Are you planning a business event? If so, technology can be a great asset. Used correctly, it can help you engage with your audience, collect data, and run a more efficient and effective event. According to Forbes, “83% of event professionals believe that technology positively impacts events.” This is likely because technology can help you do many things that were once difficult or impossible without it.
If you’re planning a business event, here are five tips for using technology to make it a success:
1. Use technology to engage with your audience.
These days, most people have a short attention span. This is especially true when it comes to sitting through lectures or speeches. Use interactive technologies such as polling apps or Q&A platforms to engage your audience. This way, your attendees can participate in the event even when they’re not physically present.
It would be best if you also considered using social media to engage with your audience before, during, and after the event. This is a great way to generate interest and build anticipation. Be sure to use the event hashtag so that people can follow the conversation. If you live-tweet the event, you can also give people who couldn’t make it a taste of what they missed.
2. Use technology to set the event space.
Gone are the days when all you needed to do to set up for an event was to move some chairs around. These days, you need to worry about things like Wi-Fi, audio/visual (A/V) equipment, and lighting. Fortunately, some companies specialize in event technology. They can provide you with everything you need to ensure your event space is set up correctly.
If you need a visually pleasing venue, you can still use technology to connect with interior designers. Using social media, you can send them a message outlining your design requirements. Many event planners also keep an email list of interior designers, which can be handy if you need to find one in a hurry. They can help you find a designer who is available and within your budget.
3. Use technology to collect data.
One of the benefits of using technology at business events is that it allows you to collect data more efficiently. For example, you can use WiFi-connected name badges to track which attendees visit which booths or talks. You can also use survey apps to collect real-time feedback from attendees.
But data collection doesn’t have to stop after the event is over. You can use Google Analytics to track how many people visit your event website and what pages they’re most interested in. You can also use social media monitoring tools to see how much online chatter there is about your event. This data can be very valuable in planning future events.
4. Use technology to run a more efficient event.
There’s no need to waste time on administrative tasks when there’s technology that can do it for you. For example, you can use online registration forms to streamline the check-in process for your attendees. Some use apps to create and manage schedules and itineraries.
With the help of technology, you can also automate some of the more tedious tasks associated with event planning, such as sending out email reminders or creating name badges. This frees up your time to focus on more important things. You can also use technology to create a more efficient event space. For example, you can use apps to direct attendees to the correct session rooms.
5. Use technology to market your event.
Use social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, and website banners to market your event and attract more attendees. Ensure to include links to your event website or registration page so potential attendees can easily sign up or learn more about the event. You can also use Google AdWords to create targeted ads that appear when people search for keywords related to your event.
When marketing your event, it’s essential to remember that potential attendees will have different needs and interests. Use segmentation to create targeted marketing campaigns that speak to these different groups. For example, you might create separate campaigns for business owners and those working in the tech industry.
Technology can be a great asset for business events when used correctly. However, it’s important to remember that less is often more when using tech devices and applications. Because events are designed to be social gatherings, too much technology can disrupt the flow of conversation and connection. When in doubt, use these five tips to ensure your next business event is a success.