COVID-19 Perspective
Matt Harvey of PSAV reports “There has been much discussion in the media about the relative security of available cloud collaboration platforms. Many of these platforms now include enhanced security on a paid for, enterprise version. Venues will be well placed to offer enterprise versions of tools and advise planners of the risk of free personal platforms.”
Virtual Reality
Another new technology trend that unlike cybersecurity, many in the industry have yet to embrace is virtual reality (VR). VR is not reserved for just video games and entertainment; early adopters of VR in the meetings and events industry are showing that it can be just as powerful in event planning, promotion, and engagement. Technology consultant Corbin Ball, president of Corbin Ball Associates says: “There’s going to be a lot of changes in the next two to three years as VR products work their way into the consumer market. And as they become a regular part of the consumer playing field, they’re going to work their way into events.” Virtual site tours eliminate the time-consuming nature of site visits for meeting planners with busy schedules and allows for planners to easily involve key stakeholders in the decision too. Compared to regular virtual tours, virtual reality tours provide an elevated illusion of reality, making planners feel like they are experiencing the site for itself. Mariela McIlwraith of EIC also views VR for venue appraisal as supporting the reduction of our carbon footprint of travel. Virtual reality can also be adopted for educational purposes. Microsoft’s HoloLens, which offers a mixed reality experience through projecting holographic images in the physical space, is one tool that those in the events industry have their eyes on. This type of technology could be used during meetings rather than PowerPoint’s to create a more immersive and memorable participant experience.
Corbin Ball of Corbin Ball Associates
32
IACConline.org & IACCmeetings.com
Made with FlippingBook HTML5