Let’s get techy. Event planners today who are not fully embracing the innovative solutions and event planning technology options are going to fall behind their competitors. But that’s not to say you have to dive head-first into every shiny new tech product out there, either. Event planners have to be knowledgeable and precise about choosing which tech advancements to adopt. And it has to make sense to your business model, niche services, and bottom line.
Savvy and successful events industry veterans will tell you that the key to staying in touch with event tech is knowing and anticipating trends. Today, we’re keeping you in the know by outlining some of the latest technology trends to expect in 2024. Use this list as an informative highlight of what’s to come to better guide you in deciding which advancements need to be part of your business.
1. Hybrid Events Are the New Norm
Ok, so maybe this isn’t a new trend. Hybrid events continue to be popular among event planners. But it is worth noting that hybrid event planning is sticking around as the new norm. With the increased benefit of including a virtual audience with any in-person engagement and the ease of use of various virtual event technology, it’s become an expected service in the industry. Event planners in 2024 should prepare to offer hybrid event experiences with every event. And these are a few of the most popular software solutions to consider in facilitating those event client requests:
2. Augmented Reality Creates Immersive Planning
Augmented reality (AR) technology in events continues to advance and present incredible opportunities for event planners. You can incorporate AR tech into your event entertainment strategy for in-person engagement and experiences. But AR is also great for the planning side of your business with 3D floor plans and visualizing event spaces. Here are some of the top AR platforms in 2024 to keep an eye on for layers of event experience opportunities for improvement:
- Google ARCore
- Apple ARKit
- Spark AR Studio
- Vuforia Engine
- Adobe Aero
3. Artificial Intelligence Saves Time
Artificial intelligence (AI) certainly seems to be infiltrating every aspect of our lives. But as an event planner, you can be honing in on specific event applications. AI is a great event technology for saving time, especially when you’re using it for ideation and inspiration. It’s revolutionizing how event planners are creating content and executing marketing strategies. Here are just a few of the AI applications that make time-saving sense for today’s busy event planners:
- Synthesia (video generator)
- CrowdComm (event management)
- Dall-E 2 (visuals from text)
- ChatGPT (content and ideas)
- Meeting Owl (video conferencing)
4. Contactless Registration Is More Convenient
What started as a safety measure has turned into a convenience must-have. Event planners should be embracing the digital registration process, making it an available event registration option for every corporate event. Use your mobile event app and tap into these unique registration solutions to streamline your event check-in methods:
- Eventbrite
- Whova
- Cvent
- 6Connex
- Wild Apricot
5. 5G Connects Everything Events
Another event tech trend event planners should know about is the growing adoption of 5G. 5G technology, made available by mobile carriers, is impacting and improving events in a big way. The broader and faster connection capabilities allow for the mass connection of IoT devices. Your events, with 5G routers and capabilities, will create seamless internet access. But event professionals are exploring even more benefits, including:
- Seamless event climate control
- Effortless smart lighting
- Wearable attendee trackers
- Lightning-fast presentation visuals
- Increase digital security
6. Event Data and Analytics Make for Smarter Decisions
Today’s event professionals are leveraging the power of event analytics to make key decisions about event curation, marketing, and business operations. Tap into the wide variety of event data software solutions for your business and take the guesswork out of your decision-making. Use metrics to tell you more about your target audience for marketing. Rely on event data to help you spot areas of attendee engagement improvement. And trust the analytics to guide your business growth. Here are a few of the most popular event analytics software solutions to consider:
- Bizzabo
- Google Analytics
- Mixpanel
- Amplitude
- Adobe Analytics
Discover Event Trends at The Event Planner Expo 2024
While you don’t have to adopt every event technology out there, it’s always ideal to stay up to date with today's current and emerging trends. Keep these innovations in mind as you make improvements to your event planning business this year. And to really stay ahead of the curve, make sure you get to The Event Planner Expo this October. Every year, this premier events industry conference attracts thousands of top event professionals and marketers. It’s three full days of learning from Keynote Speakers, high energy networking, and forming strategic partnerships. Take your Expo engagement to another level as a valued exhibitor on the trade show floor at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Reserve your booth today and prepare to discover all the hottest event trends at The Expo!
