technology – Fedra Meetings & Events

Tag: technology

The 3 New Rules of Event Technology

Posted on 16 Gennaio 201718 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

During the first era of event tech innovation – the late 1990s and early 2000s – the events industry saw massive improvements in specialized, computer-based software for event management/planning and hotel/venue management. During this era, we also saw the first online event software applications for things like event registration/ticketing and event marketing.

So what makes this new era in event technology innovation so different? And why should you care?

Here are 5 critical things you should to keep in mind as you evaluate event tech tools.

Simplicity and easy-of-use

Big benefits – Shorter learning curves; faster adaption of technology by all team members
Potential drawbacks – None, really

Now, event pros simply don’t have time to read manuals and spend hours and hours in training sessions to learn how to use software applications. We are used to the ease and simplicity of smartphone apps. We are accustomed to user interfaces that are intuitive and self-explanatory (thanks to Apple). And we want to put new event technologies into practice immediately so we can start seeing the benefits now.

(Almost) everything is online

Big benefits – Automatic software updates; no software installation or maintenance on your computer/server; automated data backups
Potential drawbacks – Limited or no access to data if you aren’t connected to the Internet

With online software you may not be able to access your data if you aren’t connected to the Internet; however, high-speed access is better and more ubiquitous than ever. And, yes, if your data is in the cloud, there is always the possibility of it being compromised by a hacking attack.

But you have the same risk with your data installed on your Internet-connected computer. So all these things pretty much cancel each other out.

Data and software access across all devices

Big benefits – Anywhere, anytime data access; data portability
Potential drawbacks – Screen size limitations on smartphones; limited functionality for certain applications

10 years ago, smart phones were still glamorized cell phones. 5 years ago, smart phones and tablets gave us cool apps and games plus mostly reliable on-the-go Internet. Today, smart phones and tablets give us anytime access to lots of data wherever we are.

Event software companies are taking two paths when it comes to making their applications and data available on tablets and smartphones:

Native app versions of their software for Apple and Android devices; or
Mobile Web browser versions of their software that you can access through the Web browser on your smartphone/tablet.

And both options are viable because of the advances in mobile Web browsers to load and display data.

What trends are you seeing in event technology and event management software? Provide your feedback in the comments below.

How To Use Lighting Creatively

Posted on 31 Ottobre 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Lighting is an important element to consider when planning special events and ceremonies.

Lighting can be colorful or white, static or dynamic, focused or fill a room. And it can be serve a host of purposes, such as setting the mood and creating a distinct atmosphere, highlighting event features and culinary displays as well as cuing speakers and presentations.

Colorful Uplighting

Uplighting can add depth and visual interest to any meeting space. Consider using colored uplighting that plays into the event’s theme.

Illuminated Bar

Highlight a beverage display, like this full bar and cocktail lineup, by placing it on LED glass. The lighting draws attention to the display and gives it a unique look.

Dynamic Gobo Lighting

Lighting doesn’t have to be static. Using gobos (precut etched patterns made from glass or metal), you can project dynamic lighting onto the walls of the space to add visual excitement and movement to a celebratory or social gathering.

Logo in Lights

Use a gobo to display the company or event logo. Putting it in lights is a dramatic way to keep the brand top-of-mind throughout the event.

Spotlighting

Shift attendees’ focus to speakers or guests of honor with spotlighting. Spotlights also can be used to light stages, runways and aisles.

Increase Your Event Through Gamification

Posted on 10 Ottobre 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Learn to “gamify” your event in a way that will keep attendees engaged and participating.

The basic idea of gamification is to apply “game mechanics and game design techniques in nongame contexts.” If employed effectively, it can increase engagement and encourage active participation.

Oftentimes, meeting attendees go through the motions of attending an event or a conference—they show up at sessions and attend networking events—but how can you ensure those attendees are actually learning, engaging and networking?

One clever approach? Gamify your event.

Gamification can help increase:

attendance at sessions, breakouts and networking events;
networking success;
social interactions and mentions; and
the fun factor!

Now, here are two steps to help you try it at your next event or meeting.

Step 1: Determine the goal of your meeting, and determine how gamification can help you achieve that objective.

Attendance: If increasing attendance is a goal, consider using a check-in game (digital or otherwise) for attendees. Reward the attendee with the most check-ins.

Networking: Want to ramp up your next networking event? Really get people mingling—and gaming—by rewarding the attendee who collects the most business cards or who scans the most nametag QR codes.

Social: Boost engagement, interactions and mentions on social media by tracking attendee participation across specified platforms. Reward attendees for being the most active and socially engaged.

Fun factor: Any method of gamification can make a meeting experience distinctly interesting, engaging and unique. The fun is inherent.

Step 2: At the end of any game, there’s a winner, right? The same goes for the gamification of your event.

The “prize” need not be monetary; it could include status rewards—think VIP access to networking events, dinners or cocktail receptions. Other prizes could be event swag, gift certificates from local businesses and services, and access to or discounts on hotel amenities.

What to look for in a good presentation

Posted on 13 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Here’s a look at what key signs to look out for when trying to find a high-quality presentation skills course that will leave you feeling confident and bursting with knowledge.

Body language

Every good presentation skills course should include a section on body language, even though this might not be the first thing that you look for. In between constructing what you want to say, trying to engage your audience and then practicing projecting your voice, it can be easy to forget about the other, less technical aspects of your delivery.

Body language plays a huge part in how successful you will be, but for most people, it’s something that they rarely – if ever – consider. To be effective in delivering a presentation, you’ll need to first be aware of your body language: how you stand, use your hands and where you direct your gaze, just for starters.

You can have the most interesting content but if your body language is introverted and passive, you’ll struggle to hold the audience’s interest. There’s body language techniques that the best politicians and public speakers use which subconsciously draw the audience in and provide an instant impact.

The use of technology

Look for online sessions, distance learning or other uses of technology to provide you with different ways of absorbing the information, and refreshing your knowledge when you need to.

The course should also cover how you use technology in your presentations; not using technology at all could lead to your audience switching off but using it too much could detract from the actual content. The key is to use technology in a way which complements your presentation and adds value. A good course will explain how to achieve this.

Quality instructors

Anyone can repeat information that they’ve read elsewhere, but instructors and trainers who are experienced in delivering quality presentations themselves will add real value.

When you’re looking for a presentation skills course, don’t just look at the content, take some time to review the people who will be delivering it. Having the opportunity to learn directly from people who have given engaging presentations will be far more useful than simply reading or listening to content that has been compiled based on research.

Interactive content

Sitting and listening to trainers will quickly get boring, so look for a course that has lots of different types of content. Personal coaching, feedback from trainers, the chance to ask questions and workshop-style sessions will provide a far more useful way of learning, and you’ll gain far more than simply listening and taking notes.

Conclusion

No matter what industry you work in, there may come a time when you need to deliver a presentation.

The skills to do this and to be as effective as possible need to be learned, no matter how naturally communication comes to you. The above points should all be considered and looked for when booking a presentation skills course to be sure you’re getting the information that will be the most useful.

What makes a good conference venue?

Posted on 9 Maggio 201618 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

The choice of venue will clearly depend on the kind of event you are hosting, but there are certain variables that are always considered before a decision is made.

Establishing the size of the conference will be the starting point when choosing a venue. The size and accompanying needs of different conferences need to be dealt with in a bespoke manner.

Another key variable for a good conference venue is location: a venue that can cater for an international as well as national and regional audience is becoming a key priority for some organisers.

A conference venue that is easily accessible and in a prime location can often be a deciding factor, so good transport links are a necessity.

To add to this, a venue needs to set the right tone for a conference to ensure that delegates leave with the right impression about the host.

An extra component that it is becoming increasingly essential for a good conference venue is technology.

With the rise of the mobile workforce and the need to stay connected while on the move, the technology requirements for events and meetings have evolved.

Video conferencing facilities and social media packages will most likely become a pre-requisite for organisers looking to extend the reach of their event to a wider audience.

Coupled with this, robust WiFi throughout the venue can bolster this kind of offering.

While each of these factors holds significant standalone importance, feedback from our own customers suggests that what really makes a difference is the service they receive from the moment of enquiry to the post–event follow up.

In this fast-paced business environment, venues need to be able to provide for the extensive needs of organisers.

By working in collaboration with the client at every stage, venues can match and exceed expectations down to every last detail, whether this be by creating a unique menu that matches dietary requirements; correct room specifications or a team of specialists to help with AV equipment.

To add to this, a good conference venue will be flexible when it comes to service and transparent when it comes to price. A friendly team adds immense value to a venue as does a dedicated event manager who is aware of all that is required.

Coupled with this, the reassurance that there will not be any hidden costs when it comes to making that final payment is key.