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Emma Duffy
for PCOs to embrace creativity , flexibility , and adaptability . 1989 ’ s Field of Dreams included the often-quoted line “ If you build it , he will come .” Sadly , that is not the case for modern events , where we have to give a reason to come , show value , teach new things and ultimately add something to an attendee ’ s life in one way or another .
Creative solutions We saw so many examples of true creativity at last year ’ s ABPCO Excellence Awards , I expect this year ’ s entrants to be no different . Now in its tenth year , instead of churning out the same content , the events organised by our members never cease to amaze in terms of sheer value – long may that continue if we are to be considered the true
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“ People are eager to reconvene in person , which allows for more meaningful connections and interactive experiences .” |
masters of our craft .
Amidst financial obstacles , there is however so many more reasons to feel positive . The previously mentioned waning popularity of hybrid events signifies a strong inclination towards face-to-face . People are eager to reconvene in person , which allows for more meaningful connections and interactive experiences . This renewed enthusiasm for physical events has opened doors for associations to design captivating , immersive experiences that cater to attendees ’ desires .
It is incumbent upon us as conference organisers to leverage this momentum and seek innovative approaches as we optimise event planning . Finding ways to enhance attendee engagement , foster networking opportunities and curate enriching content are essential to make in-person conferences even more appealing . In fact , as we recognise that for many event deliverables , digital events are not quite as alluring as initially anticipated , we can concentrate our resources on crafting unparalleled physical gatherings that leave a lasting impact on participants .
Tech talk We cannot overlook the growing impact of AI on conference organisation . Fear surrounding AI ’ s potential to replace human jobs is understandable . However , we must shift our focus towards embracing AI as a tool for upskilling and streamlining processes . By harnessing the power of AI , we can enhance
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event management efficiency , data analytics , and personalisation , leading to improved attendee experiences and stronger sponsor interactions . If used correctly , AI offers the single biggest opportunity we are ever likely to see in the field of conference planning , it is up to us not to fear it but to make use of it .
The key lies in equipping our industry with the necessary skills to embrace and leverage AI effectively . Investing in learning and development programmes that empower us all to use AI to our advantage in a way that will not only dispel fear but also foster a more robust , future-ready industry . Embracing AI technologies will help us automate repetitive tasks , freeing up time and resources to invest in creativity , innovation and strategic planning . Capping that , the integration of AI-driven data analytics will enable us to better understand attendee preferences , behaviour patterns and pain points , leading to a more targeted and personalised event offering .
As we navigate through challenging times , we must remember these are not the first challenges we have faced as an industry , we have not just survived but prospered in the face of challenges before and we can do so again . I know this because I am part of a great team at ABPCO , focused on helping our members stay ahead of the curve through ongoing education and knowledge sharing as they embrace new technologies and invest in a workforce capable of seeing the association events industry thrive for years to come . CN
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