Event planning is changing as technology gets better, and almost 90% of event planners say that technology can make their events more successful. If you are planning a work or personal event, below are some helpful ways that technology can make that gathering a smashing success.
Choose The Best Registration Software
Software development has come a long way in the last decade, and programmers and project managers have been successful in creating highly efficient event registration software. After all, making registering for the event is so critical.
Remember, at this stage, the person is still thinking about whether they should go to your event and spend all that money. They also are checking your social media channels and event website to see if it is worth their time.
If the registration process is difficult, it may make them decide to skip your event. Make sure your IT professionals set up the online registration process to be as easy and seamless as possible. That way, you’ll get plenty of people to sign up for your next event.
Have Great WiFi
Is there anything more frustrating at a corporate event than having sketchy Internet and WiFi? Remember, many of your attendees will still need to handle their professional and personal obligations during the event. Help them out by making sure the venue has the best Internet possible.
Also, event staff will also need to have good Internet so they can communicate with each other during the event.
Remember Mobile Devices
Smartphones are used by more than 50% of people in the US and UK. You can assume that the majority of people who go to your event will have a smartphone. It’s important to plan your event around the use of mobile devices. Here’s how:
- Make the event website as responsive as possible. This means the website should work well on any device, including PCs, iPhones, Android, and tablets.
- Select a good event app so attendees can get to the event easily. Also, the event will be more successful if the event app tells them all about the speakers so they can decide which events are for them. There also are event apps that will scan the person’s name badge so you can easily get their information.
- Send out text messages to mobile devices during the event to keep attendees connected to you. For example, you may want to encourage attendees to go to a particular session or remember to sign up for a raffle.
Make It Easy To Capture Leads At The Event
There could be hundreds or thousands of attendees at your next event. Many of them are valuable potential leads that you want to capture as much as possible. This means you should meet, greet, and shake their hands as much as you can.
Also, there are many apps and programs your IT staff can use to help you get every attendee’s contact information. For example, you can have attendees check in on their phones when they show up. Or, event staff can scan each name badge when they enter. Getting everyone’s contact information at the event is important for the future of your organization.
Livestream The Event
The pandemic caused a seismic shift in the number of events that are held virtually. Many event managers are using this opportunity to livestream their events with video cameras to reach attendees who can’t or don’t want to show up in person.
Your team can use social media and the Internet to livestream each session of the event. Also, try to encourage attendees to share videos of the event sessions on social media to get even more interest in your event.
Consider Facial Recognition Software
A recent trend in event management is facial recognition software. This means people can show up at your event and not have to wait in line for registration. All they need to do is have their face scanned, so there is fast, contactless admittance to the event.
This reduces wait times and eliminates some of the contact with people that could lead to the spread of COVID and other viruses.
Technology can be used in so many ways to boost the success of your event, so give a few of these ideas a try.
