Event specialist, Cheryl Lawson takes a look at the trends from the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and shares her predictions for event and meeting professionals.1. 3D Television
Definitely the darling of the show.
while I am excited about this technology, I don’t think event professionals will be forced to incorporate them into their events, unless you're planning gaming or some other uber tech events.
My prediction: No need to spend the time and money researching 3D technology at least until 2011. In the mean time, you might want to consider how your content can benefit from 3D technology.
2. E-ReadersNow we're getting more practical for planners. First on the scene was the
Kindle by Amazon a very smart device and distribution combination that allows you to download electronic versions of books on a digital device. Sounds simple enough right. Until CES 2010 came along and everyone and their grandfather introduced a new e-reader. I won't go into each of them, since
E-Reader Reviews and
Huffington Post have done such a great job of reviewing each reader.
I will just add the benefits I see for events:
a. The elimination of handouts and product training manuals. For those of us who remember producing and printing massive 3" thick 3 ring binders, this is a no brainer way to reduce the amount of paper and waste associated with some events and meetings.
b. The implications for
visually impaired attendees. While these devices are relatively expensive compared to their stock counterparts, the options for visually impaired attendees are endless with these devices.
c. Staying connected: Larger than a smart phone, and smaller than a laptop.
My prediction: is that the e-reader, netbook, and the tablet will become one in the same. Imagine if your attendees are all
attorneys or doctors and you give them an e-reader device for attending your meeting. The device will most likely become a favorite gadget for them. Just think, they have your logo, programmed introduction, and you can send instant updates to them at anytime. (on some devices)
3. Mobile: In the book;
The Social Media Bible, author
Lon Safko refers to mobile as the 4th screen. To take it a step further, I think mobile will become the third or even the second screen for some. The Smartphone war between
Apple and
Google, and all of the wireless carriers will only prove to be a win win for consumers.
As event planners, we will have to be in the smartphone app business sooner rather than later. The number of conference related smart phone apps, will continue to grow in 2010. I mean, If an app can start your car, we can certainly create one to direct us to the right exhibitor booth.
My prediction: A huge trend from CES 2010 was anything
Android. With a rumored 25 new handsets being introduced across all
wireless carriers, and iphone still in it's exclusive deal with arguably the worst of the carriers (in customer service) be prepared to nurture the droid.
Full Disclosure: I just announced my own
Android application.
4. PowerIf you've ever been that guy or girl at a conference tweeting out. "hey does anyone have a charger for a (insert product here)"
you will will appreciate this next trend.
Wireless Power!
With products like Powermat emerging as affordable wireless power options, I think planners should start to consider Power lounges, just as some of us have embraced bloggers lounges and internet cafes.
Prediction: Since we're all blogging, tweeting, picture taking and
vlogging from events these days. The power station will see lines as long as the ladies room. This could also just be a dream of mine. Either way, be prepared to power up your attendees!
5. Twitter: I can't stress enough how much twitter can add to your conference experience. From simply inviting attendees to your booth or session, to using
#hashtags to announce booth activities, twitter is a great way to bring excitement and connectivity to your event for both
attendees and onlookers alike. I am also very impressed by the out pouring of support you receive via Twitter. People are more than willing to help you reach your goals and help you share your message. From this simple tweet from
@MsStallings the community came together to get her to
her destination.
Predictions: Many planners will begin to incorporate Twitter into their events(very clumsily at first), then it will become a very powerful strategy. Go forth and tweet!
6. Location Based Promotions: Foursquare seemed to be the big winner at CES this year. Attendees were actually able to check in at specific booths during the show. One of my favorite posts was from
@KodacCB 
Results: Over 1300 check ins and 631 unique visitors.
Prediction: Although Foursquare is
not too flattered, now that Yelp has thrown it's hat into the ring of
location-based services (LBS), I think it will only enhance the options available to planners and venues alike.
7. Video Video Video As I eluded to in #4, Video is going to be a huge trend this year. As devices become more HD, more waterproof, more portable,and especially more affordable. Everyone who is anyone will be uploading video from your events. As planners, we have been video taping sessions and keynotes for years, but now the technology is becoming more affordable and less tech specific that just about anyone can point and shoot video.
For exhibitors, if you don't have a video camera set up in your booth to capture feedback and comments from your visitors. you're missing the boat. Are you measuring impressions? How many pictures from your booth ended up on
flickr? Think of it as content. Everyone can use it these days.
Prediction: More events and conferences will have video staging areas for their own on site content programing as well as
for use for those up and coming video bloggers out there.
These are just a few of the trends that I think will have some impact on event professionals going forward. I'm sure there are more that I missed. Please feel free to add your favorites in the comments.
Cheryl
