Over the years, any corporate event planner can admit to spending countless hours researching the perfect venue or vendors for their gatherings. After attending or hosting hundreds of events, New York-based Daphne Hoppenot was no stranger to this research and was frustrated by its repetitive nature. However, it was planning her wedding in 2018 that pushed her to realize the lack of resources in the corporate events market compared to the wedding industry, and set out to see if other meetings and events professionals were struggling with the same problem.
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Technology Update: The Latest in Event Gadgets
BY Marcia L. CallaghanPOSTED February 25, 2014
TECHNOLOGY CAN HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT on event experiences, but sometimes, it's the little things that makethe biggest difference. Here are a few small tools that can be utilized on-site for successful events every time.
Google Glass: Accomplish multiple tasks without ever having to lift a finger. By wearing these glasses, you can take hands-free calls, get or send email/text notifications and capture photo and video. These tech-savvy goggles are perfect for venue walk-throughs and load-ins.
Power Pack 2000: Stay on the move with this wireless cell phone charger without having to pause to replenish battery power.
Tile: Ever misplace something in the final minutes before doors close? This tracking device works in unison with the Tile app to take the scramble out of the search.
Square Register: Be equipped to process credit cards anywhere by inputting this tool to the headphone jack of a mobile device. Create an instant register for tickets, raffles, auctions, memorabilia or any other on-site sales.
Pico Projector: This palm-size projector delivers big-time visuals. No more huddling around a computer screen as this portable device is ideal for on-the-go presentations and entertainment. (Available at a variety of vendors)
LaundryChips: These small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags can be sewn into linens for digital tracking. (Available at a variety of vendors)
Bublcam: Capture every moment with this 360-degree HD camera and stream content live to the web.
Instaprint: This modern Polaroid printer automatically prints images with preprogrammed location and hashtags directly from Instagram for guest pick-up.
Xyloband: A software-controlled wristband equipped with LEDs and radio frequency receivers that can synchronize with live music. Great for both crowd control and event photos.
Freelancing has become a new ball game since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as many companies cannot afford to keep full-time positions, but still need those tasks completed. Although many more professionals have had to join the freelancing community since March, Tracy Judge had the passion for the freelancing community two years ago–long before the pandemic hit–and founded her company Soundings Connect in order to directly connect meetings and events industry freelancers with customers.
Whether dabbling with an augmented reality app, getting up to speed on the complexities of 5G service or employing cocktail-mixing robots, planners are no strangers to emerging technology. As meetings and events become increasingly tech-driven affairs, we’ve checked in with top event production pros for their takes on the latest event tech trends and what’s to come in the year ahead.