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
Last month, BizBash caught up with the CEOs of four top virtual event platforms to discuss best practices for hybrid, how technology will play a role in the future, what attendees want now and more. We also dove into whether extended reality (XR) is the future of virtual events and rounded up some steal-worthy strategies from the tech-forward virtual edition of SXSW.
More Event Technology We're Excited About This Month
For a seamless hybrid event-planning process
Next week, event management software Aventri will launch Aventri Virtual Events 2.0, a revamped platform for interactive virtual and hybrid events. The offering features a sleek new design, including an enhanced virtual networking suite with AI-driven matchmaking and collaboration tools. For ease of use, there are templates and do-it-yourself customization tools; Aventri has also revamped its mobile app to support hybrid events. “We’re seeing an uptick in activity, as enterprises ramp up for the return of live events in the third and fourth quarters of this year,” said CEO Jim Sharpe in a press release. “Using Virtual Events 2.0, organizers don’t need to master different platforms. They can go virtual now and be hybrid-ready in the near future when live events come back.”
For a tech platform that’s committed to diversity
Tech startup Bevy—which offers a virtual, hybrid and in-person event platform and has worked with companies like Facebook, Google and Salesforce—is on a mission to increase racial diversity in the event industry. CEO Derek Andersen has committed to having Black employees represent 20% of its 250-employee workforce by September, and in March he announced that 20% of the company’s $40 million Series C funding round was earmarked for Black investors. “This is not only the right thing to do, but will also create the most valuable business long term as we build a company that better reflects the communities that we all live in,” said Andersen.
For a virtual graduation ceremony
Virtual and hybrid event platform vFairs has begun offering immersive, customizable virtual graduation ceremonies to schools, colleges and universities. vFairs can create customized, three-dimensional models of a campus, stadium or auditorium modeled after the school, as well as virtual avatars of graduating students dressed in caps and gowns. Other offerings include a virtual yearbook, trivia challenges, scavenger hunts and more.
Photo: Courtesy of vFairs
To build a community around a certain topic
Launched at SXSW was Swell, a new voice-based social platform that’s available for free on iOS and Android. Unlike better-known competitor Clubhouse, the platform focuses on asynchronous audio conversations that don’t require participants to be online at the same time. Posts can contain links, photos and up to five minutes of audio. "While most social audio companies are focused on real-time audio chat, Swell frees up its users to keep talking on their own time," said Sudha Varadarajan, co-founder and CEO of Swell, in a press release. "It’s easier to stay connected with friends, family and co-workers when you don't have to coordinate schedules. The asynchronous audio format also results in more thoughtful replies and to encourage meaningful discourse, we don’t have any ads on the platform."
To easily source high-end event rentals
In March, 1RentPlace launched its online marketplace of rentable luxury furniture, art and home decor. Ideal for events as well as set design, house staging and more, the inventory includes high-end brands like Bernd Goeckler, Kravet, Carrocel and Bonnin Ashley; there’s even rare modern art from famous artists available for rent. Customers can sort the items by category, style, color and more, and rent for a day, week, month or year. There are also flexible monthly subscription models.
To turn any website into a social experience
Tech start-up Hio has debuted a new networking software called Hovr. The fully brandable tool, which can easily be added to any website in minutes, helps build an active, engaged community that spends more time on your site and becomes more invested in your product. Customers can chat with each other about the product or service, learn about upcoming offers or events, and even attend events such as Q&As. “We believe Hovr will have a positive impact on brand affinity and will help businesses increase website engagement, get visitors to stay longer, drive up purchase intent, increase SEO value, drive a sense of community and grow overall revenue,” said Hio CEO and founder Jason Craparo, in a press release.
To host a hybrid concert
Gigs Live is a new hybrid concert platform launched by former executives at ViacomCBS, NBC and Amazon. What sets it apart from other live-music platforms? Gigs Live is a full-service event content and production company, which means the team can handle all aspects of performances both virtually and in person. Ticket-holders can attend a professionally produced concert in person, and then relive it online as many times as they’d like—while also connecting with other fans by creating their own “tribes” or communities. On the flip side, performers can see real-time audience analytics and gain access to a built-in multichannel marketing campaign.
