Hot Trends in Tech Conference Planning
Now that in-person conferences are making a post-pandemic comeback, event planners are wondering what hot new trends are part of the picture. Here’s what you need to know about current trends if you’re in the process of planning a tech conference in a Bay Area meeting space.
Social Media Monitoring
The social media activity of event participants allows improvements and adjustments to the event experience to happen in real-time. For, instance, social media commentary lets you know if food and beverages need to be restocked. These comments can also be analyzed afterward to provide insight on aspects of the conference that were successful and which ones need improvement.
Second Screen Technology
Second-screen technology allows event attendees to view content such as presentations, slideshows, and videos on their mobile devices. They can also vote in interactive polls and text-based question and answer sessions. This helps keep the attention of the participants on the presentation itself rather than becoming diverted by non-related distractions such as social media scrolling.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology such as smart badges and wristbands have a variety of advantages for those involved in managing tech industry conferences. This helps attendees make cashless purchases, helps prevent bottlenecks from occurring and allows attendees to access different areas of the Bay Area conference center. this technology can also tell event organizers which booths are attracting the most visitors and which ones are falling short of their goals.
Facial Recognition Technology
The newest kid on the block when it comes to tech industry conferences, facial recognition technology relies on facial features provided during registration and then scans them during check-in. Facial recognition not only speeds up the check-in process, but it also helps facilitate optimal crowd flow, reduces the need for security guards, and collects attendance data for various sessions. Vendors at trade shows can also use the data gleaned by facial recognition technology to collect valuable leads by tracking booth attendance.
As an added bonus, facial recognition technology allows certain access points to be automated, therefore decreasing the number of staff needed at tech conference venues. Other advantages include the ability to provide customized swag bags and on-demand printing of identification badges. Along with convenience, this eliminates the need to produce these items in advance
Hybrid Events
One of the most significant takeaways of the past couple of years is that hybrid events are the new normal going forward. While in-person conferences aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, hybrid events allow those who would otherwise be unable to attend at all, potentially expanding the reach of participants to far beyond the number of people that a San Francisco conference center can hold. Technology such as holograms provides an excellent way to ensure that interested parties across the globe have real-time access to keynote speakers and other highlights of the conference.
Culinary Transparency
Although the previous trends focused on actual technology, other important trends have entered the picture recently as well, and culinary transparency is one of the most important ones. People are more interested than ever in how their food is actually prepared, so consider an open kitchen in the California event space where participants can see their food actually being prepared.
Immune-Boosting Foods
Another main aspect of the 21st century’s new normal is that nearly everyone is more mindful of how their diet affects their overall health. Participants will appreciate a menu with a focus on delicious and nutritious immune-boosting foods. This doesn’t mean that decadent dessert items shouldn’t be invited to the party as well, however. Bite-sized sweet treats bring the best of both worlds to the table — guests can enjoy rich flavors without consuming a full-sized dessert item.
Quality Nonalcoholic Beverage Options
Zero-proof beverages are another hot new trend in today’s conference catering landscape. Traditionally, nonalcoholic options have included a couple of different types of soft drinks and maybe some juice, coffee, or tea choices, but today’s options are more likely to resemble new school craft cocktails without the firepower. Decreased alcohol consumption also decreases the risk of intoxication among attendees, reducing the risk of safety protocols being put on the back burner.
Contact our San Francisco conference center for more information on hosting a 21st-century tech conference.