Cutting-edge technology is an important component of successful events, with virtual technology alone making its presence felt in the events of 85% of marketers interviewed by LinkedIn. With new developments on the business scene such as the rise of hybrid events and the push for sustainability, technology is providing many answers that sustainable businesses need to thrive. Private events, too, have become more reliant on technology to connect friends and loved ones—including those in remote locations. With over 70% of weddings having been canceled at the height of the pandemic, for instance, live-streamed ceremonies enabled friends and family from afar to feel like part of a couple’s big day. Read on to discover a few of the most innovative current uses of technology in both private and public events.
Radio Frequency Technology for Big Events
Radio Frequency identification (or RFID) encompasses a series of wireless technologies that create communication between a tag and a reader. The tags can be placed into wristbands, cards, and other items that attendees can bring to an event. These tags can be used to undertake a wide array of activities—including purchasing food and beverage from event vendors, gaining entrance to specific areas of the venue, and connect with others. For instance, at a recent Tomorrowland music fest, festival goers wore wristbands that they could connect to their Facebook accounts. When they met someone at the festival, by simply pressing a heart-shaped button on their bands at the same time, their Facebook name would be sent via email so they could stay in touch after the event. RFID can also be used to give gift bags to event attendees, to support specific teams at sporting events, and more.
Remotely Planned Weddings
The wedding industry was hit strongly by the pandemic in 2020 but two years down the track, they are hitting record numbers, with many planners and venues completely booked for the entirety of 2022. Destination weddings are also back in a big way, and that means that many couples are working alongside providers abroad to plan their ceremony and reception to the tiniest detail. Technology that is easing wedding preparation regardless of the couple’s location includes 3D software that allows couples to create their own floor plan (adding chairs, settings, and decorative features in minutes), design multiple floor plans to see which they like best, and create plans using real products and colors. Dedicated planning apps can also be used to create seating arrangements and to view designs in 360º realism.
Drone Technology on the Rise
Outdoor weddings and business events are one of the biggest trends in 2022 and experts predict this trend will only grow stronger, as consumers display a greater interest in sustainability and the outdoors lifestyle. Events organizers and celebrants are adding drone video footage to standard professional photography content, creating dedicated websites post-event for use as future marketing material. In the case of weddings, couples can send their slick footage to family and friends or to add to couples’ official wedding websites.
RFID, 3D software planning for weddings, and drone technology are just three innovations that are increasingly forming part of cutting-edge events. The aim is to make large events more practical and to avoid queues. Smaller events, meanwhile, are benefitting from the ability to plan spaces to the tiniest detail without having to be physically present at a specific venue.