What Are the Most Exciting Innovations in Event Tech Right Now?
"Event technologists, what are the most exciting innovations you’re watching in event tech right now?"
Here is what 9 thought leaders had to say.
Contactless Check-In Systems Revolutionize Portable Sanitation Industry
I've been in the portable sanitation industry for 26 years, and contactless check-in systems are the most exciting innovation I'm tracking right now. The pandemic forced our event clients to completely rethink attendee flow, and these systems solved multiple problems at once.
At our Satellite Women's Conference, we implemented kiosks that eliminated registration lines entirely. Attendees scan QR codes from their phones, get instant digital badges, and receive real-time updates about session changes. This cut our check-in time from 45 minutes to under 10 minutes for 200+ attendees.
The really exciting part is how this connects to our sanitation planning. These same systems track attendee movement patterns throughout venues, giving us actual data on peak restroom usage times instead of guessing. One music festival client used this data to reduce their portable restroom orders by 15% while improving satisfaction scores.
What's different from AR/VR is that contactless tech directly impacts operational efficiency. Event planners get better crowd flow data, and vendors like us can optimize equipment placement based on real foot traffic patterns rather than rough estimates.
Michelle Amelse, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Success, Satellite Industries
Immersive Brand Experiences Transform Event Engagement
As someone who's built multiple startups and runs a creative studio, I'm seeing immersive brand experiences completely transform how events connect with audiences. We recently worked with a tech startup where we created an interactive digital installation that let attendees physically manipulate their product interface—engagement jumped 340% compared to traditional booth setups.
The breakthrough is real-time personalization at scale. Through Ankord Media, we've implemented systems where event displays automatically adapt content based on attendee behavior and preferences captured through simple interactions. One client saw their lead quality improve by 85% because the experience was custom to each person's specific interests.
What's really exciting is how affordable this tech has become for smaller companies. A startup we work with used projection mapping and basic sensors to create a $3K installation that felt like a $50K experience. They closed three major partnerships directly from that event because investors remembered their booth months later.
The democratization of these tools means any company can now create memorable experiences that stick. When your brand becomes the thing people talk about after an event, that's when real business happens.
Milan Kordestani, CEO, Ankord Media
AI Powers Real-Time Personalization at Tech Events
As Editor-in-Chief of The Showbiz Journal covering major tech events, I'm seeing AI integration transform event planning and execution in ways most people aren't talking about yet. The biggest shift is AI-powered real-time content personalization during live events.
At recent launches I've covered like Apple's iPhone 15 event and Meta's Connect, organizers are using AI to customize what attendees see on their personal devices based on their behavior patterns. Someone interested in photography gets different overlay information than a developer during the same presentation. This isn't just theoretical - Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses demo showed how AI can adapt information delivery based on individual user context in real-time.
The most underrated innovation I'm tracking is AI-driven sentiment analysis during events. Event tech companies are now analyzing audience reactions through facial recognition and social media monitoring to adjust presentations mid-stream. When I covered BlizzCon's return announcement, the real story was how they're planning to use AI to gauge crowd energy and modify their showcase timing accordingly.
What excites me most is AI's role in predictive event logistics. Based on my coverage of major launches, AI can now predict attendance patterns, optimize vendor placement, and even anticipate technical issues before they happen. One gaming event I covered reduced technical delays by 60% using AI monitoring systems that detected potential audio/visual problems minutes before they would have disrupted presentations.
Jonas Muthoni TSJ, Editor, The Showbiz Journal
AR and VR Create Next-Level Event Experiences
Right now, one of the most exciting innovations in event tech is the rise of immersive experiences, particularly with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies are taking events to a whole new level by allowing attendees to engage with the event in ways that weren't possible before. Imagine a product launch where guests can interact with a 3D model of the product or a virtual conference where participants feel like they're in the same room, even if they're miles apart.
Another innovation I'm watching closely is the use of AI for personalized event experiences. From AI-driven matchmaking tools that help attendees connect with the right people to chatbots that streamline the registration process, AI is making events more efficient and tailored to individual needs. It's amazing to see how tech is evolving to make events more engaging, interactive, and accessible, whether in-person or virtual.
Katie Breaker, Sales Director, BirdieBall
Holograms and AI Redefine Modern Event Design
If you ask me what's got my team buzzing right now, it's holographic presentations and AI-powered personalization.
Last month, I watched a keynote speaker "beam in" as a hologram, dazzling a crowd in London while sipping coffee in Delhi. The energy in the room? Electric. Holograms are no longer sci-fi—they're letting us bring global talent to any stage, live, and in 3D. It's a game-changer for hybrid events, making remote guests feel like VIPs and giving every attendee a front-row seat.
But what really gets my heart racing is AI. I used to spend hours guessing which sessions would resonate with attendees. Now, AI analyzes data in real time, suggesting custom agendas, networking matches, and even personalized content for each guest. It's like having a digital concierge for every attendee, making everyone feel like the event was designed just for them.
And let's not forget AR/VR, those immersive product demos and virtual photobooths are turning "meh" moments into unforgettable memories. All this tech means I spend less time troubleshooting and more time crafting experiences that truly wow.
Marta Verma, Business Partnerships Manager, Outstaff Your Team
Hybrid Platforms Turn Events Into Data Goldmines
My background is CRO at Nuage where I specialize in NetSuite integrations and host Beyond ERP podcast with c-suite executives. I've seen 15+ years of digital change across manufacturing and food & beverage companies.
The most exciting innovation I'm tracking is the shift from virtual event fatigue to hybrid engagement platforms that actually retain audiences. We've seen events where smoke detectors chirped for 45 minutes during sessions, yet attendees stayed because the content delivery was that compelling. The breakthrough isn't the tech—it's platforms that let you run unlimited concurrent sessions instead of being limited by physical room constraints.
What's really game-changing is real-time audience feedback integration during live sessions. Instead of hoping your keynote lands, speakers now get instant data on engagement drops and can pivot content mid-stream. We've watched customer roundtables where attendees directly influenced product roadmaps that teams implemented within 6-12 months.
The biggest shift is events becoming data goldmines rather than just networking opportunities. Companies are finally measuring beyond attendance numbers—tracking which breakout sessions correlate with actual software implementations or partnership deals months later.
Louis Balla, VP of Sales & Partner, Nuage
AI Predictions Boost Dessert Shop Event Success
As a dessert shop owner at Vampire Penguin Marietta, I've found that customer experience technologies are revolutionizing the event space. Since opening in 2024, we've implemented digital menu boards with QR-based ordering that allows customers to customize their shaved snow treats and skip lines during busy community events.
The most exciting innovation I'm watching is AI-powered foot traffic prediction. We've started using a system that analyzes local event calendars, weather patterns, and historical sales data to predict staffing needs. During a recent Marietta Square Market food festival, this technology helped us prepare precisely the right inventory and staff levels, reducing waste by 18%.
Event-based mobile loyalty programs are another game-changer. We've created a geofenced reward system that activates special offers when customers attend community events where we participate. This has increased our repeat business by 22% compared to standard loyalty programs, especially effective when we coordinate with birthday parties and celebrations.
Interactive food stations with digital personalization are worth watching too. For catering larger gatherings, we now offer "build-your-own" shaved snow stations with tablets that guide guests through flavor combinations while capturing preference data. This technology not only creates memorable experiences but provides invaluable product development insights that have directly influenced our rotating menu offerings.
Divy Patel, Business Owner, Vampire Penguin Marietta
Smart Energy Systems Transform Outdoor Event Venues
As SunValue's content strategist, I've been tracking how smart energy integration is revolutionizing event spaces. The most exciting innovation I'm watching is AI-powered predictive load balancing for solar-backed event venues, which can reduce energy costs by up to 38% while maintaining consistent power for high-demand production equipment.
Last year, we helped a major outdoor festival implement a hybrid solar storage system that used real-time weather data to predict cloud coverage and automatically adjust battery discharge rates. This eliminated the need for diesel generators as backup and kept all stages running seamlessly despite variable conditions.
The integration of transparent solar collection surfaces into event structures is another game-changer. New photovoltaic glass that captures UV and infrared wavelengths while remaining visually clear allows event designers to create stunning venues that generate their own power without sacrificing aesthetics.
Most promising are the new modular micro-grid solutions specifically designed for pop-up events. These systems can be configured in hours, adapt to venue limitations, and provide event planners with granular power consumption analytics that help optimize layout and scheduling for maximum energy efficiency.
Nina Golban, Search Engine Optimization Copywriter, SunValue
AI Creates Personalized Journeys for Event Attendees
As the Chief Marketing Officer in my company, I'm always looking at how technology can enhance experiences and connect people, whether it's for our own client interactions or just observing broader market trends.
One of the most exciting innovations I'm watching is the advancement in personalized experiences driven by AI. We're moving beyond just sending a generic email. Now, I see event tech developing where AI can genuinely tailor an attendee's journey based on their interests, past interactions, and stated goals. Imagine an event app that uses AI to suggest not just sessions, but specific networking contacts you should meet, or even exhibitors whose offerings perfectly align with your business needs. This makes every attendee feel seen and understood, transforming a large event into a series of highly relevant, almost one-on-one experiences. It's about moving from broad strokes to incredibly fine-tuned recommendations, which really elevates engagement.
Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal
