5 Interactive Technology Ideas Guaranteed To Take Your Events To The Next Level

Blowing away the minds of attendees (and by proxy, the clients) should be your main priority as an event planner, and incorporating interactive technology into the event’s proceedings is a way to do this.

A lot of the tech on this list are pretty pricey, which is the main reason a lot of event planners don’t go for them. But the truth is, setting a standard and standing out from everyone else doesn’t come cheap. Suggest one (or more) of these to future clients and if/when they scream about the costs, explain how much it’ll benefit them.

If they keep resisting, show them this article.

1) Video Walls:

A video wall is basically a screen or multiple screens aligned and integrated in such a way that they create a larger display area. Whether your goal is to display content at an exhibition, connect colleagues in different locations for a meeting, or just feel like Tom Cruise in Minority Report while giving a presentation at work, video walls are the way to go.

Things to know:

• Be careful to not let your displayed content be distorted by thick bezels. Unless the effect isn’t important to you, pick a video wall with screens that have super narrow bezels to maintain a fluid display.
• Video walls don’t have to be straight. Make them asymmetrical to create a futuristic artistic look that will make an even bigger impression with event attendees.

2) Charging Tables/Stations:

A charging table/station is an element at an event that is set up with the ability to power multiple mobile devices at the same time. People get uncomfortable when their devices are low on power so it’s best to have one (or more) of these around before there’s a mass nervous breakdown at your event. (Also, to ensure that your event gets talked about online.)

Charging stations are also a great opportunity for branding and advertising (Because it’s pretty hard to ignore the messages on the very thing giving your phone life.)

Things to know:

• Two models of charging tables exist (those with lockers and those without). The ones without lockers are ideal for if the stations are to be branded. (Because now they have to wait with their phones meaning you have their attention for much longer.)
• Ensure that the stations have cords suitable for all mobile devices.
• Make sure the charging stations are situated in places where attendees waiting with phones don’t feel isolated from the main event.

3) Mirror Signage:

A mirror signage is a mirror/display monitor hybrid that shows a reflection of the user and displays digital information. (E.g. advertising.) It can be programmed to display information and then stop (due to proximity sensors) when it senses a person is close enough to use the mirror. (It starts again after a period of inactivity i.e. when the person leaves.) Mirror signage is perfect for events like fashion exhibitions where it can help to avoid the traditional trying-on process by enabling its mirror qualities and projecting computer images at the same time.

Things to know:

• Portrait and horizontal alignments exist. Explore the available options and determine which will be of greater value to your attendees.
• The content to be displayed is plug and play (i.e. USB) and no computer is needed.
• You could use the tracking cameras on it to observe movement at your event.

4) Virtual Reality Headsets:

A lot of people think Virtual Reality is just for gaming (thanks a lot, Hollywood) but when you have a piece of technology that has the ability to generate a 3D simulation of an environment that can be interacted with by humans (via headsets) in a way that seems real, the possibilities are endless.

Virtual Reality headsets can be used to take event attendees to another world (e.g have them experience a product or scenario that couldn’t be brought in). This will get them talking and excited which is a thing you want because most of that talking will be on social media.

Things to know:

• Virtual reality is an exciting experiencing which means that it’s sure to draw a crowd at any event. Think of a way to manage queues and set a time limit for each user.
• If the VR experience will involve users moving around, set it up in a clear area with no obstructions to avoid injuries.
• Add a screen to give others a taste of what whoever has the headset on is experiencing.

5) Touchscreen Tables:

As the name implies, a touchscreen table is a multi-touch table-sized surface that can be used to display images which can then be interacted with using the touch screen feature. A touchscreen table is great for sharing information at events that organizers want the attendees to interact with (e.g. placing orders). Also, because using one requires actually getting close to it (unlike a video wall), it’s the perfect opportunity for advertising.

Things to know:

• Learn the table’s power requirements and make sure there are no hazards that could be caused by electrical cables or power leads.
• For outdoor events, get a waterproof case (in case of rain) and anti-glare screen protectors (for when there’s bright sunlight)
• Check the number of touch points on the table. The higher the number of points, the better the response from the screen.