While the internet changed our lives drastically, the rapid growth of new technologies has reshaped our consumption habits and how we communicate. Because of digital innovation and transformation, there has been a change in the way we consume content. The evolution of the internet and digital tools have also contributed to this paradigm shift. The basics have entirely changed, and we must continuously adapt to follow trends.
For some time, we’ve been talking a lot about digital transformation. But what is it in reality?
Digital Transformation
According to Gartner, “Digital transformation is the process of exploiting digital technologies and supporting capabilities to create a robust new digital business model.”
People solve traditional business problems in new ways with the help of technology transformation. Rather than simply enhancing and supporting old conventional methods, it offers new types of innovation and creativity.
Technologies and Events
Digitalization affects the event industry directly. And, the industry is embracing this technology transformation with open arms. With the latest technology on display in virtual events, the event industry is fast on its way to get completely digitalized. Here are some exciting concepts that can glimpse how digital transformation brings the event industry to the 21st century.
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Experiential Technology
We are now in the ‘Age of Experience,’ according to the experts. It means that every event needs to become an immersive experience.
With digitalization, every event (regardless of its size) can provide an exceptional user experience. Technologies like 3D, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) can blend an event’s digital and physical aspects. Adding an experiential dimension to the events, event organizers can raise participants’ eagerness, resulting in more audience engagement. It makes the events a collaborative occurrence and not just a meeting to consume knowledge.
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Projection-Mapping
It is one such technology that can create excitement and engagement by delivering an immersive experience. Simple structures can be turned into vibrant, interactive 3D displays by projecting videos, graphics, animation, and other creative content onto any surface. On their 375th anniversary, Montreal created an immersive event with the same technology by intertwining art, culture, and technology in an equally impressive proportion.
The Emmy Awards 2020 that was aired on 20 September was entirely virtual. The award show was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who took the stage at an empty venue in Los Angeles, and the stars attended the event via video call from different locations in the world. They had a very immersive experience, and more than 6 million viewers viewed the event. 
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Enhanced User Experience
It is hard to picture life without technology as it has extended to a multitude of devices and has become so natural for all of us today. You realize that technology has become REALLY powerful when you recognize that it has a deep understanding of people, experiences, and security.
Today, there is a direct link between the organization, event management, and the user experience, thanks to digitalization.
Several applications and platforms are available today that are powered with the most efficient technology, which helps the event planners provide the best experience for the users. Everything will be online right from the beginning, and the only thing the user requires is a good internet connection. The user can register online and then join the event while sitting in the comfort of their home. Once the event starts, they can use the application or the web app as provided. The user will be given more control when it comes to virtual events as they can manually reset the video settings at their convenience. They can view the presented content, participate in the live Q&A, ask questions at any time, and pause and replay the event. Sometimes, they can even watch the event anonymously. If available, you can still watch the recording once the live event is over and can connect with the people you met during the event.
- Personalization
AI can create personalized experiences for individuals. By associating attendees with their interests and personal data, it ensures that the most relevant content reaches the right people at the right time. The technology has the power to streamline the event experience. AI can address the much-needed security that both attendees and event organizers are searching for, such as event chatbots, event custom newsletter, event check-in within facial recognition, voice translation during panels, etc.
In most cases, event organizers build beautiful mobile conference apps that engage attendees before, during, and after your events. With these applications, the event organizers will be able to provide the best, personalized experience for the user. That is not just it. There are many platforms/software (Speaker Engage, for example) available to provide the best-personalized experience for the user. These tools can translate the language for those attendees from other countries, coordinate with the speakers, sponsors, attendees, and content communication by analyzing the user’s likes and dislikes.
- Networking
Meeting the right people and making the most with them is the key to successful event attendance. This is why the concept of networked communities is central to the digital transformation in the event industry. With technology, you can network before, during, and after an event. You can leverage various digital tools to help you network effectively and have live interaction.
There are digital roundtables that will help you get in touch with fellow attendees. You can talk to those ‘sitting’ virtually near you and have a conversation on anything you like. One of the best examples would be Remo, a platform that offers exceptional virtual event experience and networking possibilities. The attendee connection can be encouraged with
several techniques like 1:1 video chat and messaging, advanced Livestream chat, and group discussion tools. Using polls, surveys, Q&A, and gamification, you can drive session engagement and collect valuable feedback.
- Data and Intelligence
Even though big data is king in most industries, its potential remains unused in the events industry. Event tech gathers data, and dipping into social media profiles to understand event communities will be a must-have. Technologies such as scannable QR codes can help event professionals collect data from attendees that are actively scanning different objects at a live event.
Summary
Technology is on the rise, and the event industry is all set to embrace it wholeheartedly. Event organizers have already realized that digital transformation will only bring good fortune to the industry and invest in new technologies. The event industry is viewing technology as an opportunity and is seeking ways to be at the forefront instead of continually playing catch-up. For instance, Speaker Engage is one such tool that helps event organizers automate several vital processes and prepare well with their digital transformation strategy, thereby freeing up valuable resource time. If you want to leverage this technology transformation to raise your event game, don’t hesitate to contact us for a demo.
