Is this the future of exhibition and event tech?

When it comes to exhibitions and events, quirky tech is always an attention grabber. Taking a look at some new and emerging technology, we consider what the future of event tech might look like. And what is already available to help you to engage and involve attendees at your next event.

1. Augmented and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented and VR is creating multi-sensory, immersive experiences. And these experiences have the potential to change the world of events forever.

Showing us how it is done, as far back as 2014, Red Bull created the “ultimate interactive flight experience”. This used technology that allowed members of the public to sit in the pilot’s chair and feel the “blistering pace and quick turns” of an Air Racer.

VR (such as Oculus Rift, facial tracking and avatars) also gives brands an ingenious way of engaging with potential customers. And it’s suitable for use at events and exhibitions around the world. VR is also ideal for promoting larger products that it just isn’t feasible to transport to tradeshows.

Of course, immersive technology has been around for some years. But historically, it’s only the big brands that have had the budget to deploy it. However, as with most tech, the better it gets, the more accessible it becomes. As such, we predict that we’ll all start to see VR creeping into mainstream exhibitions over the next few years.

Find out more about how Apex can use immersive on-stand technology to appeal to your potential visitors

2.Video Mapping

Video table mapping technology manipulates light to turn everyday objects into interactive, 3D displays. The images can be simple effects or elaborate projections. Ultimately, by ‘painting with light’, video mapping creates a stunning and highly engaging event experience.

With table mapping technology you can turn surfaces into casino tables and undersea worlds, take part in space exploration and travel across continents – all from the comfort of a banqueting hall.

But talking about what video mapping can do simply doesn’t do it justice! Apex is using Lumentium video mapping to bring a new kind of event experience to the UK.

3. Gamification

Gamification is helping event organisers and attendees meet their objectives.

With intelligent technology and interactive devices, participants are encouraged to achieve event related goals. Be that networking with particular people, checking into a certain number of sessions, and/or engaging with exhibitors.

With the latest technology also offering a competitive edge, with leaderboards and incentives, gamification is taking the collaborative event experience to a whole new level.

4. Robotics

Only last month we discussed how exhibition stands don’t actually sell anything. Instead, we argued, that what really sells your products and services is your people. But with the world of AI and robotics moving forward at a tremendous pace, is the advent of the robot stand salesman just around the corner?

The truth is, robotic employees are already science fact. One hotel in Japan is staffed entirely by machines. And, last year, the Royal Caribbean installed robot bartenders on several of its cruise ships. Likewise, in a Marriott hotel in Belgium, a humanoid robot named Mario has been welcoming guests (in no less than 19 languages!) and guarding the buffet since June 2015.

Let’s hope Mario wasn’t created by Skynet.

5. Transportation technology

Autonomous vehicles is a particularly hot topic of conversation, with the driverless car set to be tested on UK motorways next year. But what if, inspired by the latest Intelligent Park Assist Technology, event organisers could also free themselves from the troublesome task of arranging furniture?

Enter the self-parking chair.