SPECIALIZED LEAD RETRIEVAL SOFTWARE GIVES AN INSIDER LOOK AT ATTENDEE BEHAVIOR
LIGHTING ELEMENTS ADD EXPRESSION, DRAMA, AND IMPACT
VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY STAY STRONG
DIGITAL TWINNING IMPROVES EVENT LOGISTICS
Top Event Technology Trends for 2027
If you thought 2026 was a breakout year for innovation in event technology, wait until you see what’s on the horizon. These event technology trends for 2027 are set to transform the event tech space in a massive way. Which of these game-changers should conference planners be paying attention to? Here are the top trends shaping the future of events.
TECH ENHANCEMENTS ENRICH STORYTELLING MOMENTS
It’s time for traditionalism to meet technology at 2027 events in the form of tech-forward storytelling. Although the art of oral storytelling is ancient, it’s gotten a refresh with the assistance of technical strategies.
For instance, many event planners are beginning to use AV production and set design to create storytelling-ready spaces. To this end, they’re setting up keynote and workshop rooms to look like cabins (perfect for “fireside chat” panels), lounges, and catwalks. These extra elements enhance the storytelling environment, making it more conducive for listeners to stay engaged.
LEDPOSTERS LEVEL UP DIGITAL SIGNAGE
Although digital signage has become a standard expectation at events, it has improved in recent years. More often, conference planners are investing in LED posters to enhance their digital signage.
What’s the difference between LED posters and digital signage? LED posters offer higher brightness, portability, and flexibility than many traditional digital displays. LED lighting is more durable than traditional lighting or LCD solutions and has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, making it ideal for wayfinding, sponsor messaging, agendas, and dynamic event updates. They can also generate revenue through sponsorships from vendors and exhibitors.
PODCASTING GETS A LIVE SEAT AT EVENTS
Live podcasting isn’t exactly a new phenomenon at conferences and conventions. However, it’s getting some tech facelifts. Now, it’s possible for podcasters to work with event technology companies to make sure that their voices and experiences get heard right away. That way, they can feel comfortable not just telling the world what’s happening, but also inviting people they meet at the event to become instant guests.
For example, a podcaster who’s a presenter and exhibitor may want to set up a specialized “sound booth” designed for broadcasting. The podcaster can work with the event tech partner to ensure there’s sufficient bandwidth to avoid Internet connection interruptions. (As an alternative, some event attendees skip the podcasting model and go straight to livestreaming, which requires the use of similar technologies to get right.)
SPECIALIZED LEAD RETRIEVAL SOFTWARE GIVES AN INSIDER LOOK AT ATTENDEE BEHAVIOR
With artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced programming, you can make certain your next event delivers tons of information about attendees. Frequently, our team hears from event planners who want to learn more about their attendees. Our best recommendation? Invest in solid lead retrieval software and systems.
A comprehensive lead retrieval system gives exhibitors and event organizers a more complete picture of attendee engagement. Instead of relying on business cards, teams can instantly capture lead information, qualify prospects, record conversation notes, and track follow-up actions. When integrated with other event technologies, lead retrieval data can also help identify engagement trends and measure ROI, giving planners valuable insights to improve future events. That’s the power of modern lead retrieval: turning meaningful attendee interactions into actionable data.
LIGHTING ELEMENTS ADD EXPRESSION, DRAMA, AND IMPACT
Are standard stage lighting elements still necessary for events? Sure, but they’re often not strong or unusual enough to give you the outstanding effects you want. Let’s face it: Most stage lighting is fairly ho-hum. And if you’re trying to impress an audience, you want your lighting to go the distance.
What types of lighting could you use for your next event? In addition to ring lights for more intimate moments (ideal if you’re broadcasting someone’s presentation to another part of your event or over the Internet) to tour-quality lighting fixtures, you could also opt for LED lighting displays and walls to illustrate what’s being discussed. The most exciting aspect of lighting is that it’s far from being a one-size-fits-all option. In fact, you probably have more choices than you might have thought.
VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY STAY STRONG
For 2027, you can expect to see more virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) at conferences. To be fair, this isn’t a new trend. But it’s worth mentioning because it’s become so typical this decade.
One area of events that’s particularly using VR and AR is the exhibitor hall. Plenty of exhibitors and vendors are finding it easier to use VR and AR to explain their products or services. Another place you’ll find a lot of VR and AR is in gamification being used by event planners to encourage participation.
DIGITAL TWINNING IMPROVES EVENT LOGISTICS
Have you found it difficult to figure out how you want to lay out your event? Even if you have the venue map, anticipating attendee traffic patterns during your conference can be challenging. That’s where creating a digital twin could give you an assist.
Advanced digital twinning software can run event simulations to help you anticipate potential bottlenecks or opportunities to connect with attendees. Depending on how large or complicated your event is going to be, it can save you money in the long run by anticipating issues before they occur.
You don’t have to adopt every event tech trend that’s coming for 2027, but you can’t afford to ignore them all. At your next planning session, float some ideas with your peers. Then, give SmartSource a call to help you determine which event tech could be most useful to bring your event vision to fruition.
