Artificial intelligence seems to be the hot-button topic of the past several years. No matter where you look, or what industry you’re in, you’re sure to be reading news about AI somewhere. Here we will talk about how AI fits into event management.
AI relies on the use of large amounts of data paired with intelligent algorithms and lightning-fast processing. Through programming and machine learning, AI can be used to mimic human intelligence and respond to certain actions. This is achieved by referencing the data fed into the system and looking at historical info to determine the best course of action.
Manufacturers and fabrication experts are relying on machine learning and algorithms to help ease the burden of busywork and repetitive tasks on human staff; customer service experts are leveraging AI chatbots to answer basic consumer queries online and save time spent addressing questions; marketers count on AI capabilities to help them gather, analyse, and act on crucial customer data.
The event management sector is no exception. While AI may not present immediately-obvious opportunities for improvement and innovation in the realm of event management, the fact of the matter is that artificial intelligence could entirely change the way that we plan and manage events.
Thanks to increasingly lower costs associated with AI-centric implementation and training, the technology will be easier than ever to fold into the fabric of event management. A realm that was once riddled with excessive technical and price barriers is now open for nearly anyone to take advantage of. A vast number of AI capabilities are now plug-and-play solutions– it’s as easy as selecting what you want or need, purchasing or sourcing the appropriate software or product, and utilizing it as described.
Below, we’ve covered the ways that AI is anticipated to shake up the event management landscape over the course of the coming year– and you may be surprised by what you read.
Four Ways that AI Will Transform the Landscape of Event Management In 2020
Automating recommendations for both event planners and attendees
Event planning isn’t easy– it’s checklist after checklist (after checklist) of things to do and book. Rushing around to reach out to vendors, locate appropriate venues, and complete the wealth of other work associated with the job is time-consuming and often unfulfilling. Fortunately, manually searching sources, taking the time to send out emails, and other tasks can all be made significantly easier with the implementation of AI.
AI “matchmaking engines” are now being utilized to pair up ideal vendors and attendees based on each event’s needs and goals. Styckie, for example, helps pair event planners up with vendors depending on the minute details behind their event. Using engines like these could also be beneficial at events, where attendees may feel confused or overwhelmed by selecting which sessions or mini-events to attend.
Handy personal assistants for busy professionals
Busy working professionals around the globe (and in a myriad of industries) are growing increasingly reliant on AI-based personal assistants. In fact, nearly 55% of surveyed individuals have indicated that personal assistants played a critical role in easing their lives. These personal assistants make the granular, day-to-day tasks that keep work moving much easier to complete and move on from.
Need to set a timer? Looking for directions to a venue? You can use an AI assistant (like Siri or Alexa) to help keep you efficient in the process.
These personal assistants won’t just save you time and allow you to focus on the personal aspects of event planning; they can also be deployed on-site at events in much the same way as the matchmaking software mentioned above. Somebody will have to deliver the info that AI pulls together from those matchmaking capabilities– why not have it be an AI assistant?
Language translation made easier
The world and the way we communicate is rapidly evolving. With more and more markets going global and a greater emphasis being placed on learning from international communication and collaboration, it’s essential to have the right technology in place. AI can help mitigate the growing pains associated with language translation and ensure smoother events.
Whether you’re holding an event in a foreign country, looking to stage an event with international reach, or just want to accommodate those who speak another language, you can use AI to do it. AI is well-known for its excellent capabilities when it comes to language translation and processing; it’ll make translating everything from live events to apps and websites significantly faster.
Improvements to data collection and analytics
Often times, one of the top objectives of any event is to collect and analyse attendee data. This data could be personal– perhaps you’re looking to collect leads for a marketing effort– or it could be feedback-based. Not everybody has got something to sell, but if you’re polling attendees for opinions in hopes of improving future events, that’s data collection, too.
Gathering and analyzing all of this data is no simple feat. AI makes it easier. AI has long been favoured in the realm of analytics thanks to its powerful capabilities and exceptional work speed. You won’t need to waste time asking questions, counting out responses, or hand-addressing messages to leads if you’ve got AI software helping out with the process. That means more time to focus on what matters the most: putting on an unforgettable event.
AI and Event Management: The Perfect Match
Anybody in the events industry knows that it’s a competitive landscape. Your ability to stand out from the pack and pull attendees centres around creating an event technology stack that streamlines both the attendee and the planner experience. Leveraging AI will give you a competitive edge in a booming market and help prepare you for the future, where AI-based tech will be the norm.
Enjoy this article? Let us help you create an innovative event experience, book a consultation with one of our event experts today.
Our multi-faceted and global approach to creating compelling world-class events is second to none. Several of the most complex and sizable events in South Africa and the Middle East, particularly Dubai, have come to fruition thanks to our conceptualization and execution efforts. We’ll partner with your organization to determine your unique, individualized needs before beginning to carve out a roadmap to event success. Whether your event is big or small, the Event Production Company team is well-poised to create more memorable experiences.
