you,” said Oddmund Braaten, CEO of Interprefy. “Our AI language translation products make multilingual language access available to a wider range of organizations and events that might have smaller budgets.”
Career Coaching for Event Professionals
Soundings, a digital platform for connecting organizations with event industry talent, has launched Soundings Elevate, a coaching program geared toward advancing event professionals’ careers. Services include strength assessments, a three-month career accelerator, and one-on-one coaching. The coaching will address career advancement, along with personal and professional challenges such as lack of confidence, inadequate mentorship, and limited networking opportunities. Soundings Elevate coaching services launched in mid-May and are available for purchase online.
“Our team views the launch of the Soundings Elevate career coaching products as more than just an expansion of our services,” said Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings. “It’s a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all professionals, especially women, have the resources and opportunities to thrive.”
Personalized Service and Data Analytics
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, has started using hologram technology in its penthouse suites. The hotel is using the Proto M, a holographic communications device, to allow its guest experience team to communicate live with guests from various locations. This technology helps with providing personalized services and in-room communications.
Destination Canada has released the Canadian Tourism Data Collective, a data and analytics platform designed to help boost the Canadian tourism sector and enhance economic growth. This platform provides stakeholders with actionable insights, offering potential for data-driven decision-making.
Technology Updates and Partnerships
BCD Meetings & Events has combined all of its technology offerings under the new EMPOWER by BCD Meetings & Events brand. Bear Analytics has announced a strategic partnership with Cvent, expanding its data analytics platform access through the Cvent Marketplace. Komo Tech, a customer engagement platform, is now in partnership with Fanatics Events to develop engaging experiences for fans. Plain Sight, an event marketing and ticketing platform, has partnered with The Players Company to support events and offer sponsors access to a network of athletes and investors.
