Event Tech Check: New Innovations for Exhibitor Management, Virtual Events, and More
BizBash is diving into the latest tech advancements reshaping the events landscape, from enhancing exhibitor experiences to revolutionizing virtual gatherings. Here’s a look at recent launches, updates, and strategic moves.
This past year, BizBash’s coverage of CES 2024 proved to be very popular, with highlights including SK Group’s showcase of AI and carbon-reduction technologies within their “SK Wonderland” concept. The exhibit featured a “Wonder Globe”, an AI-powered “magic carpet ride,” and an AI fortuneteller to entertain and inform attendees. For those interested, CES 2025 is kicking off now in Las Vegas–stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
Elevating the Exhibitor Experience
Shepard, an event production company, has launched ExhibitorPro, an online platform designed to improve the exhibitor experience. This new tool aims to simplify event planning, streamline logistics, and provide a user-centric solution. Features include a unified account view for easy access to event details, budgeting tools, third-party integrations, order copying, and a resource center with FAQs and a video library.
Kevin Bird, CEO of Shepard, explained, “ExhibitorPro represents our vision for the future—one where technology enhances service, simplifies processes, and empowers exhibitors to succeed. It’s about making the exhibiting experience more intuitive and efficient for everyone involved.”
Enhancing Virtual Experiences
GlobalMeet, a virtual event platform, has introduced updates to its Live Studio Control Room and Presenter List features. These updates, designed to provide more control and ease of use for organizers of virtual and hybrid events, strive to deliver a higher-quality presenter experience, similar to TV production controls.
Key enhancements include controlled stage management, one-click transitions, and customizable presenter and media layouts. The improved Presenter List now offers a Mini View, real-time status indicators, and editable names for on-screen display.
Catie Henderson, GlobalMeet’s product director, stated, “GlobalMeet’s new Live Studio Control Room is a direct result of the great partnerships we have with our customers. The goal of improving business outcomes drove our customer engagement, including user journey sessions, brainstorming, demo feedback, testing, and iterative development interactions. Leveraging GlobalMeet, companies have the same presenter and audience controls for a webcast as a TV production team has for a newscast.”
Providing Technical Production Support
Freeman, a global events company, launched Studio Blue in early December. This new offering focuses on delivering technical execution and support, including event content production, scenic design and staging, and broadcasting, for a range of corporate programs. Studio Blue aims to offer nimble and expert technical production support to clients.
Janet Dell, CEO of Freeman, noted, “Studio Blue reflects Freeman’s commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of our corporate clients. We’ve seen firsthand the demand for this capability through our work with major brands and government agencies. By providing nimble, expert technical production for focused events, Studio Blue empowers our clients to achieve their vision with speed and confidence.”
AI-Driven Itinerary Planning
Mindtrip, an AI-driven platform, facilitates the creation of personalized, sequential itineraries based on individual preferences. See Monterey, the California tourism bureau, has integrated this technology into its newly revamped website, SeeMonterey.com, becoming the first U.S. destination to use such AI-driven itinerary-building capabilities. This innovation is particularly useful for meeting and event planners, offering a tailored planning tool directly connected to local venues, hotels, attractions, and services in Monterey County.
Other Notable News
- EVA: The entertainment tech company that connects performers with corporate and private events, officially launched in New York City, its eighth and largest market to date.
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: Launched a wayfinding mobile app for guests to easily discover the resort.
- CompuSystems: Agreed to acquire EventsPass, a SaaS platform for B2C and B2B events, to strengthen its portfolio.
- Indy Autonomous Challenge: Prepping for its return to CES 2025, with multicar racing and the future of physical AI developments planned at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 9th.
