The event industry is constantly evolving and new technology is always being developed to enhance and improve events. We have taken a look at some of the latest trends available to give you inspiration for your next event.
Interactive Experiences
Event organisers are always looking for new and exciting ways to create interactive experiences for their guests. Technologies such as 3D projection mapping, holograms, video mapping and real-time generative content allow guests to interact more than ever. Wearable technologies (such as Coldplay’s Xylobands for instance) are being continuously developed to create interactive experiences. RFID and Beacon technologies, as well as facial recognition allows everything from attendee management, security and audience mapping to the triggering of real-time events as a guest moves from one position to another in an event space.
VR / AR
Virtual and augmented reality have been a hot topic for future use in events for a while now. As the technologies become more accessible and affordable it becomes easier to integrate their use into the guest experience. Augmented reality and gamification apps (similar to Pokémon Go) can make a serious conference more fun, incorporated in to team building sessions or allowing the attendees to see any product live in action or being manufactured.
Virtual reality can be used as an integral part of live events in order to make them more interactive for guests, using the technology to transport you to a far-flung environment or interact with items or people from any corner of the globe. The ability to visit a venue and do a virtual site visit, wearing a VR headset, without travelling, is already here and this technology can be used to do factory show-rounds or engage with products like never before. The rise in virtual events also adds a new option allowing people to connect together from anywhere in the world and a lot more people to attend your events. The possibilities are endless as these fields develop and become integrated into other technologies.
‘Wow’ Moments
Social media plays an ever-important part in everyone’s lives and the ability to produce ‘Wow’ moments, which guests will share online, is a must for any event. This could be the creation of unique branded photo opportunities or a light, 3D mapping or pyrotechnics show which opens the event and makes everyone want to pick up their phone and share. Guests can be encouraged to post on social media by use of Twitter or Instagram walls with a unique event hashtag. It’s all about creating events which are unmissable one-off experiences.
Lighting
Lighting can transform any event by creating the right mood and atmosphere and as a cost-effective way to really make an impact. From branding opportunities to theming, the lighting design can be incorporated to create unique occasions for your guests. Wireless LED technologies are now commonplace speeding up install times and allowing for lighting designs which haven’t always been available before.
Audio
Not wanting to be left behind by the advancements in other areas, the right audio solution is essential to every event to ensure guests hear what is going on and play a large role in the impact of all of the other technologies. Where a standard speaker system is not suitable then technologies such as wireless headsets are becoming more popular for exhibitions or events in loud-areas. Throwable wireless microphones add an interactive fun way to run traditional Q&A sessions and increase guest engagement.
Stage Sets
As event planners move more towards creating exclusive guest experiences, the traditional stock stage set has also been challenged and replaced. Backdrops can be created to reflect the theme or branding of the event and feature more unique products such as pallets, draping, corrugated plastic / metal, gauze, wire fencing or anything you can think of, brought together by integrating LED lighting and projection technologies. Branding can be created with full printed backdrops or 360° projections creating a fully immersive experience. Screens can be different sizes and shapes which are projection mapped with content. Gone are the days of being limited to 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios. Central stages or catwalks / thrust stages bring presenters and entertainment out in to the audience making events more engaging and inclusive.
Contact the team today to discuss how we can support your next event!
