If you are organising a business or corporate event, you will depend on technology. Private events can still do without state of the art software and hardware installations. Commercial events, tradeshows, seminars and any kind of business event will require some technological wonders.
The realm of technology is ever expanding and quite diverse. Every type of feature you want or any purpose that you have will put forth more than a dozen odd choices. From kiosks to software, there is no scarcity of options. To make your quest easier and more definitive, here are some tips on choosing technology for your next event.
- Always opt for simple technology. You can go for the most complicated software but it must be simple to use. Any software or hardware component that doesn’t offer an easy interface and is hence not convenient for the attendees to use will be futile. Along with simplicity, you must focus on entertainment or how fun the technology is. Simple technology shouldn’t be bland or boring. Any interface that lacks exciting elements will fail to entice the attendees. You would use technology at events to spice things up, to intrigue people and to help everyone have a good time. Without fun or entertainment, technology becomes mundane and uninteresting.
- You should use technology that is engaging. You must draw the attendees into using the technology and make them a part of the process. If you simply set up some technological wonders and don’t really get the people to use them or have a feel for what the technology can do, then it is futile. Technology that is not experienced can never be rewarding. It is one thing to see and imagine how it would be when experienced. It is absolutely a different realisation when someone actually uses the technology and is impressed or even surprised.
- Pick technology that is relevant and reasonable. Don’t go for excessive or untested technology. Don’t settle for unproven technology or ones that have absolutely no relevance, importance or utility at your event. You don’t need to show off technology. The purpose of technology at any event is to make it utilitarian and rewarding for the attendees. That will ensure you pick reasonably priced products or services. Don’t spend too much money on technology as that would lead to financial compromises elsewhere. Use technology as a facilitator and a relevant one at that.
Despite the title of this column, I am no expert – but this is what I’d do when faced with events and technology!
Silvia Pellegrini is a consultant who runs Events Uncovered TV
