Technology’s impact on the future of events — will you be ready?

Step Time (1-5) Cost (1-5) Dullness (1-5) Avg. Score

... 5 2 3 3.33

Above: example scorecard

* these criteria are variable

Step Time (1-5) Cost (1-5) Dullness (1-5) Avg. Score

Identify business need 1 1 1 1.0

Budget 4 1 4 3.0

Choose destination 3 1 1 1.7

Research spaces 4 4 3 3.7

Solicit RFP responses 4 4 3 3.7

Evaluate 4 1 1 2.0

Select 5 5 5 5.0

Create agenda 5 2 1 2.7

Compile list 5 2 4 3.7

Communicate internally 5 4 4 4.3

...

Step Time (1-5) Cost (1-5) Dullness (1-5) Avg. Score

Select 5 5 5.0 5

Communicate internally 5 4 4.0 4.3

Research spaces 4 4 3.0 3.7

Solicit RFP responses 4 4 3.0 3.7

Compile list 5 2 4.0 3.7

Budget 4 1 4.0 3

Create agenda 5 2 1.0 2.7

Evaluate 4 1 1.0 2

Choose destination 3 1 1.0 1.7

Identify business need 1 1 1.0 1

...

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Disclaimer: Thought-provoking

Slides Ahead!

Event apps will no longer exists.

1990s 2010s 2030s

All events will have a virtual component.

There will be no cash at events.

Group business will be booked mostly online.

Supplier professionals will become even more knowledgeable and trusted consultants.

There will be less site visits.

Coordinating event logistics will be automated.

The industry processes we know today will be obliterated.

The event business model will change.

Content will be crowdsourced or auto-generated.

Our industry will be embrace transparency.

Hotels will do mostly group business.

Everything planners need will be available on-demand.

Economic impact will be the key metrics for CVBs.

Attendees will discover events and sessions that are right for them.

Networks at hotels and events will be a target for hackers.

On-site logistics will be handled by machines and robots.

The best photographers will know how to fly.

Attendees will meet the right people and no business cards will be exchanged.

Technology will an integrated part of the convention service team’s offerings.

Adapted from Beyond Automation, HBR, 2015

4,000 customers

100 countries

3 languages

1 billion sq ft of function space

750,000 events created

100+ million attendees impacted

a few of our awards