Technology in the event industry encompasses a wide range of products, services, research and trends – many of these latest innovations and learnings are showcased at IMEX in Frankfurt, which is currently taking place.
Planners can experience new event technology – and try before they buy – at the new Tech Café. This new area sits alongside the Technology Pavilion and has been created in response to buyer requests to explore – and a greater variety of tech – at the show.
Gamification was the hot topic among many planners speaking with exhibitors in this area as Kim Rhodes from Experient explains: “I’m meeting exhibitors to discuss the different options in gamification – this is in response to a surge in demand from my clients.” The EventMobi team has shared with planners the different ways in which gamification can drive delegate behaviour. Event Tech Tribe has seen an increased openness among planners to exploring and trying different forms of technology.
The TECHknowledge Area, led by The Meeting Pool, has proved to be a popular area for planners wanting to trial new solutions and troubleshoot their tech challenges. Tara Thomas from The Meeting Pool explains: “Our one to one consulting sessions have shown a real demand for different types of tech designed to drive the event experience, including much interest in VR and AR.”
The #IMEXpitch, a firm fixture at IMEX in Frankfurt, has been transformed this year from a competition into a showcase with suppliers sharing their innovations. Many planners attended and gained a valuable snapshot of the latest and tech start-ups in the market right now.
‘AI powered event networking for the 21st century’ is one of the many education sessions with a tech focus. The title may sound futuristic but AI, argues Luke Baker, Head of Business Development for Grip, who delivered the session is on the rise in a big way and planners need to know how to harness AI for their events. In the session, held at the new ZEUS Coworking Campus, Luke focused on the business benefits of AI, exploring how it can improve the attendee experience and enhance connections.
Education sessions held at the show’s Inspiration Hub cover various aspects of technology including chatbots, event data and future tech trends. Planners visiting the new Live Zone area can also try out gadgets and games and take part in pop-up events including Speed Networking.
Outside of the education sessions, planners met for informal discussions on AI at the new Chat Bar located in a new multi-media pop up room – the ‘G-Tainer’. Successes and failures were shared as people discussed their own AI experience.
