5 New Tech Innovations for Events

There is no foreseeable end to technology and the amazing capabilities of what it will do for the future of events. ABCey will explore 5 of the most budding tech advances that could develop into some very cool features for events!

1. NFC tech

NFC tech originally stems from RFID but is an even more advanced solution. An NFC (Near Field Communication) chip is a part of one wireless link that when connected with another chip transfers data within seconds. These chips run on very low amounts of power so they are energy efficient. ITN International is a company that utilizes this technology for events like conferences and trade shows.

2. Memory Spot

HP unveiled this high tech chip that’s the size of a grain of rice! This chip can attach to any object discretely and hold boundless amounts of media and data. HP reveals the chip to be a merging of the “digital and physical worlds”. One such example is a picture album with the chip attached to it, when pressed audio from the visual can be heard. Find more about this new tech here.

3. RuBee

This new on the rise tech boasts of the highest security that can go through steel and even liquid. RuBee operates on radio waves and active transceivers that communicate peer-to-peer. This tech gets farther reach ranges the RFID and also provides a cheaper option. While this new tech is used mainly for security purposes, we can see this tech evolving into something more mainstream for event usage. Find out more on RuBee here.

4. BLE Tech

BLE, otherwise known as Bluetooth technology or iBeacon uses transmitters to connect in mobile apps to share data. Users can find guest attendees in a specific venue, see who’s arrived and view profiles on the people there on their mobile app. One can see data analyzing movement of guests and time spent in a certain area. We like how the company FISH integrates this technology with various others mentioned to utilize multiple tech platforms.

5. Wireless Microphones

Try a wireless movable microphone for audience engagement! These state of the art microphones connect to any sound system with their built in receiver. The company Catchbox has a feature which allows the mic to be muted when the box is in motion. This is a great tool for audience interaction that allows guests to be seen and heard.

Which of these new inventions are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below or find us on facebook or twitter!

5 Ways To Connect Event Attendees With Tech

ABCey is always on the lookout for new tech trends that can change up the way attendees experience their events. We’re highlighting some of the best and brightest apps and trends so that you can be up to date on the ever changing event planning experience.

Here are 5 of some of the best new tech trends to help your guests network and connect to create a more immersive experience!

1. iBeacon

Apple has introduced another cutting edge technology that will change the distribution of information from phone, places, and people. Using Bluetooth (LE) signals iBeacon can identify location instantaneously, sense other phones, and gains information on people around them. Using the iBeacon for events can link attendees by being alerted to exactly who is where during an event which allows for easier navigation through the event, finding recognizable colleges, and recommend networking.

See what the Eventbase app did with iBeacon here.

2. Wearable Tech

Wearable technology is vastly growing in variety and complexity. Whether it be a pair of glasses, a shirt, or accessory this kind of tech is a great way to track engagement and allow attendees to see information in a more convenient way. Guests can get into the competitive spirit and participate in more activities with freedom from their smartphone.

Find out just how effective wearable tech can be in this article by BizBash.

3. 3D printing

3D printing was once an exclusive privilege because of the high price cost of equipment but has recently become more affordable. Attendees can have a keepsake to take home with them that they created with the printers to remind them of the event. It allows guests to be interactive with the event tech which makes for a more immersive experience.

Check out the low cost 3D printing that Carbon 3D offers here.

4. Engagement and Interaction with Speakers

Head speakers are largely the main focus of any corporate event but can lose guest attention if unable to connect with them in a personal way. Hand raising questionnaires are a thing of the past with new mobile apps that allow the guests inquires and participation to be apart of the speakers presentation experience. The Livecube app allows guests to gain “points” for checking into conferences on their mobile phone and getting prizes at the events for the tweets they post through out the event.

5. Projection Art

We like how guests can add input and post during an event via a social media app but when we can take that interaction and make it into tangible art that is something we love! Projecting attendee tweets on the wall in a creatively is a unique way for guests to see their comments being a part of the over all experience.

See more amazing projection mapping here.

All the new tech trends facilitate guest networking and connection in the event atmosphere. Which tech will you incorporate to add a little more to your events? Let us know with a comment or find us on Twitter and Facebook!

CloudGOO: One Big Cloud

In the era of Cloud technology we have endless places to store our information, documents and digital keepsakes. From Dropbox to Box and more private options like SF based Spideroak we’ve found that sometimes we can’t remember where we stored something! If you’ve found yourself in that very same situation, we may have found you an answer. CloudGOO.

CloudGOO is a newly released Android app that gives the user the ability to access all of their cloud storage spaces from one easy to use platform. However it goes one step beyond just aggregating them, simply access your accounts and use your information no matter where its stored.

Currently the app is compatible with a number of popular cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, SugarSync, and Amazon’s Cloud Drive. You can predetermine which file types will be uploaded into each drive, or decide on an individual basis, CloudGOO truly gives you limitless options on how to manage your drives and will let you know exactly how much space you have left on each one.

We are so excited to finally have the ability to access all of our cloud storage spaces on one device and on one platform! Event planning is such a collaborative and fast paced process, and sharing information with collaborators, clients and vendors with these programs is absolutely necessary. Now, we can access a spreadsheet on one storage platform, while comparing it to another invoice all on our android device and on the go! Don’t worry, an iOS version is quickly approaching.

Would you use CloudGOO? Let us know in the comments section below, or on Facebook and Twitter!

Top 10 Event Tech Trends in 2014

The incredible advances in technology bring value and versatility to the event industry. At ABCey, we love keeping up on the latest in the tech world! While 2013 was filled with innovation, we can expect even more in 2014. Here are the top event tech trends to keep an eye on in the year ahead. This blog post has been adapted from George P. Johnson’s Kevin Jackson, Adding Value’s Randle Stonier, and TFI Group’s Simon Maier.

1. Event Apps: These innovative platforms cover everything from event itineraries to delegates being able to download files relevant to presenters, and attendees having the ability to directly interact with event speakers!

2. Connected Technology: Clients used to base their budget off of the number of guests they wanted to attend their event. In today’s world, advances in technology allow events to reach so many more people beyond the guest list.

3. Google Glass: Wearable technology, specifically Google Glass, is going to make a big impact on events this year. It will encourage planners to make event experiences more personal.

4. Tailored Social Networks: Public social networks will continue to be used to generate buzz for events. There is a growing number of tailored social networks that have features to connect people before, during, and after an event!

5. E-Posters: With the reduction of costs and advances in e-poster technology, the interactivity and versatility will be a hit for 2014 events!

6. Live Audience Engagement: Mobile apps and SMS texting can now enable guest conversations to be linked directly through to the podium, allowing the speaker to respond to inquiries. This can continue even after the session is over!

7. IPS and Geofencing: Indoor positioning systems lend themselves to plotting where you are in an indoor environment. Geofencing creates a virtual boundary of space so delegates can be given a route to various stands or booths in a venue.

8. Advanced Digital Display: In the events space, we can expect to see various monitors – one could display real-time news and another with content from the event, tied together with software that allows you to change over at the flick of a switch.

9. Spread of Content: It is common for organizers to set up portals such as live streaming and webcasting of live event content for larger audiences to have access to the valuable material. This will continue to be a trend in 2014.

10. Mobile App Integration: A key trend in 2014 will be incorporating more features into mobile apps, such as scientific abstracts, social networking, and interactive content!

What do you think of the top event tech trends for 2014?! Which do you hope to see at events? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook & Twitter!