Akmal Shahzad, Venue Manager at IET Birmingham: Austin Court, delves into the technological revolution reshaping the landscape of the conference and meetings industry. He explores how technology is not only streamlining customer service but also enhancing overall event experiences for both planners and attendees.
Efficient registration
We all know that when planning events, time is of the essence. Thanks to technological advancements, gone are the days of tedious manual registration processes. Event planners now have access to sophisticated platforms that automate and streamline registrations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. However, as planners navigate this tech landscape, it’s essential to be vigilant about hidden costs. Questions about per-registration charges, fees for on-the-day registrants, and pre-registration counts are crucial to understanding the full financial picture.
Quicker responses anytime, anywhere
Customer service in the events industry is no longer confined to office hours. With communication tools such as chatbots and automated email responders, event planners and agencies can provide quick, real-time responses to queries, even outside traditional working hours. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also ensures that concerns are promptly addressed, contributing to smoother event execution.
This doesn’t mean the personal touch is redundant, far from it. Technology is a tool to assist, but a person is always on hand to support planners.
Real-time updates through digital signage
The advent of digital signage has transformed the way information is disseminated during events. Real-time updates displayed on digital screens keep delegates informed about schedule changes, speaker updates, and other crucial information. This not only eliminates confusion but also adds a touch of professionalism to the event, enhancing the overall attendee experience.
Inclusive event experiences
Beyond logistics, event tech is making strides in managing delegate accessibility and dietary needs. Specialised platforms enable attendees to communicate their accessibility requirements, ensuring that event spaces are equipped to accommodate everyone. Similarly, dietary preferences and restrictions can be efficiently collected and catered to, contributing to a more inclusive and satisfying event experience for all participants.
This helps the venue in effectively being aware of delegate allergens and requirements.
AI: shaping the future of event planning
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in event planning is expanding, most notably in marketing. AI algorithms analyse data to understand attendee preferences, tailoring marketing strategies for maximum impact.
Looking to the future, the question arises: how far can AI go? For example, will we get to the stage where AI can source speakers for your event? While we watch with keen interest, the potential for AI to revolutionize speaker selection and event content curation looms large. The ability to predict trends, analyse audience engagement, and recommend speakers could redefine the way events are organised and experienced.
From efficient registration processes and real-time communication to inclusive experiences and the potential of AI, the conference and meetings industry is undergoing a transformative journey. While the future promises even more advancements, technology is only as good as the people making the most of it.
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