Event Tech Check: 9 Tech Tools That Can Improve Your Virtual and Hybrid Events This Month

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

New York's Excelsior Pass
New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced a pilot program to test the Excelsior Pass—a new partnership with IBM—that will use secure technology to confirm an individual's vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. “The Excelsior Pass will play a critical role in getting information to venues and sites in a secure and streamlined way, allowing us to fast-track the reopening of these businesses and getting us one step closer to reaching a new normal," said New York governor Andrew Cuomo.
Photo: Courtesy of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Press Office

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
BizBash’s technology-related reporting has centered around a number of different topics lately, ranging from new tech that can streamline health screenings to a look at why LED walls will trump video projection as live events return. We also highlighted an event tech company that’s repurposing old headphones into earmuffs for the homeless, and checked out how a recent art festival used AR technology to create a COVID-safe experience. 

More Event Technology We're Excited About This Month
For a virtual site visit
This week, software company Concept3D announced that its virtual tour and mapping software will be available at no cost to the hospitality and tourism industries through Dec. 31, 2021. The Denver-based company creates immersive online experiences with 3D modeling and interactive maps, making it possible for people located anywhere in the world to view and learn about a location, helping them plan future trips, events and activities. “With people staying home and unable to travel, the tourism and hospitality industries have been hit hard, and we’re hopeful that this offer and our software can help make a difference as hotels, resorts, restaurants and many others are doing whatever they can to bounce back,” said Gordon Boyes, CEO of Concept3D, in a statement. “If a virtual tour or interactive map of your grounds and facility would help, our team is ready to make it happen.” Concept3D's Virtual Tour SoftwareConcept3D’s software can include 10 tour stops, custom branding, audio narration, call-to-action buttons and more.Screenshot: Courtesy of Concept3D

To efficiently screen attendees at live events
Event experience company CrowdSync Technology has debuted new software called CrowdPass, an intuitive web application for event organizers, office managers, sports organizations and more to pre-clear attendees who have shown a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccine. The easy-to-use interface allows guests to sign waivers, answer health screenings and upload documents, while event organizers can quickly review submissions and approve or reject their attendance.

For even more ways to screen attendees
CrowdSync isn't the only company focused on providing safe, efficient health screenings right now. New York governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced a pilot program to test the Excelsior Pass—a new partnership between the state and IBM—during events at Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center this week. Similar to a mobile boarding pass, the Excelsior Pass uses secure technology to confirm an attendee's vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test. In the U.K., meanwhile, startup company You Check has designed a government-approved digital health passport app, designed to bring back business to music venues. And production company Fern has teamed up with healthcare cloud platform ShareMy.Health to launch its own digital health passport app, which is HIPAA compliant and allows people to control who sees their status; it can also provide vaccine credentials and verify COVID-19 testing.

To take your hybrid meetings to the next level
Hybrid and virtual event platform vFairs is now integrating Zoom into its platform. In addition to accommodating a larger number of attendees in an affordable way, the new integration means that remote speakers can address an on-premise audience and broadcast to remote attendees simultaneously, including handling questions from both groups in real time. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that virtual events can be extremely successful, and we anticipate that remote access will be part of conferences and trade shows even after the pandemic subsides,” said Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs, in a statement. “Our integration with Zoom will make it easier to offer virtual event support from a single platform, rather than having to use a different interface to access live broadcast and interact.”vFair's 3D Platform and New Zoom IntegrationThe new vFairs and Zoom partnership gives event planners access to vFairs’ immersive event platform, which has 3D graphics and animation.Screenshot: Courtesy of vFairs

To build-your-own virtual event—even if you can't code
Don't have the time or budget to hire a tech expert? The team behind stock image company Shutterstock has launched Social Hour, a new virtual networking and event platform that allows planners to build their own gatherings from scratch with a simple, easy-to-use interface. Event hosts can customize their color, theme and logo; select the number of rooms and participants; toggle on chat or word games; add custom playlists and more. Users can then get a preview of the customized event, all before getting to the payment stage. 

For a safe sanitization solution
UBTECH Robotics, which develops intelligent humanoid robotics and AI technologies, has debuted new ADIBOT UV-C Disinfecting Robots. Designed to help businesses, schools and events reopen safely during COVID-19, the bots use UV-C technology to disinfect targeted surfaces and air. They're available in stationary and autonomous models. “Our ADIBOT UV-C Robots stand to accelerate the safe reopening of schools and businesses shut down by COVID-19, while helping better prepare for potential future outbreaks—from pandemic level down to more localized, harmful viruses," said John Rhee, senior vice president and general manager for UBTECH North America, in a statement. Watch the video below to see it in action: 


To allow for a painless cancellation process
As the timeline for the return of live events remains uncertain, event attendees may want some assurance they'll get money back if something changes. Enter: Insurance technology startup Buddy, which has partnered with InsureTech Connect to offer registration cancellation insurance to all conference attendees at the upcoming ITC Vegas in October. The partnership marks the first time in the conference’s history that attendees will have registration cancellation insurance made available to them. The option is delivered through Buddy’s Partner API, which allows people to review the complete details of the insurance offer and simply check a box opting in while they're registering for the event.

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