Your association is planning an event in 2027, and you want to make sure you’re using the right technology to provide a great guest experience. While you may have heard of solutions like event management software that can help, it’s not always clear what these solutions do, or how to choose the best one for your needs.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through what event technology is, the key features to look for, and the solutions that can help streamline your planning process from start to finish.
What Is Event Technology?
Event technology is any tool, software, or app that helps you plan, execute, and track data from your event. In 2027, the tech you use is a crucial part of bringing a successful event to life.
The tools you need can vary depending on the type of event you’re hosting. For example, you can compare the digital tools needed for in-person vs. virtual events.
- In-person events may need technology like audio and visual equipment, attendee management solutions, and logistics planning software.
- Virtual events may need to focus on video conferencing or live-streaming solutions.
- Hybrid events would require using a combination of all those tools to make it a success.
Therefore, it’s important to plan your event ahead of time to understand your needs and get the right technology set up and ready to go.
Why Is Event Technology Important for Associations?
Technology is the backbone of many of today’s events. For instance, many events need microphones, speakers, projectors, and computers to manage sounds and visuals for effective presentations. It’s also helpful to have technology that can manage presentation schedules and coordinate guest speakers so the whole process is organized. These tools are the future of event technology and what event organizers are looking for to elevate professionalism and streamline processes.
Integrating the right tools can also have many benefits, such as:
It Makes Planning and Preparation More Efficient
Technology like an event management system (EMS) can provide a centralized place where you manage all the details involved in planning and preparing. That includes organizing guest speakers, registering guests, distributing content, and managing logistics. It leads to a more efficient and organized process that keeps your team on the same page.
Provides a Better Experience
The right tools can elevate your guests’ experience quite a bit. For example, virtual networking tools can help association members connect throughout the event. You could also provide pre and post-event engagement through on-demand content and Q&As that keep attendees interested and immersed in the experience.
Tracks Your Success
Technology like an EMS can also track data throughout the event. That way, you know crucial details like how many attendees registered, leads generated, and net profit to know what went right and what you could improve upon the next time.
What Are Some Examples of Event Technology?
Some common examples of event technology are AV technology, event apps, and event managmeent systems (EMS).
AV Technology
All the audio and visual components at an event. That can include speakers, microphones, projectors, and lighting for the event space. It’s essential to have this set up and optimized so presentations can have the desired impact.
Event Apps
Some events will have apps or platforms where attendees can register, communicate, and monitor the event start time and scheduled activities. You might even see these features as part of an EMS that provides everything in one platform.
Event Management System (EMS)
Solutions Cadmium’s Eventscribe provide many features that help make events successful. That includes logistics planning, event data tracking, submissions, and reviews, and integrating with other technology like your AV system or association management system (AMS). Staying up to date with event technology trends can help you choose systems that are future-ready.
What Is An Example of Event Technology in Use?
Our case study with the Higher Learning Commission is a great example of the successful use of event technology to improve the experience for staff members and guests.
The Higher Learning Commission was looking for a presentation management solution to handle large event needs involving 3,700 attendees, 334 speakers, and 253 presentations at two locations.
After researching their options, they found that Eventscribe provided all the tools they needed. They were particularly interested in the Speaker Ready System, which could coordinate presentations and guest speaker schedules.
The results from using Eventscribe were great. It helped:
- Streamline speaker management and operations
- Keep events running on time
- Integrate the AV system and easily address issues through reporting and visibility of device performance.
When asked afterward, 82% of respondents said they were extremely satisfied with the system’s ease of use.
What Are the Top Event Technologies in 2027?
There are many emerging event technologies and consumer needs in 2027. Some of the top ones that stand out are:
Technology That Provides Immersive and Engaging Experiences
Attendees are becoming more selective about the events they attend, and they expect experiences that feel interactive and worth their time. In 2027, that includes event apps, digital displays, live audience responses, and personalized content that keeps people involved from the first session to the last.
Cadmium's Eventscribe supports many of the key elements needed to create a seamless and engaging experience across your entire event. From interactive websites and mobile apps to livestreaming capabilities, Eventscribe helps transform how attendees connect with your content. You can easily integrate features like quizzes, evaluations, audience response tools, and even an ePoster gallery to keep participants engaged and immersed from start to finish.
Growing Needs for Hybrid and Virtual Event Technology
Rising costs, travel restrictions, and shifting organizational policies are making flexible event formats more important than ever. More organizations are turning to virtual and hybrid events to protect attendance, expand their reach, and meet the diverse needs of their members. This shift continues to drive demand for reliable video conferencing and livestreaming technology.
But today's attendees expect more than a video feed. They're looking for interactive features that bring the experience to life. Tools like live chat, virtual lounges, breakout sessions, and live polls create a more immersive environment that keeps participants actively involved throughout the event.
Eventscribe can handle events of all sizes and types, including virtual and hybrid, to accommodate these needs.
Automated Event Planning Tools
With lean teams and tighter budgets, technology that automates parts of event planning is becoming essential in 2027. One of the most helpful solutions is automated logistics management.
For example, Eventscribe can help automate several aspects of the logistics process, like room allocation, resource distribution, and session planning. This helps teams plan events more efficiently and frees up staff and event hosts for higher-value work.
What Are the Latest Event Tecnology Trends in 2027?
Some additional event trends emerging in 2027 are:
Always-On Event Content
Events are no longer a single moment on the calendar. More associations are extending the value of their events year-round with on-demand session recordings, AI-generated summaries, and continuing education content. This keeps members engaged between live events and helps organizations get more return from every session they produce.
Gamification
More event planners are adding game-like elements to events in 2027, including challenges, points, leaderboards, and badges. These features add a competitive element and a sense of achievement during and after the event.
Smarter Networking
Meaningful networking is one of the top reasons attendees choose an event, and technology is making it easier to connect with the right people. Event professionals can set up online meet-and-greets before the event starts, schedule dedicated networking times, or use tools that match attendees based on their interests, industry, or skills.
How Is AI Transforming Event Management?
In 2027, AI has moved from experimentation to expectation, and it's transforming event management in several ways.
First, AI is taking on time-consuming planning tasks. It can draft speaker communications, help build session schedules, and summarize content after the event, giving lean teams more time to focus on strategy and the attendee experience.
Another significant impact is that AI can help personalize the attendee experience. That can include simple touches like greeting attendees by name in communications, or more advanced features like recommending sessions and booths based on their interests and past event activity.
Lastly, AI and automation can help track data and turn it into insights. With boards and executives expecting proof of event value, this matters more than ever. You can spend less time making sense of numbers and more time using the data to improve future events, engage attendees, and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders. As adoption grows, being transparent about how you use AI will also help build trust with your attendees.
How to Choose the Best Event Tech for Your Organization
To sum up all the information we’ve covered, here are some things to consider when choosing the best event tech for your needs:
What type of event are you hosting?
Virtual, in-person, and hybrid events all have varying technology needs, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
What activities will be involved?
You may need different technology depending on the activities you’re planning. For example, an app would help add gamification elements to activities, or AV technology would be essential for presentations.
Do you need to integrate your tech?
Some technologies will integrate better than others. For instance, some software might not be compatible with certain AV systems. It’s important to consider everything you plan to use when choosing event tech.
How will you provide the best guest experience?
The experience your attendees have is vital. Consider ways to improve their experience, such as making registration easier or distributing extra pre and post-event content that adds value.
Cadmium’s Eventscribe is a great solution for associations in need of well-rounded event tech. What makes Eventscribe stand out is it’s an all-in-one solution for many of the event tech needs you’ll have, such as hosting different types of events, integrating technology, adding engaging elements, and providing a great guest experience.
How Eventscribe Enhances Event Management
Eventscribe from Cadmium is a well-rounded event management solution for associations. It stands out in the event industry by including many of the key features discussed throughout this article, such as:
- Supporting events of any type and size
- Integrating software like your AMS or AV system
- Managing registration
- Automating logistics planning
- Speaker and presentation management
- Pre and post-event attendee engagement
- Creating immersive and engaging experiences through our website, mobile app, and live streaming options
- And more
Click here to learn more about how Eventscribe can improve your event management system.
