Michael Balyasny
Michael Balyasny is the Founder and CEO of Attendify, a mobile event technology and engagement company, where he drives the company’s strategic direction and mission to bridge the gap between digital and event marketing.
AI? VR? Natural Beats Artificial Every Time in the Event Industry
October 31, 2017
Augmented and virtual reality, along with artificial intelligence and wearables, are some of the hottest trends in event tech for 2017. Event organizers are working hard to incorporate these technologies into their events in order to attract attendees and stay “fresh.” But do all new technologies belong in the event industry?
Some technologies may seem like a logical fit for your next event, but they can be gimmicky or even distracting, taking the attendees out of the event and creating artificial experiences and awkward interactions.
We’ve found that the most natural way to engage event attendees is through their mobile devices, especially for networking. Attendees are already posting pictures and using their devices during an event. It may seem counter-intuitive, but introducing yourself using a mobile app is actually more comfortable than walking up to someone you don’t know and introducing yourself.
Below, I’ll detail why we should focus on mobile and how it can make or break the event experience.
Reason No. 1: Mobile Devices are Ubiquitous
In 2015, 85 percent of attendees used mobile apps, with the number jumping to 94 percent in 2016. Seventy-seven percent of Americans own smartphones, and most are on them while browsing sessions or networking with other attendees. Devices have been heavily incorporated into our everyday lives; we’re rarely caught without one in our hands. A powerful and useful mobile event app offers an elegant way for attendees to connect, network and gamify their experience, all from their comfort zone.
Reason No. 2: Data, Data, Data
Mobile apps generate volumes of relevant data, allowing event marketers to connect with attendees post-conference and target them with relevant offers and incentives to attend future events. While big data is crucial to a lot of industries, its potential remains unrealized in the event industry. Event tech, like registration systems and mobile apps, gather data before and during live sessions; that data can become a treasure trove if used to target specific audiences post-event. For example, segmented data can power contextual campaigns to promote future events or turn attendees into paying customers.
Reason No. 3: Personalizing the Experience
It’s important for event organizers to use technology that will improve the experience of the attendee. They can do that by keeping them informed and up-to-date during the event. We all know that printed programs are outdated the moment they’re printed. Why not choose a mobile app that provides unlimited and immediate updates to keep audiences in the loop?
All this is not to say that event marketers shouldn’t keep an eye out for new technology trends and integrate them into their events. It’s all about balance. By knowing your attendees and event goals intimately, you are better equipped to select event tech that will actually be adopted by participants.
At the end of the day, it’s important to identify what fits your audience, goals and budget, and choose your tech stack accordingly. However, keep in mind that piggybacking on tools that people are already using is a much easier path than introducing new technologies, which may be foreign and unfamiliar to your attendees.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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