From the Experts, Your Event Career
4 Ways to Be a Tech-Savvy Event Planner
Alyssa Perna is the Head of Operations & Productions for the Americas at Smithers and the lead instructor (and tutor!) for QC’s Corporate Event Planning course.
Even after earning your event planning certification, you can’t just rest on your laurels. A good planner stays in-the-know about the latest trends in event technology to enhance their event and make it memorable!
But being a tech-savvy event planner means going beyond just signing up for a social media account. While having a social media presence is still incredibly important, there’s definitely more you can do to stay current.
Check out these 4 ways to become a tech-savvy event planner extraordinaire!
What can event technology do for you?
You already know that event technology can enhance the event experience for the attendees, sponsors and beyond. But event technology is versatile and doesn’t just apply to the projectors you see at event planner tradeshows. Some technologies can help you run your business more efficiently, helping you manage your events and stay organized. And let’s not forget the tools that help you gather feedback and data to evaluate the event’s success.
Event technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to be aware of the technology that can help you do your job more efficiently. But you don’t need every tech solution out there for every event—just use the solutions that best suit you and your individual needs.
Up-and-Coming Event Technologies
CVent is the industry-leading technology platform for event planners in the United States. Their tools and services are incredibly beneficial for any planner to become more efficient at their job.
CVent offers a do-it-all solution for your event planning needs. Here are just some of the things you can do with it:
- Source venues
- Register event attendees
- Handle e-commerce transactions
- Design a website and/or mobile app
- Update contact information
- Print name badges on-demand
- Survey attendees
Beyond CVent, there are other software on the market that offer similar solutions but none (that I’m aware of!) offers most everything a planner could need in a one-stop-shop.
I also love mobile apps. I’ve had experience with Whova, which allows you to create custom mobile phone apps for your event. The app could include information regarding the event schedule, speaker and attendee lists, sponsors and exhibitors, and the event’s floorplan. Other unique and helpful features mobile apps offer include…
- Real-time push notifications
- Pre- and post-event surveying
- Live-polling integrations
- Direct message options for event attendees to schedule meet-ups
Beyond this, there are always emerging event technology trends to consider as we continue to thrive in the digital age. From projection mapping to virtual reality gaming along with augmented reality and wearable technology, events are becoming more engaging experiences.
Attend industry events to learn more about the latest tech trends
If some of the event technology mentioned above is new to you, don’t worry! It’s not difficult to stay on top of emerging tech trends within the world of events. You can attend industry events, or follow (on social media) influential event professionals who are on the up-and-up regarding event technology trends.
Capitalize on what social media can do for you
Being present on social media is a key element to being successful. But it doesn’t end there. You need to stay engaged on social media, actively posting compelling content and frequently engaging with your audience. Take QC Event School, for example, they post interesting content daily—from photos to videos to interesting and informative blog posts! The more you engage with your audience, the more present and reputable a resource you or your organization will become on social media.
Use technology to enhance your event
I’ve heard of event planners doing tons of creative things with event technology. From live-polling the audience during a Q&A session to hiring a graffiti artist to digitally “spray” the walls with light. There’s so much that can be done with technology to enhance your event and make it memorable. As a savvy event planner, don’t forget that the possibilities are endless!
Here is a list of event technology to consider implementing at a future event.
- Surveys
- Phone apps
- Live Twitter feed
- Live production: projection mapping; live art through light
- AR / VR / gaming
- Augmented reality
- Registration systems
- Webinars
- Virtual events
What did I forget? Share your knowledge in a comment below!
This is actually pretty essential for me, as someone who is toeing the line of middle age. Getting to know the technology trends can be really helpful in incorporating them successfully into various events.
Hi there, thanks so much for commenting, and our apologies for the delayed reply! 🙂 We’re SO happy to hear that you found this article beneficial and informative. We absolutely agree – it’s critical to stay current with popular trends and industry changes. The fact that you’re doing your due diligence to stay on top of current trends speaks volumes about how dedicated you are to your craft! Great job! <3
All the best,
The QC Team