BizBash's newest column offers a monthly check-in on all things event tech, from new virtual platforms to social distancing-focused tools to software that will make your job easier. Got a tip? Get in touch!
In Case You Missed It
On bizbash.com, we recently rounded up 15 tech tools that can help bring back live events—from solutions for virtual queuing and contact tracing to social distancing-enforcing wristbands and even robots. Another must-read: Brad Langley of event management and technology platform Aventri shared his four best practices for overcoming the challenges COVID-19 has brought to event tech.
And don’t miss our coverage of all things virtual events—including ideas for virtual holiday parties, a unique, tech-driven networking idea, and much more.
New Technology We’re Excited About This Month
For a virtual conference that feels real…
Allseated has launched exVo, a new hybrid event platform that allows clients to host meetings and events in a true-to-life, 3D replica of a designated venue. Planners can choose from over 150 known properties, and attendees can virtually walk through the space from the comfort of their own homes. What’s more, the immersive platform, which debuted in November, allows for live networking opportunities and multiple conference sessions that run simultaneously; exhibitors can even use exVo’s tools to design and customize their booths. Watch the video below to see how it works.
To stay organized…
Photo: Courtesy of ORO
To get professional-quality video from home…
Tennessee-based company Lensrentals is now offering a Remote Presentation Live Streaming Kit, chock-full of easy-to-use tech that allows for professional-looking presentations from home. The kit, which can be booked for seven-day rentals for $366, has a professional-grade camcorder, a wireless lavalier mic kit, a full-size tripod, and other equipment. What’s more, Lensrentals recently began creating custom packages for lighting and backgrounds, too. An added bonus? Check out the company’s blog, which includes helpful information such as how to properly disinfect camera equipment.
For contact-less, in-person service...
Artificial intelligence company Cheetah Mobile recently introduced three new service robots designed specifically for socially distant events during COVID-19. GreenBot offers contact-less check-in, real-time event information, and venue layout guidance; EngageBot displays detailed event information and agendas via a large screen, while FanBot is a mobile vending machine that offers snacks and drinks to attendees. Cheetah Mobile is based in Beijing and has offices in Palo Alto, Calif., and other cities around the world.
Photo: Courtesy of Cheetah Mobile
For an easy-to-use virtual platform…
In November, Indianapolis-based tech company Socio launched Socio Streaming, a fully integrated virtual-event solution with StreamYard that’s designed to address the evolving needs of the event community. Livestreams can be fully branded with colors, logos, and overlays, and speakers can be easily brought in and out of a live broadcast. Sponsor videos, prerecorded videos, and transitions can be facilitated with the click of a button, and audience comments can be introduced into the livestream. “The ultimate goal of Socio Streaming is to help event organizers who may not have the budget for a full-service AV company achieve high-quality production results with a self-serve option,” said Yarkin Sakucoglu, Socio CEO and co-founder, in a press release. “We extensively tested streaming solutions and nothing compares to what StreamYard brings to the table, both from a user-experience perspective and the quality of the stream.”
For a unique team-building option…
Los Angeles-based activity venue and entertainment company Two Bit Circus has launched a new, virtual version of its popular game shows. REMOTE White Label offers fully customizable game shows hosted live over streaming video. It’s designed as a unique experiential marketing solution; for example, Blooloop recently closed out its latest conference with an event on the platform that hosted 200 players across 15 different countries. Other recent clients have included the AIGA Design Conference, as well as the LA Tourism Board, Grindr, Hasbro, and USC. "We’re focused on live-hosted game shows because we're all missing that human connection of in-person, social play," explained Two Bit Circus CEO Brent Bushnell in a press release. "Running an interactive, livestreamed game can seem daunting, but now we have simple tools to enable brands to customize and execute their own activations." 
Photo: Courtesy of Two Bit Circus
For simple video editing…
Trying to create a professional-quality video when you’re lacking professional-quality skills? Seattle-based startup Clipchamp is a browser-based video editing platform that includes an editor, compressor, converter, and webcam recorder. The company offers ready-to-use video templates (or you can create your own), with options for everything from social video ads to slideshows for weddings or corporate events. The intuitive platform, which currently has 12 million users worldwide (a 157% increase in new users since early 2020), also allows users to easily add stock footage or audio as needed.
For your virtual holiday party…
Preciate, a Dallas-based tech company, recently launched Preciate Social. The new virtual platform aims to replicate the atmosphere of in-person business socials and mixers; guests feel like they’re in a 3D space, and multiple video conversations can take place simultaneously (the audio volume changes as you “move” closer to further away from someone). The tech also offers built-in icebreakers and themed backgrounds and playlists, and allows for toasts, private conversations, live performances, and more. 
Photo: Courtesy of Preciate
