Event Essentials: Going Digital
The special event industry is one of constant change; it’s always advancing, whether that’s in relation to the expectations of attendees or new products or technologies. From our perspective, one of the ways we have seen these advancements is through the lens of creating more sustainable event practices by going digital! Team RGI has seen a large jump in attendees’ willingness to engage with digital collateral after the pandemic. As people have become more accustomed to using QR codes and being able to click through things on their phones, and in response to concerns on sustainability in the special event sphere, these digital advancements have made it possible for us to support our clients through new ways of producing materials that for years were looked at as print only.
Consider QR Codes
One of the most effective ways to digitize collateral is through the use of QR Codes. A few years ago, program books, meeting agendas, and conference schedules could be printed for hundreds or thousands of event attendees. However, these can now be accessed by our clients through a few clicks on their phones, leaving a better environmental impact and saving budgets as a major bonus. Clients should consider what types of collateral materials to utilize QR codes to display.
Attendee Data & Registration
For special events that have hundreds, if not thousands, of planned attendees, moving registration support to a fully digital process creates a smooth and efficient experience for both sides. As AI continues to advance, the special event industry is finding ways to use the rapidly expanding tech to help interpret large amounts of data. Each unique attendee provides data that may inform aspects of your program, whether that be dietary restrictions impacting your menu, accessibility needs that may impact your venue layout, or other requests you may not have anticipated that might help inform decisions, going digital for registration and onsite check-in have made interpreting data easier than ever.
Real-time Interaction
Leveraging interesting tech options can create an incredibly immersive experience during your program! Our team continues to innovate and find new ways to create a truly unique experience for each client we partner with; supporting real-time surveys, optimizing the attendee experience in terms of flow or wayfinding, polling attendees, building text-to-give applications, are just a few examples of how we continue to support these initiatives in new ways.
As technology has advanced, Team RGI has risen to push the boundaries of digital engagement for special events. Finding new ways to innovate events with tech has also pushed the special events industry into a more sustainable direction. Sometimes, change is forced by a moment in time, making attendees of all ages and backgrounds more comfortable with accessing vital information in real-time on their phones; working with experienced event professionals will help you find elevated ways to bring these technological experiences to life!