5 Top Tech Tips for Conferences in 2017

In an increasingly digital and visual world, it’s important that event professionals keep up with the latest technology trends and upgrades to ensure they get the most out of their events.

So what are the top tech trends you should be considering for conferences this year? Here’s what the experts at the Doltone House conference venues suggest.

Audio Visual Technology

AV technology is no longer a static technology merely for viewing. Savvy conference organisers are integrating interactive screens and kiosks to track and capture audience data in a way that increases event enjoyment for each visitor.

With video content being more and more important for engaging audiences, we'll see a rise in conference events utilising LED video walls, projection mapping, gesture media and touch screen technology.

Live Video Streaming

Live streaming video has become a key marketing tool for conference organisers to reach new audiences. The concept has been around for years, but thanks to developments made by Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter, which have enhanced their live-streaming platforms, it’s becoming increasingly popular for broadcasting conferences.

Allowing for an unlimited worldwide attendance, HD live streaming is assisting PCOs in yielding greater results and revenue from their events. Creating added value for presenters, a larger audience reach and an effective marketing tool for future events.

Mobile Event Apps

Mobile apps have exploded in popularity for conferences in recent years (we even wrote a guide for it!), with event planners quick to adopt the technology to streamline communications, reduce paper waste and facilitate attendee connections.

More than ever, event apps are being weaved into the entire event schedule, giving attendees more information at their fingertips, facilitating seamless interactions and delivering important ROI analytics. Go-type apps like Pokémon Go have seen a significant increase in check-in games that can be utilised at conferences to increase attendee engagement. A win-win for attendees and organisers.

Virtual Reality

The events industry has been discussing the potential for utilising VR technology for the past decade, and now it’s actually happening. In a time where ‘experience’ has become a fundamental buzzword for event professionals, the VR experience will assist planners in engaging with attendees in a way that captures attention and makes it memorable.

The VR experience is intended to be immersive and interactive, proving useful at conferences for product demonstrations, venue tours and games. As mobile devices improve, and VR becomes more common (and affordable), we predict an increasing amount of events using VR apps and equipment to enhance the attendee experience.

Live Twitter Feeds

For event planners, social media integration is no longer a consideration, but an expectation. Linking real life audience interactions with conference activities will encourage audience engagement and help drive conversations.

Live Twitter walls are becoming an increasingly popular choice for conference events, allowing organisers to collect feedback, ask questions and conduct live polls during the event – with the bonus of increased social exposure and new leads.

Doltone House boasts stylish and cutting-edge venues in Jones Bay Wharf, Darling Island Wharf, Hyde Park, Australian Technology Park and Sylvania Waters.