Modern-day corporate events demand modern-day technology. From the moment an attendee registers to the second they walk out of the venue, you want their experience to feel worthwhile. To do this, technology advancements should be incorporated to create an exceptional, seamless experience that engages and activates attendees throughout the event.
Every large-scale corporate event needs a technology stack to assist with event logistics, digital components, and attendee experience. Here are four key components to consider for your next large-scale corporate event.
1. Audiovisual (AV)
Audiovisual (AV) production is critical to any large-scale corporate event, transforming open warehouses and blank venues into immersive, engaging environments. AV leans heavily on high-end lighting, sound, and visual technology to bring designs to life. It can significantly impact audience engagement, keeping attendees attentive and immersed in the branded experience.
AV isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every space is different, and every venue has various needs. With dedicated event technology solutions resources, event organizers can leverage different parts of AV to enhance the entire experience. For example, an LED wall light can become a photo moment as guests walk into the space, while line-array speakers and specialized microphones can ensure each panel is easy to hear and crisp, despite any crowd noise.
Because AV spans many elements of an event — from audio to visuals to lighting to staging — a dedicated team should be responsible for every aspect of the audiovisual experience. This ensures all components are working seamlessly together, rather than feeling disjointed. After all, it’s not as impactful if a lighting cue is out of sync with the music.
2. Networking
The mere idea of networking can keep attendees away from corporate events. Walking into an event and not knowing anybody can be quite intimidating. Thankfully, AI technology is shifting the awkwardness of networking by incorporating various tools that personalize outreach and can lead to more meaningful connections.
AI-powered matchmaking apps can analyze attendee information prior to the event, and suggest others with like-minded interests or similar backgrounds to connect. The technology can go a step further to set up a time and place during the event for the two attendees to meet. And, of course, real-time social media engagement creates moments for app-based chat functions to help boost interaction and encourage sharing of event experiences.
Innovations in networking can also be leveraged for real-time insights. Organizers can track engagement and participation during networking activities, adjusting strategies based on how things are panning out. These insights can lead to enhanced ROI, as attendees will feel more satisfied if they feel they formed genuine connections with others during the event.
3. Digital Signage
To transform a corporate venue into a branded experience, digital signage is necessary. Signage can elevate attendees’ overall experience, providing enhanced and dynamic engagement that static signs simply can’t compete with. Digital signs can streamline logistics, provide real-time updates, and keep attendees informed as the event progresses.
Interactive, dynamic maps displayed on digital signs can guide attendees to various sessions, vendor booths, and more while reducing any confusion and improving the overall flow of traffic. Attendees won’t leave feeling like they wasted time searching for the restroom or missed an important session because they couldn’t locate it.
Additionally, digital signage can become part of an event’s sponsorship or advertising source of revenue. Branded sponsor ads can be prominently displayed across the venue in crisp displays, creating a more professional look and feel.
4. On-Site Tech Operations
To provide attendees with the best possible experience and to keep hosts and event planners focused on more strategic initiatives, on-site tech operations are non-negotiable for any corporate event. On-site tech will be responsible for managing the digital ecosystem, from registration to AV production. Their help and assistance will ensure the event runs smoothly and seamlessly for every attendee and sponsor.
Of course, on-site tech is best utilized if it is brought on during the event planning stage. These teams know exactly what is possible and how exactly to bring a visual wish or depiction to the main stage. They can suggest different types of tools, such as self-service kiosks at the entranceway, to allow for smooth attendee check-in. They may even suggest different types of AV that event planners hadn’t considered. Most of the time, these on-site tech operations are more familiar with corporate venues than organizations themselves.
The tech operations team’s level of experience will reduce the manual labor that event planners and staff need to do during run-throughs. The tech team can conduct multiple rehearsals and test all equipment before showtime. They’ll be monitoring Wi-Fi as well, making sure that the internet speed is keeping up with the hundreds or thousands of devices being used. And, of course, they will have a contingency plan set in place if any technical issues arise.
Final Takeaways
Technology is transforming how event planners and organizers execute their work, with attendees increasingly expecting immersive AV enhancements and dynamic digital signage. On top of this, attendees’ overall sentiment of the event can be increased by utilizing AI-driven platforms to create networking moments among other guests. The result is a truly impactful event—one rooted in an integrated digital event technology service that understands the importance of delivering a cohesive, end-to-end experience.