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!

Tech Tuesday: Google Glass

Tech Tuesday highlights some of the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. ABCey would like to recognize these up and coming companies for their innovative ideas and ability to think outside the box!

I remember walking around downtown San Francisco one afternoon, and I saw a guy that looked just like the guy from Star Trek. No, it wasn’t because he was wearing a black and yellow outfit. It was actually because he was wearing some weird contraption around his eyes. Turns out those are, what we call today, the Google Glass.

We’re sure you’ve seen the Google Glass, or if not, at least heard of it. However some people don’t really quite get it. Instead of being glued to your laptop or smartphone, Google wanted to create a hands-free way for people to still stay connected. However this technology isn’t without some downsides. Read on to see our breakdown of the Glass’ pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Convenience: As we mentioned before, it really gives users the chance to do things such as email, text, or take pictures, without the need of pulling out their phone. Users can do those things instantaneously by pushing a button, giving verbal commands or by small head movements.

2. Multitask: How many times have you had to fumble with your navigation system to look for directions? Or, how quickly did you have to flip through your cookbook to find how much liquid to add before everything gets burned? Well now you can use the glass to find things like directions or recipes immediately, without having to take your eyes off what you’re doing.

3. Open Platform: This is really great for companies and developers that want to implement new applications and programs. Thanks to this new technology, the sky is the limit for what people can create.

Cons:

1. Privacy: The video and camera could present a possibility for misuse. One could be recording someone else in a public place without them knowing.

2. Stress: Wearing the glasses all day and having the computer right in front of your eye might not be too good. This will definitely lead to social and information overload. The lack of winding down periods, like being fully disconnected from technology, is said to increase stress and anxiety in people.

3. Price: It’s estimated that these glasses will be $1,500. That’s a huge amount of money for a specific technology. Therefore not everyone will be able to get one. Fortunately the glasses are made with common parts that can be easily made in large quantities. Hopefully this will eventually help lower the starting cost of the glasses.

We think the Google Glass is a great invention. Of course it has some flaws, but the potential things we can do to change technology are endless. We’re sure the Glass would be fun to experiment with at one of our events, but for now we can’t seem to get over how ridiculous they look! What do you think about Google Glass? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!