Win big by sharing your event sourcing insights.
Complete our latest survey on event location selection for the chance to win a cutting-edge VR Headset!
Take the survey.

Event Tech Check: 10 Technology Solutions We're Excited About This Month

BizBash takes a deep-dive into the newest tech tools for events of all types.

General Motors Keynote at Virtual CES
For its opening keynote address at CES last month, General Motors tapped INVNT to create a memorable experience for the virtual, tech-savvy audience. Using Epic Games' Unreal Engine, the team built a series of mixed-reality locations, all designed to tell GM's electrification story by transporting guests from a virtual theater to GM's Research & Development Laboratory, where computer-generated animations showcased the brand's Ultium battery platform. Guests were also transported to a showroom and a virtual distribution center. “Our strategy was to create an experience which was relevant to the CES audience by balancing high-end production values with a storytelling methodology that would highlight GM’s transformational approach to electrification,” explained Jerry Deeney, chief client officer at INVNT’s parent company, INVNT Group.
Photo: Courtesy of INVNT

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!

But First, Some Good News...
We've long been saying that event professionals should be in charge of COVID-19 vaccine distribution—and this week, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) in upstate New York realized that, too. The hospital has tapped event technology company Cvent to help with the distribution of Pfizer's vaccine to more than 15,000 healthcare workers. Cvent, which has been working with the medical center since 2010, helped create a fully customized website and registration platform to organize and streamline the efforts; URMC is also using Cvent's OnArrival system for touchless check-in on-site.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have seen our event technology being leveraged in new and creative ways, and we applaud the URMC team for recognizing the opportunity for technology to help make large-scale vaccination efforts safe and efficient," said Patrick Smith, Cvent's chief marketing officer, in a statement. 

More Event Technology We’re Excited About This Month
For a safe solution for in-person speakers
At CES last month, gaming equipment maker Razer debuted a reusable face mask featuring a medical-grade respirator and built-in microphone and amplifier—a possibly ideal solution for speakers at live events and conferences who aren't eager to remove their masks. Dubbed Project Hazel, the mask, which is not for sale yet, features a transparent design that allows folks to see the wearer's face, plus lights inside the mask activate automatically in the dark.

Related: Event Tech News and Products You Might Have Missed From CES 2021Razer's Project Hazel face maskRazer's Project Hazel face maskPhoto: Courtesy of Razer

For planning an event abroad
Two popular U.S.-based event tech companies have announced international expansions in recent weeks. Tripleseat's EventUp platform, which helps streamline the event booking process by allowing planners to easily browse and book venues, is now available in seven new countries: Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, AllSeated—an event tool that allows planners to design floorplans, take virtual venue tours and more—has acquired Germany-based software company easyRAUM GmbH, with the goal of bringing AllSeated's event technology solutions to venues, brands, corporations and planners across Europe.

To truly transport your virtual event attendees
Toronto-based creative experience company BaAM Productions recently launched Live! Virtual Venue, a digital platform that can be customized based on real or completely imagined locations. Beyond recreating physical venues in the digital space, users can design online interactions however they choose by incorporating interactive, branded experiences. The platform supports livestreaming, prerecorded entertainment, integrated sponsored content, interactive chats, social-sharing features and more.

To screen attendees for COVID-19
Screening tools like temperature checks and health questionnaires are likely going to be the new normal as live events return. But what if there was an app for smartphones and smartwatches that could more accurately predict when someone was actually infected with COVID-19? That’s what the team at NeuTigers, an artificial intelligence company spun out of Princeton University, say they have achieved with CovidDeep, which launched last month. Founders say the app, which was born from technology used to predict mental health issues and diabetes, has been shown to detect the virus with 90% accuracy in about two minutes. 

For great speaker lighting at your next virtual event
Want an alternative to the ubiquitous ring light? One option is CameraReady Lite Bars, a product from lighting designer Christien Methot (owner of Design One Lighting Design who has worked for clients like Oscar de la Renta and the U.S. Open). Recently awarded an honorable mention by the LIT Lighting Design Awards, the bars use the same angles and color temperature that TV lighting experts use; they're compact and portable, and can fit directly on users' home desks. “In using CameraReady LiteBars for video meetings you present yourself with confidence; people can see your facial expressions clearly and therefore your ideas are more easily understood,” says Methot. CameraReady LiteBarsCameraReady LiteBarsPhoto: Courtesy of CameraReady LiteBars

To get feedback on a work-related challenge
Wouldn’t it be nice to tap into the collective wisdom of a global community of event professionals, all eager to share their ideas and work together to solve business challenges? German Convention Bureau’s new partnership with PCMA and IMEX Group aims to do just that with Response Room, a new open innovation platform for the business events community. Event planners, suppliers and industry professionals of all types are invited to post their event-related problems and crowdsource solutions from their peers around the world. In addition to getting feedback from a wide variety of planners, users get to flex their creative muscles, enhance their skills, make connections—and ultimately, help foster a sense of innovation industry-wide. (Read more about Response Room at our sister site, Connect Meetings.)

For casual chats with like-minded peers
Are you as obsessed with the new-ish Clubhouse app as we are? The self-described "drop-in audio app” is currently still in beta mode, meaning it requires an invite to join and it's only available for iPhone users—but that hasn't stopped more than 600,000 people from registering since its launch last April. And many of those people are members of the event, marketing and entrepreneurship worlds, who have been using the free app to make connections and share knowledge and resources. BizBash wrote up a how-to guide for event professionals; check it out here

Page 1 of 108
Next Page