The event industry has always been shaped by innovation, but the pace of technological advancement in recent years is unparalleled. From enhancing the attendee experience to streamlining event logistics, tech is reshaping how we think about events. In 2024, we expect technology to play an even more significant role, transforming everything from engaging with attendees to planning and executing events. Here’s a look at the top 10 event technology trends you need to watch out for in 2024.
1. Event Management Software: All-in-One Solutions for Event Success
The demand for event management software is skyrocketing, and for good reason. As events become more complex, organisations need tools that streamline the entire process, from planning to post-event analytics. In 2024, more all-in-one platforms are expected to consolidate event promotion, registration, scheduling, communication, and data analysis into a single interface. These platforms make it easier for event planners to oversee every aspect of an event, reducing the risk of human error and saving time.
- Why This Matters: Streamlined event management software lets organisers focus on strategic decisions rather than administrative tasks. With features like automated email marketing, attendee tracking, and real-time analytics, it’s a game-changer for event professionals.
- Example: VenuIQ’s Event Builder is a prime example of an event management platform that provides tools to create event apps, manage registration, enhance engagement, and measure success—all in one place.
2. AI-Driven Event Marketing and Automation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a staple in event planning and execution. In 2024, AI will continue to revolutionise how events are marketed and managed. From automating social media posts and targeted email campaigns to offering chatbots for customer service, AI is improving efficiency across the board. AI can also be used for multimedia creation, generating promo videos and personalised marketing materials in seconds.
- Why This Matters: AI speeds up event marketing, helping organisers reach more people with personalised content, automate follow-up communication, and improve customer service with minimal human intervention.
- Example: Tools like Jasper AI help event planners quickly generate promotional content, while AI-driven platforms can analyse attendee behaviour and send personalised recommendations.
3. Bluetooth Tracking: Enhancing Event Navigation and Engagement
Bluetooth tracking is becoming a go-to event technology, offering a seamless way to monitor attendee movements and engagement. Bluetooth beacons can track attendee locations in real-time, providing valuable data for optimising event layouts, managing crowd flow, and understanding attendee behaviour. Additionally, Bluetooth tracking can trigger notifications on attendees’ devices, offering personalised messages, session reminders, or nearby exhibitor promotions.
- Why This Matters: Bluetooth tracking provides detailed insights into how attendees interact with event spaces, helping organisers improve layouts and increase engagement. It also supports contactless navigation, guiding attendees to key areas or sessions within large venues.
- Example: VenuIQ’s platform integrates with Bluetooth beacons to track attendee movements, allowing organisers to gain insights into attendee preferences and improve future event designs.
4. Event Mobile Apps: The Ultimate Event Companion
Mobile apps are now an essential part of event planning, and their importance will only increase in 2024. These apps provide attendees with easy access to schedules, maps, speaker bios, and other event information, while also offering organisers a way to send real-time updates and gather feedback. Event apps can also facilitate networking by allowing attendees to connect, message, and schedule meetings within the app.
- Why This Matters: Event apps enhance attendee engagement by putting everything attendees need at their fingertips. They also provide a platform for interactive elements like live polls, Q&A sessions, and gamification.
- Example: The VenuIQ app allows event organisers to customise the attendee experience with everything from live updates to interactive maps and networking tools.
5. QR Codes: Simplifying Event Interactions
QR codes are making a strong comeback in the event industry and will continue to play a pivotal role in 2024. These codes provide a simple, touchless way for attendees to access event information, from session schedules to speaker bios and exhibitor details. They’re also useful for delivering additional experiences, such as downloading presentation slides or participating in live polls.
- Why This Matters: QR codes reduce the need for printed materials and facilitate quick access to digital content. They can be integrated into attendee badges, signage, or event apps, offering a seamless way to engage with content.
- Example: Event organisers are increasingly placing QR codes at booths or registration desks, allowing attendees to instantly scan and receive all relevant event details on their phones.
6. Live Streaming: Blurring the Lines Between In-Person and Virtual Events
The hybrid event model—where in-person and virtual elements coexist—will remain a dominant trend in 2024, and live streaming is at its core. Live streaming allows organisers to expand their reach beyond physical attendees, enabling people worldwide to participate in real-time. Whether it’s a keynote speech, panel discussion, or product demo, live streaming ensures that content is accessible to all, regardless of location.
- Why This Matters: Live streaming enables events to reach a larger, global audience. It also allows virtual attendees to interact with in-person participants, making for a more inclusive event experience.
- Example: Platforms like VenuIQ allow event organisers to seamlessly integrate live streaming into their events, connecting in-person attendees with remote participants in a single, interactive experience.
7. Floor Plan Diagramming Software: Perfecting Event Layouts
Creating an effective event layout ensures a smooth attendee flow and maximises engagement. In 2024, floor plan diagramming software will become an essential tool for event planners. These tools allow organisers to design and customise event spaces digitally, experimenting with different layouts and seating arrangements before the event takes place.
- Why This Matters: Floor plan diagramming software helps organisers optimise space, ensuring attendees can easily navigate the event. It also makes it easier to plan for crowd control and create intuitive layouts for different activities.
- Example: Tools like Social Tables allow event organisers to create digital blueprints of their event spaces, helping to streamline the planning process and avoid costly mistakes.
8. Smart Wearable Devices: Enhancing the Attendee Experience
Wearable technology is evolving rapidly, and in 2024, smart devices will play an even bigger role in enhancing the attendee experience. From RFID wristbands facilitating entry and payments to smart Bluetooth badges allowing attendees to exchange information, wearable tech is transforming how attendees interact with events. Smart wearables can also collect real-time data on attendee behaviour, providing organisers with valuable insights.
- Why This Matters: Smart wearables enhance the attendee experience by enabling seamless check-ins, payments, and networking. They also provide organisers with valuable data on attendee movements and engagement.
- Example: Wearable tech like Clickshare devices can be integrated into event platforms to facilitate contactless data sharing and networking at events.
9. Holograms: Adding a New Dimension to Presentations
Hologram technology is no longer science fiction—it’s a reality in the event space. In 2024, holograms will become a popular tool for creating visually stunning presentations, product demos, and even virtual appearances from keynote speakers. They can bring speakers or products to life in a way that captivates and engages audiences, adding a wow factor to events.
- Why This Matters: Holograms offer a cutting-edge way to showcase products, speakers, or performances. They create memorable experiences that can set your event apart from the competition.
- Example: Hologram technology has been used at major tech conferences, allowing speakers to appear in 3D while delivering their presentations to live audiences.
10. Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive Event Experiences
Virtual reality is gaining traction in the event industry as a tool to create fully immersive experiences. In 2024, VR will continue to be used for virtual booths, product demos, and even virtual tours of venues or sponsor spaces. VR experiences allow attendees to engage with content in new and interactive ways, making it a valuable tool for creating unique and memorable event moments.
- Why This Matters: VR allows attendees to experience products, services, or environments in a fully immersive way. This can increase engagement and make your event more impactful.
- Example: At recent trade shows, companies have used VR headsets to allow attendees to experience virtual product demos or explore virtual venues.
Benefits of New Event Technology
- Increased Efficiency
Event management software and automation tools streamline operations, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. This allows organisers to focus more on strategic decision-making and creative aspects of the event. - Improved Attendee Experience
Technologies like mobile apps, Bluetooth, and QR codes offer seamless interactions, from check-ins to accessing event information. This leads to smoother event flows and happier attendees. - Enhanced Engagement
Tools like gamification, live streaming, virtual reality (VR), and smart wearables increase engagement by offering interactive, immersive experiences that capture attendees’ attention and encourage participation. - Better Data Collection
Event tech, especially wearable devices and attendee tracking, provides real-time data on attendee behaviour. This insight helps organisers make informed decisions and fine-tune their events for maximum impact. - Cost Savings
Although implementing new technologies can involve upfront costs, they often lead to long-term savings. Digital signage, live streams, and reusable materials, for example, reduce printing, travel, and venue costs. - Sustainability
Technologies like virtual events, digital ticketing, and energy-efficient setups help reduce events’ carbon footprint. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious business practices. - Expanded Audience Reach
Hybrid events and live streaming allow organisers to expand their audience beyond physical attendees, creating more global participation and inclusivity opportunities. - Customisation and Personalisation
AI and data analytics enable personalised attendee experiences, tailoring content, networking opportunities, and recommendations based on individual preferences and past behaviour. - Innovative Sponsorship Opportunities
New technologies, like RFID and holograms, offer unique ways to activate sponsorships, giving brands more engaging ways to connect with attendees and increase their visibility.
These benefits highlight why adopting cutting-edge event technology is not just a trend but a strategic investment for event organisers looking to elevate their events in 2024 and beyond.
Conclusion
In 2024, event technology will continue evolving, offering new and innovative ways to enhance the attendee experience and event logistics. From AI-driven marketing and RFID wristbands to VR experiences and holograms, staying ahead of these trends will help event organisers deliver unforgettable, tech-powered events. By embracing these technologies, you’ll streamline your event planning process and create more engaging and sustainable experiences for attendees.