Event-Tech Radar - The latest tools & technologies for ticketing, networking and event interaction

The event industry is evolving rapidly and technological innovations are playing a key role in creating unforgettable experiences. From smart ticketing and interactive networking tools to immersive experience technologies, here are the most exciting event tech trends you need to know about.

Smart ticketing & access control

Digital ticketing solutions have long been standard, but modern systems offer much more than just digital entry. Blockchain tickets prevent fraud and enable transparent resales. Biometric access controls such as facial recognition ensure smooth admission control and avoid long queues. In addition, NFC and QR code tickets enable contactless and fast admission processes, which ensures an improved user experience, especially at large events.

AI-supported networking & matchmaking

Networking is a central component of many events, but it is often unstructured. New AI tools optimize this process considerably:

• Smart matchmaking algorithms analyze interests and automatically connect suitable participants.
• Chatbots & virtual assistants facilitate communication and help with making appointments.
• AR-supported networking apps enable interactive business cards and instant connections via scan.

Interactive event apps & engagement tools

Participants don't just want to be passive spectators, they want to be actively involved in the event. Live polling and Q&A tools, for example, encourage interaction during presentations by allowing the audience to ask questions directly via the event app. Gamification elements such as points systems and challenges make events more playful and increase participant motivation. In addition, personalized content streaming allows participants to view exactly the content that is relevant to them without having to navigate through a rigid program.

Virtual & hybrid event technologies

Hybrid events have established themselves as an integral part of the event landscape and the technology continues to evolve. 360° live streams and VR events create immersive experiences that also involve remote participants. In addition, AI-driven translation and transcription services ensure barrier-free and international communication. Metaverse event platforms, which open up completely new possibilities for digital events and enable a whole new form of interaction, are also exciting.

Data analysis & AI-supported optimization

With modern analysis tools, events can be controlled and optimized in an even more targeted manner:

• Heatmaps & IoT sensors analyze visitor movements and help to improve room concepts.
• AI-supported sentiment analysis evaluates participant feedback and enables real-time adjustments.
• Real-time dashboards provide a comprehensive overview of what is happening at the event and facilitate data-based decisions during the event.

The latest event tech innovations offer enormous opportunities to make events more interactive, efficient and exciting. Those who get to grips with these technologies early on can offer their participants a unique and forward-looking event experience. While some technologies, such as smart ticketing systems, are already firmly established, AI-supported solutions and immersive metaverse events are developing rapidly. Event organizers should therefore get to grips with these developments at an early stage in order to remain competitive in the long term.