kind that can only be accessed in an office from a desktop or laptop .
With a little bit of innovation and automation , all of that can be managed remotely from a smart device . Otherwise , event organisers just end up working harder - as if managing a conference or show isn ’ t taxing enough in the first place !
A digital future
CATIE OWEN SPEAKS TO CRAIG HUNTER , HEAD OF GLOBAL MARKETING AT CATALYTIC SOLUTIONS , ABOUT THE EVENT-TECH TRENDS ORGANISERS SHOULD KEEP AN EYE ON
C an you give us an overview of what Catalytic does for the MICE industry ? Catalytic has developed a suite of event management tools that deliver software automation and efficiency to event organisers . One of those tools is called DeleGate , and it ’ s custom-built to service the demands of managing conferences and corporate functions . The platform offers functionality through four integrated modules . The first is ‘ RSVP ’, which covers the automation and digital management of all invitation , RSVP , ticketing processes , delegate management , and access controls through a digital platform .
The second module is ‘ PLAN ’. This reduces planning time for event seating and general precinct management through a real-time interface . It also manages live content management , booking , invoicing , and everything else .
The we have ‘ SCAN ’ – the module which covers ticket validation and messaging , with visual interface , delegate profile avatar and information . It also manages delegate tracking around the conference venue , and cashless transactions .
The final module is ‘ SHOP ’, which is a digital shop window for speakers and exhibitors .
From an event-tech supplier perspective , what is a crucial part of event planning that organisers often neglect or miss ? Event organisers seem to be trapped in legacy analogue methodology and digital solutions , even in this day and age .
For example , look at printed tickets and wristbands , and cumbersome spreadsheets that must be constantly manually updated . Typically , they ’ re the
What current trends should organisers be taking notice of ? Fraud and scams are on the up and up . Printed ticketing systems are particularly vulnerable . With the switch to digital ticketing , you can not only bypass that risk but also go paperless . Doing our part towards sustainability is something modern consumers are very aware of .
There is also a real need for better management of staff and crew at events . Especially since many are part-time or contracted . It pays to track who does what best and keep them in circulation . Tech can also help address stress management and mental health , which is are important issues for both managers and workers . A quick online stress test can highlight when staff are distressed or approaching burnout . It ’ s important to stay in the loop with your employees ’ welfare , as physical and mental wellbeing are so often overlooked in the events industry .
What ’ s in the future for Catalytic ? We will continue to fine-tune our various suites , but we ’ re already engaged in developing innovative crew management tools and a standalone stress monitoring app that can be used in almost any industry . There are other projects in the pipeline , but these two are definitely worth looking out for . We believe that code can change the world , so that ’ s what we ’ re always going to work towards . The future is digital .
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