Daily Buzz: Low-Commitment Ways to Implement Event Tech

Event tech can be, well, complicated. And to make matters worse, it’s always evolving, which means staying up to date on the latest techniques and innovations is no easy task either (not to mention expensive).

But that doesn’t mean planners should shun meeting tech altogether. Tools like augmented or virtual reality can boost an event experience—and your meeting shouldn’t go without them just because you might be wary of the correct way to implement meeting tech.

Instead, Michelle Bruno from BizBash  (opens in a new tab) recommends starting small with low-commitment and inexpensive practices that get the job done without a lot of effort. Most technologies have features that run from simple to complex, so start with simple add-ons. “Event planners don’t have to jump into the deep end of the AR pool to get a taste of its benefits,” Bruno says. “For example, Hi-Lites are ‘visual-effects’ glasses that transform light (stage lights, street lights, Christmas lights, fireworks, etc.) into custom shapes that the wearer can see—think hearts, smiley faces, or even company logos. They don’t require any wires or circuits and the frames are fully customizable and brandable.”

Bruno also suggests tying event tech to social media, such as an exclusive Snapchat filter, which comes with the added bonus of developing your meeting’s digital footprint and increasing awareness and engagement online.

Target Your Webinar to Millennials

Check out some ways to attract a younger audience to register for, and ultimately promote your webinars for you: https://t.co/6GtF4apnH9  (opens in a new tab) #webinars  (opens in a new tab) #virtualevents  (opens in a new tab) #millennials  (opens in a new tab) #generationz  (opens in a new tab) pic.twitter.com/GhQx88YjeL  (opens in a new tab)

— Blue Sky eLearn (@blueskyelearn) December 4, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

Webinars have long been used as a learning and conference tool to connect people around the world. But to market a webinar to millennials, you might have to change your strategy.

“Unlike previous generations, millennials do not care as much about status. Rather, millennials care more about recognition,” says Jerry McCoy on the Blue Sky Blog  (opens in a new tab). “What does all of this have to do with webinars? A webinar is a perfect opportunity to exploit the millennial generation’s desire for recognition and promoting their own brand.”

McCoy suggests including millennials as presenters or guest speakers and using social media to promote the lineup. But this doesn’t mean you should exclude other generations.

“Having a mix of presenters can help increase interest and who the event is promoted to,” he says. “By including a millennial, you’ll hopefully draw other millennials to attend your webinar while also providing a unique perspective to the topic at hand.”

Other Links of Note

Retaining employees is about more than diversity—it’s about inclusion, says Harvard Business Review  (opens in a new tab).

Want to further your nonprofit career? Try these three tips from the GuideStar blog  (opens in a new tab).

Organizational change can be a painful process, but it doesn’t have to be. CMSWire explains how to introduce change to ease the transition  (opens in a new tab).

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