New Tech Trends Changing Live Events

Technology is transforming the tech industry at a rapid pace. One third of event budgets were spent on virtual platforms in 2021, while 45% of all future business events are expected to be completely virtual. Yet, in-person events are similarly being upgraded with innovative technology, too. Virtual concerts, robotic bartenders, and facial recognition are just some of the transformations you may see in the near future.

Virtual concerts
Virtual reality concerts are becoming increasingly pervasive. They involve a band or artist appearing in a live streamed concert in the form of an avatar, while the attendees also attend and appear as avatars. For example, Travis Scott recently held Astronomical, a live virtual reality concert, within the Fortnite video game platform. The concert involved five shows held at set times over a period of two days, along with other virtual VIP and backstage events. A record-breaking 12.3 million unique attendees participated in this event during which they could watch a holographic Scott perform on stage and explore the interactive video game environment, along with having the ability to dance and move around the Fortnite platform.

Robotic bartenders

Bars, restaurants, and hotels are turning to robotic bartenders to serve drinks to customers and event attendees. Weddings are also starting to take advantage of this exciting new technology. For example, by programming the cocktails with fun names tailored to the bride, groom, maid of honor, and best man, a more personalized experience can be created. A good example of a robotic bartender is Cecilia, created by Israli tech firm, Cecilia.AI. It uses AI to mix and serve cocktails — up to 120 per hour. The unit is tall and slim with a large upright video screen displaying the animated barmaid (Cecilia) who can converse with people just like Amazon Alexa. Customers can either verbally tell Cecilia their order or simply use the touch screen. Payment is taken via bank card or smartphone. Cecilia then quickly makes the cocktail and dispenses it into a glass in the vending slot.

Facial recognition
Facial recognition technology is biometric software that uses a photo of an individual's face to analyze its data (such as, notable features and contour patterns). This data is then translated into an algorithm, aka a “facial fingerprint”, which can then be used to identify individuals during event check-ins. Check-ins are therefore made much more quick and efficient. Attendees no longer have to wait in long queues or rummage through pockets or bags to find their IDs. All they need to do is look into a camera and their face is their identification. The Marriott International hotel chain, for example, already uses this technology at check-in. Guests provide their passports to be scanned, before facial recognition checks there's a match. Ultimately, facial recognition improves security and convenience. Check-ins that once took three minutes now take only one.

Technology continues to revolutionize the events industry. Virtual concerts, robotic bartenders, and facial recognition are just some of the innovations you may see at your next event.