As one of the most sought-after Millennial voices in our industry, Liz King, CEO of New York-based Liz King Events, is a forward-thinking event planner specializing in curated event experiences via event technology and branding.
In this shakedown, we asked Liz what’s on the horizon—from tech trends to ‘is this tech really necessary?’
What do you think will likely be the “next big thing” as far as technology at meetings or events? Wearables? Something else?
I do think that wearables is an important category for event tech, but we’re going to see much more in the data arena in the coming year. More and more brands are looking to collect data on a larger scale and they want to analyze that data to make good business decisions.
Too often, especially with smaller companies as opposed to global brands, there isn’t a very strong connection between the company’s events and its brand. Can collecting event data help with this problem?
I think the mismatch between a brand and it’s events is becoming less of an issue as budgets are tighter and brands want to make sure there is a strong ROI for their events. I also believe that event planners need to make sure that they help their clients set clear and measurable goals for events up front and leverage tech to both qualitatively and quantitatively measure their success.
If people are only looking at their iPad during your conference, you aren’t engaging them in the best ways. Look for holes in your tech strategy and see how you can plan better to keep your attendees engaged and active.
What do you think of attendees using Periscope or Meerkat to live stream at events? Have you ever worked with a speaker or presenter whose contract forbade live streaming (or photos or any other capture) by audience members?
For the most part, I think live streaming is a great tool and should be used to reach a larger audience. I have attended events, such as concerts and sporting events, where this is not allowed and I do understand that as well. I think the key is to evaluate the privacy level of the content you have and only encourage live streaming when it makes the most sense.
You say to leverage technology, but is there ever too much tech, so that people are just connecting primarily with their screens at events? What do you as an event planner do to keep this from happening?
I believe that technology only gets in the way of an event or meeting when it hasn’t been planned properly. If people are only looking at their iPad during your conference, you aren’t engaging them in the best ways. Look for holes in your tech strategy and see how you can plan better to keep your attendees engaged and active.
