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Event Technology

7 Technology Tips to Make Events More Exciting by @DJStomp

November 11, 2013

There’s a lot of technology out there. Some well known, others more obscure. But they have one thing in common: they are drivers of change. Accompanied by discussions, often resistance and thus inspiring! Interesting part is that the present technology is ready to connect the virtual and real world better than ever.

One thing to remember though: because implementing technology nearly always implicates human behaviour change, you may have to take into account the factors associated with that change. Be aware that people will be in different stages of adoption.

And what about yourself? In what phase of adoption are you? Are you aware of that too? Implementing new technology without proper knowledge of your customers is doomed to fail. A good start is to experiment with them on a small scale, low profile just to learn from them. Ask feedback from your customers to see if you’re connecting the right technology to the right people. And …. don’t just try to be cool, try to be useful….

Now that we know all this, let’s see if these technologies can help you make your event more exciting.

Augmented Reality1. Augmented Reality

What is it?

Simply put Augmented Reality (AR) is a technique to add virtual elements to the real world. For example: imagine yourself looking through a video camera walking around in an old city, and while you pass by the various monuments they become labeled with their names and description in real time by the computer.

Why you should be aware of it

Via various techniques the camera ‘knows’ where you’re looking at and that’s where the magic comes in. Augmented Reality is really great at enhancing experiences, so by definition it could be a perfect fit for events. It’s a way to create brand and visitor interaction. You can play Augmented Reality games and showcase a product. Although AR has some serious adoption problems, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Suggested further exploring

Cloud Computing2. Cloud Computing

What is it?

Cloud Computing is a way to deliver services via the internet, for example storage or applications. It can be accessed from a wide variety of devices like desktop computers, laptops and other mobile devices. Imagine your office documents, always within reach, wherever you go, regardless of what device you have with you.

Why you should be aware of it

Right now we’re in the ‘Mobility’ and ‘Distributed Collaboration’ Age, and Cloud Computing is all about keeping information in sync between different devices. If you’re working with digital documents a lot (and who’s not these days) numerous services are great to enhance your productivity. And if you’re in sync, your event will be too ….

Suggested further exploring

Location Awareness3. Location Awareness

What is it?

With all mobile devices present there’re new possibilities to interact with people based on their current location. This introduces a strong case for adapting the interaction to the specific context of that location.

Why you should be aware of it

Location Awareness has been opening an enormous potential of direct and context specific interaction with customers. From checking in on locations, to indoor navigation and location based gaming. All interesting stuff to tickle your creativity.

Suggested further exploring

Mobile Devices4. Mobile Computing

What is it?

Mobile is one of the great technological drivers of innovation in the events industry. The number of people carrying a smartphone and tablets along with them is quickly growing. Not only that, apps and mobile websites are important game changers in the industry, also other technologies mentioned in this article converge to mobile (i.e. NFC, QR codes, AR, etc.)

Why you should be aware of it

Mobile changes the way we communicate dramatically. We’re always online, thus connected whenever and wherever you go. The big differences with desktop computing are: a smaller screen to read from, less time and a specific problem to solve in an unfamiliar environment. The challenge is to help solve that mobile user’s problem as effectively as possible.

Suggested further exploring

NFC5. NFC

What is it?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology based on RFID and enables contactless, two-way communication between two devices. Not necessarily between two mobile devices, it can also be between a phone and a sticker, poster or card with a NFC chip. The optimum distance between two NFC chips is about 4 inches, making it suitable for payment, information exchange and personal identification.

Why you should be aware of it

NFC is expected to change a lot about the way current transactions work. From ticketing to social networking, it may all well be influenced. Information can be shared directly through billboards and information displays. Also interesting are sending coupon codes, media or documents using NFC.

Suggested further exploring

QR Code6. QR codes

What is it?

QR codes is two dimensional barcode to store data (QR stands for Quick Response). It’s a simple way to interact with smartphone users. Users scan the code, the device decodes the data and takes the desired action.

Why you should be aware of it

With QR codes you have a cheap tool to interact with your visitor. And please remember one thing: if you implement QR codes, service the mobile visitor. Nothing is more frustrating and disappointing than a QR code leading to a desktop optimized website. Hook up a QR code to a call to action, so people know what to expect, when they scan the code or better, in fact why they should scan the code at all.

Suggested further exploring

Wifi7. Wi-Fi

What is it?

Wi-Fi is a trademark label for technology which enables wireless internet connection of electronic devices ranging from desktop computers, mobile devices or digital AV equipment. Devices can get internet access through an wireless access point or hotspot.

Why you should be aware of it

Following the explosion of consuming internet services like Social Media via mobile devices, there is an increasing call for Wi-Fi availability at (event) venues. So find a way to provide free-WiFi. For a fast growing number of people, internet access has become a basic need. Approve it or not, not providing free Wi-Fi at your venue can be one of the key issues to get your venue off an eventplanners shortlist. Maybe you can find a sponsor for the Free Wi-Fi, it’s a great way to guarantee visibility for the sponsor. Everybody who wants to access the Wi-Fi has to go past a confirmation page. There are plenty of opportunities to create brand awareness there….

Suggested further exploring


Liz King Caruso

Liz King Caruso is an Event Strategist, Consultant and Speaker. As CEO of Liz King Events and techsytalk, she has helped countless thought leaders grow their audience and sell their products through in-person, virtual & hybrid events. Liz is a big-picture person – passionate about tying events into an overall sales and marketing strategy and being efficient at every point of the process. Technology is her niche and she’s obsessed with helping organizations of every size leverage technology to produce more engaging and seamless event experiences. In addition to her client work, Liz connects & educates her industry colleagues through platforms she has built – techsytalk GLOBAL, the techsytalk community & IGNITE Consulting program. Liz has been featured as Eventex’s 50 Most Innovative Virtual Meeting Planners, Successful Meetings list of 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry, Top 5 Women in Event Tech, amongst other awards.

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