Science-Fiction no more: Steps-activated lights and screens are now a reality. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/efo (AI generated)
Interactive polls conducted during Cvent’s Accelerate 2025 educational session, Future of Event Technology: Love It or Loathe It, revealed key attendee preferences that are shaping the future of event experiences. Participants engaged actively, sharing insights into what they value in upcoming event innovations. Here's a look at the top tech trends that resonated with attendees:
Wayfinding
Enhanced digital navigation tools could help attendees move seamlessly through sprawling conference halls or complex exhibition layouts. With the increasing reliance on apps such as Google Maps for everyday navigation, similar expectations are emerging in the event space.
Cvent’s VP of Sales, Brian Ludwig, said: “We use Google Maps or Wave to get around. So, is this the future? When was the last time you used indoor Wayfinding to find your way around a conference or trade show? It’s been difficult to pull off…but the tech is getting better and it is going to become far more commonplace.”
AR gamified tours
Beyond practical wayfinding, navigation tools can create interactive tour experiences to liven up attendee experience. Triggered by scanning a QR code, augmented reality (AR) paths and step-by-step navigation can appear on delegates' screen. These tours can offer exclusive self-paced content and gamified experiences, turning venue exploration into an engaging part of the event.
Facial recognition
AI applications are transforming industries from healthcare to education, and events are next. Ludwig predicted that within five years, facial recognition will become a mainstream check-in method at many events.
While the convenience is clear, concerns remain presently. Facial recognition tech must address data privacy regulations, such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Events must emphasise the importance of solutions that verify identity without storing biometric data, ensuring compliance and trust.
Robots at your service
Robots are set to play a key role in the future of conferences and exhibitions. Ludwig envisions AI-powered robotic assistants greeting guests, serving drinks, explaining vendor solutions, guiding visitors, and even delivering formal presentations. These robots will support logistics and enhance the overall attendee experience.
Ready for them or not, some of these technologies are likely to move from novelty to norm. Organisers who embrace them early will not only stand out to attendees, they will be be the ones shaping the next era of events.
Piezoelectric paths
Imagine powering event venues simply by walking. Piezoelectric technology converts mechanical stress such as footsteps into electrical energy. Already in use on some roads and sidewalks in Japan, this sustainable innovation could be adopted at events to power lighting or digital screens, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
Automated parking
According to Ludwig, the frustration of limited parking is often a deterrent for attendees. In Korea, robotic parking systems are changing the game – robots slide under cars to lift, rotate, and park them in spaces too tight for human access. Adopting such solutions could significantly increase parking capacity at event venues.
Urban pods
What if transportation could double as networking time? Self-driving electric urban pods may offer just that. These autonomous vehicles can navigate city streets independently, then link together to form a flexible, bus-like convoy. Planners were intrigued by the idea of these pods picking up attendees from various hotels and connecting enroute, turning commutes into collaborative, social experiences.