Emerging Technology for Meetings - Part 4

Much has been written about event technology. So much, in fact, that it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the bright and shiny objects vying for your attention. Lost in all this is which technologies make the most sense for your meeting or event.

This is the fourth and final part in the series, the A-Z guide, that strives to help you understand the benefits of twenty-two different emerging event technologies and whether you should pay attention to them now or whether you can wait awhile until they’re ready for prime time.

This list was compiled from reviewing hundreds of articles and blog posts in industry publications and through dozens of interviews with leading event tech thought leaders.

Cost Key: $ (hundreds) $$ (thousands) $$$ (tens of thousands) $$$$ (hundreds of thousands)

Cost Key: $ (hundreds) $$ (thousands) $$$ (tens of thousands) $$$$ (hundreds of thousands)

Virtual Meetings: Live interactions over the Internet using integrated audio/ video, chat tools, application sharing. One of the oldest, most familiar forms of technology-enabled meetings, generally for smaller groups of people. The same problems that plague F2F meetings (lack of a clear agenda, process, actionable outcomes, etc.) can just as easily ruin a virtual meeting. In fact, it’s more challenging to facilitate a meeting online than F2F. Content is still King (same as F2F), and a skilled facilitator never hurts. Process matters. Among the most common applications: engagement, education, networking. Practically unlimited applications.

What you need to know: This is today’s tech. Adopt it strategically. Choose your partners carefully. For those of you who still fear virtual meetings making F2F meetings obsolete, Corbin Ball has some advice for you: “Virtual meetings will replace face-to-face meetings when virtual honeymoons replace face-to-face honeymoons.” $$$

Virtual Reality: Defined as artificial, computer-generated simulation of a life like situation or environment. Digital environments that shut out the real world. Available in desktop or mobile platforms. Content creation: multi-camera rigs or computer-generated graphics. Among the most common applications: (Immersive) engagement, learning, promotion, etc. Practically unlimited applications.

What you need to know: Still 3-5 years away. Leading indicator: AR will reach maturity before VR. Cost and content are key barriers. $$$

Useful Links:

• https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/virtual-reality-trends-events
• https://www.socialtables.com/blog/event-technology/using-virtual-reality/
• https://blog.bizzabo.com/virtual-and-augmented-reality-for-event-organizers

Voice Activation / NLP: Ability of a machine or program to receive and interpret dictation or to understand and carry out spoken commands. AI-Driven, Natural Language Programming (NLP) not quite ready. Among the most common applications: multi-tasking, primarily embedded in devices. Voice activation may represents the ultimate in personalized experiences. Just imagine, as easily as you can verbalize your thoughts, they could become realized. The software could also know who you’re talking to at any point in time and help both of you optimize your interaction. Practically unlimited applications.

What you need to know: Still 3-5 years away. Accuracy improving but mistakes are still common. Background noise is also an issue. Again, the consumer market will lead and our industry will follow. $$$

Useful Link:

• www.store.google.com/us/product/google_pixel_buds?hl=en-US

My final thought….

When it comes to adopting new technologies, it’s important to inform yourself first. Use your network and all available resources to learn all you can about the specific technology and application you have in mind.

It’s also critical to have a plan for implementing new technologies into your meetings or events. Keep in mind that most tech implementations fail due to a lack of planning.

Technologies will come and go over time, but your business strategy should not (at least, not as often or as much). Focus on the technique you’re trying to adopt over the technology itself. Master the technology; don’t be mastered by it.