For the better part of the 20^th Century, the gold standard of event technology was the presentation clicker. Then, at the advent of smart phones, we got savvy with mobile apps. These humdrum technologies left much to be desired, with very little human interfacing.

Enter wearable technology. Many types of technology offer sophisticated, innovative opportunities to ignite your events, moving meetings beyond the mobile app. Wearable technology is now emerging as mainstream in a quest to engage attendees with speakers, and each other at business events. From the smart badge, to wrist bands to event buttons, these technologies are transforming audience engagement and increasing human connection. Check out a few leading-edge tools which planners are incorporating into their events to invigorate the experience they deliver to (and with!) their participants.

Smart Badges

Attendees have been wearing badges for centuries. The latest in wearables say a lot more about a person than their name, title and company.

Proxfinity has combined a smart badge with the versatility of a mobile app and the power of analytics tools to track attendees throughout the event, while collecting and storing valuable attendee information for future event design. The main benefit, however is enhanced social interaction, which encourages specific and desired participant. Content becomes interactive, instigating guests to contribute to presentations and discussions with each other. These tools motivate participants to explore the event space and encourage face time with targeted exhibitors. In addition, many organizations now use smart badges and buttons to incentivize meeting participants through gamification, such as team scavenger hunts that link the badge and the hubs.

Wristbands

Attendees are checking their watches for the time, steps, messages, directional guidance and events details and social interaction.  One of the latest event tools for guest engagement is Xylobands – radio-controlled wristbands that create multiple flash patterns with RGB LED’s, programed to create an array of stunning visual effects and images to compliment any live event.

Recently our PRA team delivered a product launch for Bliss, the newest and largest cruise ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Guests aboard the ship were provided color-coded, Bliss branded Xylobands to determine venue assignments, timed specifically to guide guests to various live performances and event elements, happening simultaneously. Xylobands helped keep the energy high as the live-feed built excitement and competition for the most energetic room in a first of its kind industry event.

Wireless Headphone Technology

Forget noise curfews and sound ordinances and throw a dance party – literally anywhere. Event planners around the world have created unforgettable silent disco experiences with wireless headphone technology that can be incorporated into any type of large corporate event, conference networking event or convention booth experience. Open an event to multiple performers to entertain guests simultaneously to put the attendees in the driver’s seat of their entertainment options. Or, deliver specific content to support your desired exhibit experience.

To engage meeting attendees and presenters at conferences, event planners need to stay current on the latest technology and trends that get people talking. Wearables are a trend at today’s meetings, and there will soon be others to take their place.

Are there other wearable technology options that planners should consider?

What do you think will be the next best thing to energize participants at events?

Share your thoughts below.