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The Future of Meetings Innovation and Technology

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Mobile
For planners, the most important application is the meeting app. At a minimum, these apps need to be the go-to place for the show’s schedule, the individual’s itinerary and maps. Apps are also taking on many other duties: social networking, exhibitor/sponsor guides, speaker directories, audience response systems, surveys and more.

Responsive Websites
Individuals are engaging your meeting website on his or her laptop, smartphone or tablet. Now, responsive websites alter the display based on the capabilities of the viewing device and provides a great solution.. 

Gamification
The process of using game techniques to engage show attendees and solve problems is called gamification. Mobile apps are at the heart of this growing trend and attendees love the level of interaction they provide. Applications range from scavenger hunts using QR codes, to quizzes and game shows.

Social Media
Tweets, photos, blogs, posts videos and more are being created at conferences. A number of software tools can take this information, coupled with the information the show producers generate, to create "stories" about the conference. Social media monitors strategically located on the conference floor are becoming very popular as well.

Geo-Fencing
Geo-fencing refers to creating a virtual "perimeter" around a specific area. An attendee, when in the zone, can be given special offers, notices or announcements. Companies will be rolling out "beacon" technology over the upcoming months to make these virtual areas more accessible with your mobile device. Expect to see big ticket players like Apple taking this technology to a high level.

Wearable and Internet Everywhere
Expect Google Glass to start making a big splash at shows soon. Glass is part of a general trend to make everything Internet-aware. Networked wearable devices such as watches and wristbands are expecting huge growth in the near future. The list includes wristbands that track attendee interactions and apps that can broadcast from a smartphone rather than an expensive central A/V system.

On the Way Out
The big loser here is the printed program. Mobile friendly and 100 percent green websites and apps have greatly increased the demise of the big booklet. If you have not started toning down your printed program, you should consider heading toward a mobile-only version.
 
K.C. Hopson, President of EventRebels, has been doing business with meeting planners who have need for technology solutions for more than 10 years. He frequently writes about meetings technology on his company’s blog. K.C. is currently serving his second tour of duty on the board of PMPI. 
 
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