Event Technology Trends 2023: 13 Epic Ideas to Boost Engagement

We're sure that you are not alien to the new technological transformations. Each day, there is something new that we discover and implement in our lives.

The world of event hosting and technology is no exception.

Thanks to the advent of technology, the event sector has grown by leaps and bounds. But, not everyone is aware of the advantages of these technological implementations.

So before we know about the perks and use cases of event technology, let's first discuss what Event Technology is!

A. What is event technology

Every event planner looks for ways to simplify event planning while achieving event goals. 

Earlier, organizers a manual head count was necessary to check the footfall at the event. But now, this can be done automatically when getting their tickets scanned. 

Event technology comes in handy in such situations.

Any digital tool or software that streamlines the procedures and makes it simpler to organize, manage, and deliver a successful event is considered event technology. 

This can apply to any type of event format, including hybrid, online, and on-site events.

Event technology helps you keep track of all the crucial information about your event. It makes planning, communication, and data analysis easier. It can even help you increase revenue.

Let's understand how can it be helpful for the guests.

As an example, ever wondered that wearable technology could help you enhance visitors' experiences?

Let's look at 13 such technology trends that are going to be hit in 2023, and beyond!

B. Top event technology trends for 2023

Using any kind of tech would increase your expenses, but they are actually investments. There are many benefits that event technology can offer to your team.

Here are some areas where you can amp up your event through tech!

1. Contactless check-in

In our pandemic-affected world, touchless interactions are no longer a luxury but a necessity, making contactless check-in a smart choice among event technology trends. 

Enter 'Ticket Generator', a contactless check-in software simplifying aspects like:

It helps you

• Create secure tickets
• Validate entries
• Provide fast check-in for your attendees
• Customize the tickets
• Track attendance
• Get useful insights

These information can be used to enhance attendees' overall experience.

2. QR Codes to make things interact with guests

These black and white patterns in a square frame have made quite a progress, right?

You might have seen them in newspapers, magazines, billboards, and while making payments. Now, the next big thing is QR Codes being a part of event technology trends.

They are quite convenient to use. It would make sense if you would want your event attendees to have an easy and seamless experience.

QR Codes can help you:

• Get event registrations
• Get the guests to take the desired action (for example, visit a website, download an app, etc.)
• Receive payments
• Share event-related details (via Event QR Code)
• Share the exact maps location of the venue

Both physical events and virtual or hybrid events can use them.

It is expected that QR Codes will increase in popularity due to the ongoing development of event technology. This will give event planners a strong tool to make events more productive and efficient.

3. Live translation

What if you were interested in watching a Spanish movie, but didn't really understand the language?

That won't deter you from watching your favorite movie, right? 

You can easily watch and understand the movie through subtitles. Additionally, you can even watch a dubbed version of the same movie in your regional language.

What if you would want the same for your attendees?

There is a growing need for live translation services as events become increasingly global. With event technology's growth, organizers can engage with a larger audience.

Live translation tools like kudoway and stenomatic help organizers reach a wider audience. It promotes inclusivity for guests who might not be native speakers of the main event language.

4. Event Gamification

Even if someone's not a hardcore gamer, this concept will still encourage participation!

As we explore event technology trends 2023, event gamification emerges as a promising application to gain increased attendance, engagement, and meaningful networking opportunities.

Event organizers use gamification to engage guests. It typically leads to

• An increase in attendance
• An increase in engagement levels
• Fruitful socializing 
• Better networking

Gamification may help event organizers give participants engaging and memorable experiences.

One way to engage your audience would be through a scavenger hunt. You could ask people to take photos of different keynote speakers.

Furthermore, there could be hidden items scattered around the venue for your attendees to find.

5. Digital invites for events

Many people like old-school things and experiences. But a digital invite could be the breakthrough!

Digital event invitations attract and bring in more attendees compared to traditional methods. 

Here are some key stats related to the same:

• Around 50% of event organizers think e-invitations are more appealing and acceptable
• After the pandemic, over 32% of event organizers think sending out e-invitations is the best approach
• More than 40% of hosts prefer sending out invites digitally rather than printing them out on paper

6. Wearable tech

Wearable tech has come a long way as one of the most futuristic technology event ideas, evolving and expanding beyond just tracking physical activities. 

As an organizer exploring event management technology trends, you can capitalize on people's penchant for wearable tech, incorporating devices such as smartwatches, Go-Pro, Apple watches, and Google Glass into your events. 

They can streamline activities and enhance experiences by

• Keeping track of social distancing norms
• Controlling access to VIP areas
• Determining the arrival times of keynote speakers 
• Gauging how long people remain engaged with exhibits or sessions

7. Augmented and virtual reality

Among the hottest event technology trends of 2023 is Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.

These combine the digital and real-world like never before. As an event organizer, provide participants with VR headsets on-site to take them beyond the screen. 

Visuals with a 360-degree view and interactive data visualizations will definitely amaze them. Remote attendees can join the live experience at the same time to make it feel like everyone is in the same space.

8. Mobile Apps

Does it irk you when your attendees are constantly on their phones?

What if there was a way to engage your attendees through their phones? The answer is quite simple: A mobile app!

Event apps are currently used by every event planner. Besides other things, they assist with planning, ticket sales, event management, and guest engagement.

The best thing about event apps is that you can personalize them. You have the option of choosing full-service or certain apps for various needs. 

Conventional event apps like bookmyshow focus on event agendas and experiences. But marketing and sponsorship apps such as eventbase make the most strides.

9. Digital photo booths

People are obsessed with selfies, right? 

Digital photo booths are an exciting addition to technology event ideas for 2023. 

Event organizers can add unique visuals to images and animated GIFs in digital photo booths. They can even prompt users to use their brand-related hashtags.

Digital photo galleries are created using collected images to entice visitors. This also increases their affinity for the brand and experience. 

Visitors are often happy to swap their email addresses and join a marketing list in exchange for their photos. This makes your event have a lead-generation approach.

Your investment in ring lights could help your attendees have an unforgettable experience. Safe to say, this is one of the best event technology trends of 2023.

10. Holograms

Remember seeing one of these in sci-fi movies as a youngster? Well, one of the most amazing event technology trends is not just fiction anymore: it's a reality.

Using holograms in hybrid events has many wonderful advantages. It enables speakers, who are unable to attend the event personally, to address the audience virtually. 

Hologram technology gives speakers the comfort and flexibility of speaking remotely. They no longer are restricted to a specific location.

It pretty much is a tech that bridges the gap between virtual reality and the real world.

11. Live streaming and simulive

Live streaming has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception.

Your attendees, especially those attending remotely, now demand high-quality streaming. As an event planner, you must use the tech that allows you to smoothly switch between virtual and hybrid events.

Simulive is ideal for hybrid events. It enables you to record your event content in advance and set specified timings for it to go live. 

Getting several videos to sync in real-time during an event could be a little tricky. But simulive dramatically resolves the issue to make it one of the most sought after event technology trends.

12. Live audience engagement

Audience engagement used to be quite a task, but it's not so anymore!

With smart automation and tactful planning, you can achieve great results through one of the most amazing event technology trends. Here are some of the ways in which you can do so:

• Send schedules, agendas, and guest speaker details via message or your app
• Conduct polls and questionnaires throughout the event
• Various games and activities could be a way to boost engagement
• Prompt audience members to use your brand's hashtags on social media

13. Facial recognition

When it comes to safety, facial recognition is among the most sought event technology trends of 2023.

Why so?

It's a biometric system that analyzes your photo via your facial features and contour patterns. Then, it translates this data into an algorithm, which is called a œfacial fingerprint. 

Event organizers can then use this data to verify attendees. This could make your event more secure, efficient, and streamlined.

C. Benefits of using tech in event planning

The development of event management software has simplified the job of event managers. Planning and execution for any kind of event have become much easier. 

These are a few ways that technology can improve the effectiveness of event planning:

1. Increases audience engagement

Audience engagement is the key to getting the most out of your event.

And using technology, you can surely increase engagement in many ways. You just saw 13 of them in the article. In case we missed out on any, let us know in the comments.

2. Boosts cost-effectiveness

Do you plan to keep your event's budget efficient yet effective?

Event planning tools help you do just that by allowing you to track the money you spend. The amount spent on an event can also be compared to similar historical events. 

By doing so, you can identify areas for savings. This comes in handy while planning a budget for comparable situations in the future.

3. Aids in improving communication

Poor communication could very well be a thing of the past!

Through tech implementation, your line of communication could be revamped. When people collaborate and communicate on the same platform, it leads to streamlined processes. This is important for hosting a successful event.

4. Helps secure your event

As an event organizer event, you must prioritize safety and security. A bad incident could endanger your company, guests, or vendors, as well as cast doubt on all of your preparations. 

Identity verification and surveillance technologies can increase everyone's and their assets' safety. 

5. Ease the process of event registration

People hate waiting, in real-life or even in the virtual world.

Your audience's experience will depend on how you choose to register them for your event. 

A good impression is created if the process is quick, simple to use, and accurate. Event registration platforms can manage the procedure seamlessly. 

6. Track data through analytics

A key component of consistently organizing successful events is through tracking and analyzing your data. 

Data analytics tools can assist you in determining your:

• Target audience 
• How people are learning about your event
• Interaction and engagement rate
• Other miscellaneous information 

When you host your next event, these insights are priceless. 

D. Best practices for hosting a successful event

1. Include interactive elements

Your visitors want to feel fully immersed in the event you have planned. No one would enjoy a dull event. 

Using simple assets such as a scoreboard or a scavenger could be an example. Similarly, giving away freebies or a chance to work with your brand could attract your participants.

Such simple tactics can significantly increase participant engagement.

2. Provide attendees with something valuable

You would want your event attendees to leave on a good note, right?

It doesn't take much to do that. You can begin by giving them some goodies or merchandise that showcases your brands. If not a physical gift, you can give them valuable digital assets like guides, videos, tutorials, etc.

They'll surely appreciate this small gesture, making it a strong brand recall factor.

3. Create hype by promoting your event

Hosting a successful event is one thing. Promoting and creating hype is another ball game!

Promotion is everything. The months and weeks leading up to your event are crucial and should be used smartly.

For starters, you can:

• Implement a paid advertising strategy
• Publish the event on your website
• Highlight your event on social media
• Share the list of speakers, registration links, and speaker interviews
• Include publicity you've received from your followers
• Invite people to take part in surveys, polls, and other activities

4. Choose an ideal date and time

The key to a successful event is planning. 

Many people disregard the significance of picking the ideal day, time and place for event planning. They often focus more on particulars, such as decorations, cuisine, and entertainment.

But not thinking about the when' and where' could translate to a dull celebration. The entire success of an event greatly depends on its timing and setting.

Here are some key factors you should consider when planning for your event:

• Weather
• Holidays
• School break
• Competing/Similar events
• Weather
• Availability of important figures

5. Have your backup ready

No event can run without certain interruptions. You cannot avoid them, but the best you can do is certainly keep them at a minimum.

Plan and prepare for tech problems. As much as you can, keep a backup strategy.

Here are a few pointers for keeping a good backup strategy:

• Establish ways to contact tech support 
• Pre-assess their crises readiness
• Gauge if they can assist you in event preparations

6. Focus on your content quality

You might be pretty familiar with the phrase, Content is king'.

To make your event successful, you need to highly focus on this aspect. Your audience will appreciate your efforts to ensure the event runs properly. 

Control the caliber of the information you offer. If the information is of excellent quality, users will be more willing to overlook a few tiny flaws. 

You can evoke interest and increase attendance with excellent presenters and many other ways to engage your audience.

7. Use email marketing for audience engagement

If you think that email marketing is dead, think again!

The number of participants in your event might increase through email marketing. It is one of the most efficient marketing methods with the highest ROI.

Your event won't be a success despite all the hard work and planning if people don't turn up. So get in touch with people who are already interested in your business through email marketing.

Recently, Eventbrite released some email event marketing statistics:

• Email marketing, according to 78% of event organizers, is their most successful marketing strategy
• Email is responsible for 45% of event ticket sales, according to those who keep track of it

These data reflect the reasons why you should not keep email marketing aside when promoting your event

Summing Up

Our way of life is quickly evolving thanks to new technology. Now, we're able to connect with and expand our audience by bringing about the necessary modifications in event technology. 

Additionally, this technology gives event organizers fresh and exciting opportunities each time they stage an event.

If you're still reading, you've already learned everything related to event technology trends in 2023. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!