CMW Issue 132 132 | Page 19

Interview

How do you envision Spark evolving to meet the changing needs of event professionals ? The world we are living in today is global and hyper connected – and so are the events that we create and manage . Different regions would , of course , mean different languages .
With Spark , we aim to break the language barriers and allow users to collaborate seamlessly with their global teams . This is just one example that makes Spark an inclusive platform .
A recent enhancement is a universal language integration delivering access to over 25 languages across all 100 + tasks . For example , users can repurpose a video into a blogpost and the output is in Spanish . Another example is a user can have the input of the task in Portuguese , prompt in English and Spark will still generate the output in Portuguese .
To summarise , it ’ s not simply one language to multiple languages , rather it ’ s multiple languages to multiple languages . With Spark we aim to break the language barriers and users to collaborate seamlessly with their global teams .
What do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges in integrating AI into event planning and management ? And attendee experience for that matter . In the last year , tech developments have rocketed . AI is a hot topic in every industry . It might seem daunting , but knowing how to use AI to help plan and deliver events is a huge boost for event professionals .
A few of the most significant opportunities and impacts that AI can have on the events industry are ;
• Streamlining event planning and management
• Event content and experience curation
• Increasing attendee engagement
• Driving event marketing and promotion
• Enhancing event security and safety
• Championing accessibility
• Improving sustainability
Some of the challenges and considerations of AI in events are :
• Data privacy and ethical concerns
• Overcoming biases and ensuring inclusivity
• Adapting to new skill requirements
AI job threat ? A common concern we hear from event professionals is whether AI will take away their jobs . The reality is that while other industries may see jobs replaced by automation , the events industry relies on creative elements and the ability to understand a whole host of moving pieces .
AI won ’ t replace the essential skills an event organiser brings to events , but working with AI helps streamline tasks , enabling eventprofs to focus on creativity , personalisation , and building connections with attendees . We should see it as a supportive tool rather than a threat . Use it for the right reasons and we can help ourselves be more efficient .
How do you plan to ensure that Spark and PCMA Insights remain adaptable and relevant as industry needs change ? Spark is really about transforming the way we work .
Spark will remain relevant as we are continuously listening to our community by doing labs , focus groups , etc and taking the feedback back to our partner , Gevme , to develop new tasks to address new needs .
The ongoing data and analysis will be evidence-based and we will introduce new updates quarterly .
What is your approach to driving innovation and what legacy do you
Right : Chantal Sturk-Nadeau
hope to build through your work with Spark and PCMA Insights ? One of the main reasons I joined this team is that my personal values align with the leadership and organisation ’ s core values of inclusivity and accessibility for the advancement of the industry and professional development of the individual .
I would love to see a global industry adoption of AI tools such as Spark . We are currently collaborating with a technology company in developing another AI tool that will work in alignment with Spark .
The PCMA Insights side of the business is in its early stages delivering consulting services and this consulting varies from convention centres , tourism bureaus , and industry organisations in general . Our goal is to build out the PCMA Insights consulting practice .
My hope is to see these PCMA initiatives help support social and economic progress , professional and personal development , business growth and organisational success for the business event industry .
More personally , I believe in pushing limits , colouring outside the lines , pushing for the right reasons and continuing to raise the bar . n
ISSUE 132 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 19