The steady improvement and roll out of artificial intelligence systems over the past few years have been a subtle pulse underneath technology development. These solutions have become more powerful and therefore applicable to more varied situations than ever before. Today’s AI algorithms are adept at taking in a host of inputs and finding responses that rival – if not exceed – human judgment in efficacy.
These programs are fascinating and moving rapidly beyond novelty status. It won’t be long before they have a wide impact on event planning. The following are a few of the ways they are already making inroads:
A New Era of Attendee Engagement
Effective event planning means knowing your attendee persona and delivering an experience tailored to their preferences and interests. Artificial intelligence embedded in digital offerings could improve the process of collecting, understanding and using data from these individuals. Event Manager Blog pointed out that in the world of trade shows and professional expos, AI can potentially connect vendors and attendees, helping people find exhibitors that will interest them within a sprawling show floor.
Furthermore, AI bots can be a compelling part of convention displays. These programs’ ability to recognize attendees’ words and intent can be combined with other contemporary digital capabilities such as virtual or augmented reality offerings to create impressive and immersive presentations guided by viewers. The novelty of these experiences could help them attract a curious and engaged audience.
The fact that AI programs are connecting with visitors about their interests, questions, and needs means that event organizers will gain a treasure trove of data on these individuals. Event Manager Blog added that common tasks such as exit surveys or individual session feedback collection can be delegated to AI programs, making them easier for attendees and just as useful for presenters.
Getting actionable feedback at B2B #events can be a particularly hard. @Jifflenow has tips for #EventProfs: https://t.co/6kfPABHtCP pic.twitter.com/m49OhgniAZ
— FMAV (@FMAVCanada) November 3, 2017
Data on professional event attendees is easy to collect via AI.
AI is Already Here
One of the most compelling facts about AI’s use in event management and planning is that while there is obvious room for future development of this technology, it’s already making its mark in a limited role. Skift’s recent overview of shows and events that have been enhanced by the presence of AI features noted that powerful algorithms of this kind are the brains behind many of the most popular consumer apps, such as Slack and WhatsApp. They can play a similar role on the backend of events’ tech systems.
The source pointed out that the IMEX Frankfurt expo this year were able to ask a chatbot called “Frank” simple questions about the status of the event, and that the program succeeded in this task. In fact, it used its learning capabilities to become smarter and more accurate throughout the course of the gathering. This functionality is perhaps one of the most compelling conceptual draws behind AI on exhibition floors. The products improve with use and exposure.
A Tech-Infused Event
Whether they opt for specifically AI-driven offerings or more general audience engagement strategies, it’s clear that event organizers can create a closer bond with their attendees through the strategic deployment of technology. Solutions such as Audience Response Systems can capture input from audience members’ devices based on prompts set by presenters. This tactic is a great way to ensure attendees’ phones help them stay focused rather than acting as a distraction.
Other valuable IT deployments include full-scale second-screen experiences that can connect attendees to organizers, presenters and one another through their devices. These solutions can integrate popular social networks such as Twitter to create a running dialogue throughout an event and ensure everyone is on the same page via content delivery and instant feedback. As AI becomes a more prominent part of the event experience, it will make its presence felt through these types of experiences.
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