Non-fungible tokens can be used to create exclusive events within events to attract a higher-tier audience. Photo Credit: gettyimages/VectorStory
Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, event planners have
undoubtedly become more tech-savvy, hosting events on hybrid platforms,
coordinating panel discussions online and using web-based chat functions
for live Q&As The sector has not been slow to adopt new
innovations, so what technology applications on the horizon will have
future implications for events?
Here’s the lowdown on the latest buzz words to watch out for and why they are worth noticing.
Providing extra value with NFTs
Welcome to the
world of NFTs - or non-fungible tokens, a digital asset built on
blockchain technology that gives you ownership of a unique,
one-of-its-kind digital item. This could be a digital work of art, an
animation, a video or even a tweet. In the last year, they’ve had a big
impact on the arts, entertainment and sporting worlds.
But what’s in it for events? An obvious use is offering VIP status to
an event within an NFT, where delegates can get exclusive access to
products, additional audio content or the chance to join a select few
for an after-hours event. You can even use NFTs as gifts or in place of
swag bags, offering delegates digital collectibles that are theirs to
keep.
Staying connected with IoT
The Internet of Things
refers to different devices connected to each other and the internet,
all of which can share data. A 2020 report from Alcatel-Lucent outlines
potential IoT scenarios within the hospitality industry.
These include smart devices that turn ordinary mirrors into personal
interactive information stations to enable guests to manage hotel room
functions, ambience and entertainment. The report says that with a
simple touch, guests can connect with hotel services and access
information, including local news, weather and traffic.
Other
applications include autonomous indoor delivery robots that automate
hotel room service. Robots can operate elevators and navigate crowds
while handling tasks such as room deliveries quickly, safely and
reliably.
Creating seamless flow with AI
Artificial
intelligence is making its mark with regards to facial recognition,
networking and chatbots. It can enable seamless event check-ins or
registrations, avoiding the need for long queues and form-filling, and
offer enhanced matchmaking prospects.
AI technology can focus on delegate behaviourial data such as
interests and past events attended to identify the best networking
matches at an event. AI-powered chatbots can be used to ‘meet and
greet’, to help attendees with directions and to answer simple but
necessary requests such as event timings.