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WINTER | TECH Digital health check It’s the end of the year and usually we look back to see how we have performed. Have all our events been a success? What went wrong and how can we fix those issues the following year? But, do we ever think how we performed digitally? Most people spend far too much time on their digital devices. Sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time is unhealthy, and can lead to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, build up of fat around your midsection, dry eyes and other health risks to numerous to list. When on a mobile device you can get stressed, and this can lead to health issues too. Not being connected via your phone or on a WiFi network causes stress. You know you’ve really lost it when you are continuously checking your phone for updates, sending messages to someone a few desks away or researching the WiFi connectivity at a destination before you book the trip. It’s vitally important for you to look at your digital usage and see if there is a better, healthier way of operating. You should plan your screen time if you can tear yourself away from that phone or computer screen. Get out a bit of paper, list your weekly usage and make some minor behavioural changes. This is going to impact positively on your health. So, what does that 50 What’s hot? Words: James Morgan, founder, Event Tech Lab mean practically? Here are a few tips to promote a healthier digital lifestyle. Firstly, you should schedule breaks from your computer screen. Take 10 minutes every two hours. Take a walk around the office, to the water point and fill your bottle, or walk around the event site or have a chat on the phone or in person to a friend or colleague. In general, stand up, move around and get a screen break. You can use a reminder on your phone to ring that it’s break time. My second suggestion, that your employer is going to be happy with, is don’t use distracting websites and mobile applications. Download an application called LeechBlock. It lets you set up blocks for a few hours on websites in Chrome and Firefox, so you don’t get tempted to go on Facebook or LinkedIn every five or ten minutes as your break from work stuff. Lastly, avoid your phone. I know this will probably be the hardest thing to do but if you can make arrangements to meet friends, go to the gym, cinema or do some other activity that takes you offline, you will benefit. Over Christmas turn your phone off for at least two or three hours and stay away from your computer screen! Ticketpass Spelfie Ticketpass is self- service ticketing platform that any event can use. But, unlike other ticketing platforms, for every ticket sold the company donates 50% of the booking fee to help charities all around the world, selected by the event organiser or attendee. ticketpass.org Spelfie, in partnership with AIRBUS, brings intergalactic fun to events. The app gives attendees the ability to capture the event from space, using satellite technology. It is a unique souvenir that is experiential and most importantly shareable. spelfie.com OnePlan A tool that eradicates the need for different mapping and multiple versions of differing plans.The platform allows organisers to avoid the potential for gaps, overlaps, inconsistencies and errors. The integration with What3Words allows accurate placing of all the production elements required for outdoor events. oneplanevents.com