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for gathering and analysing data , and evaluating sustainability credentials , dwell times and engagement levels . For Identity , technology is an invaluable tool integral to event success .”
Knowing that tech can provide advantages for organisers is one thing , but what about the level of knowledge needed to operate the programs ? With eventprofs already needing to wear numerous hats , knowing all things about all techs seems like a tall order . While it is obvious that tech is changing the way that events operate , Kenward and Carter-Lee look towards a more holistic view on technology , rather than an in-depth knowledge of all solutions on offer .
Carter-Lee said , “ Event technology is one of the sectors ’ ‘ magic tools ’, so Identity encourages all our eventprofs to keep gathering tech skills . We don ’ t have to know every tech solution that ’ s available or every aspect of each solution , but it is good to have a strong working knowledge of what ’ s available , appropriate , and on the horizon .”
Kenward agreed , saying , “ Being ‘ tech savvy ’ is not as important as tech companies say it is . Not everything new and shiny will have an impact . That said , eventprofs need to be aware of what ’ s out there and have a wide breadth of tech knowledge , but
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“ I ' m not for one second assuming that tech doesn ' t matter . But I think it ' s becoming part of life , the idea that like your nan couldn ' t answer a text message a few years ago , we ' re not really in that world any more .”
– Joe Sheppard , UK managing director ,
Elevate .
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Joe Sheppard |
no-one should be expected to be an expert in every piece of tech available .”
The message seems to be one of traditional skills being
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supported by technology , rather than a tech-first mindset . I also wanted to know if there was a difference in personality or suitability for events between those who led with tech skills and those who put interpersonal skills first .
Sheppard said , “ I think that personality is huge when you ’ re supplying people . You could argue that maybe a decade ago , if you were tech focused as an individual event person , you might be a certain profile . It might be that the person lacked the conversational skills because they were more invested in in-depth knowledge , experience and education around tech .
“ Now it ’ s absolutely clear that it isn ’ t that way . People have a base level of expectation on tech in their everyday role .”
An eye for talent
When speaking about hiring practises for technology it was clear from our experts that technology can be taught , whereas interpersonal skills that make a great organiser are harder to teach .
Continuing this point , Sheppard said , “ There ’ s ready and available training for someone to understand tech , social media behaviour and tone of voice . Those things are much easier to train than teaching someone to communicate
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