This 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
At BizBash, we recently wrote about how cryptocurrencies will affect events in 2022, and why hologram technology is becoming an increasingly popular trend. We also featured a guest column from event producer Austin Johnston, who argued when—and when not—to adapt your business to the metaverse. And for those of you with wellness-focused resolutions for the new year, we rounded up five standout mental health apps to help you relax and recharge.
Event Technology We're Excited About This Month
To keep the ROI going long after your in-person event has wrapped
Last month, Maritz Global Events introduced its new First Person Experiences tech at the IAEE Expo! Expo! Show in Philadelphia. The tech can digitally capture the live, physical event, and then the Maritz team creates a digital, 3D environment replica that can be accessed any time on the event's website. It can quickly be launched following the live event and allow attendees to virtually walk the floor, interact with exhibitors and content, and do business live and in real-time.
“Show organizers and event planners have been struggling for years on how to increase exhibitor ROI and also provide a return on investment for their events,” says Aaron Dorsey, vice president of product management for Maritz Global Events. “First Person Experiences helps both exhibitors and show organizers take the significant investment made in their booth and show floors and extend it long after the event ends."
To quickly pivot to virtual
With recent COVID surges, it’s always smart to have a backup plan. Enter SafetyNet, a new program from event management platform Cloud Conventions that allows organizers to build a standby virtual-event template that can quickly be activated if the in-person gathering needs to be canceled. SafetyNet can live behind a private login and is set up to accommodate live and on-demand sessions, exhibitor booths, sponsor activations and more; it can also be integrated with services like Zoom and Bluejeans. Perhaps the biggest bonus? Other than a basic setup fee, organizers don’t need to pay if they don’t end up launching the virtual component.
Another event management software company facilitating quick pivots to virtual is Aventri, which recently launched Express Events. The offering allows planners to easily and quickly set up simple virtual events via a series of questions, which lead to custom templates that can be up and running within a few minutes.
For a virtual take on the traditional celebrity autograph experience
Event solutions company Virtual Tables has launched DigiSign, a digital re-creation of the traditional celebrity autograph experience. The ready-to-use virtual solution gives fans an intimate and personalized experience with their favorite athlete, influencer, speaker or celebrity. How it works: Once virtual event doors open, guests can sign in and join the queue. After being transported to an online waiting room, they can enjoy an intimate conversation with their favorite speaker in a separate breakout space and watch as their autograph is etched in real time. The DigiSign message can then be downloaded and shared across social channels. Additionally, Virtual Tables is also creating an NFT roadmap, which will allow fans to receive a virtual and digital souvenir of autographed merchandise from the talent such as jerseys, books, posters and more.
To explore all your options for your virtual or hybrid events
Israel-based virtual and hybrid events platform Vii-Events has launched a marketplace portal that aims to encourage collaboration between event tech companies. The company argues that to be a truly “all-in-one” platform, it’s essential to work with your competitors to maximize client delivery. “We have, and continue to source, the best third-party integration partners that seamlessly integrate with Vii-Events; this offers endless possibilities for our clients and significantly improves the customer experience for our clients and their guests,” explains Stas Zaslavsky, CEO of Vii-Events. “We don't take a commission. It's transparent, and we work strictly with our partners' pricing and policy.”
The Latest Promotion, Funding and Merger News
As of last month, meeting management company Cvent is once again a public company after completing its merger with Dragoneer Growth Opportunities Corp. II. The move is expected to give Cvent an influx of $801 million, which the company will use to expand its headcount and delivery on long-term growth objectives—including the launch of Cvent Studio, the company’s livestream and video-production service.
International event organizer Informa has invested in Totem, a UK-based event tech company with an integrated portfolio of digital event solutions. The investment will enhance Totem’s existing relationship with Informa Connect, including ConnectMe, a self-serve platform that uses Totem’s technology to deploy digital features and apps to enhance its in-person events.
NexTech AR Solutions has teamed up with Restaurants Canada, the largest foodservice organization in Canada. Through the new partnership, Restaurants Canada will use NexTech’s virtual event platform for their own events, which will include 3D AR booths, human holograms, 3D AR product experiences and augmented-reality ads.
