Event Tech
TECH TRENDS
International event management agency VOK DAMS shares eight top trends for the live event sector
T he event and live marketing industry is continuously balancing between rapid technological advancements and a growing demand for true live experiences. Technology meets authenticity, with personal interaction taking centre stage like never before.
1. Sustainability is key Sustainability has become the standard. Event organisers must not only meet societal expectations but also comply with legal requirements such as the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
The new ISO 20121:2024 standard links events more closely with the UN’ s 17 Sustainable Development Goals( SDGs). To support planners, VOK DAMS has developed the‘ SDG Event Compass’, a tool that integrates sustainability into event strategies. Practical insights can be found in the white paper‘ Agile and Sustainable: Planning Events with the SDG Event Compass’. The message is clear: Sustainability must be strategically and operationally at the heart of event planning.
2. Agile event management Agile event management has become an essential tool, combining flexibility, efficiency and customer focus – critical in an industry shaped by constant change.
This method relies on iterative processes and continuous feedback, minimising risks and tailoring events to the target audience. It also enables more resource-efficient implementation.
3. Data-driven decisions Decisions are increasingly based on solid, data-backed insights rather than intuition or experience.
Data reveals what participants truly want and optimises visitor flows in real time. During events, real-time analytics enable adjustments to guarantee an optimal experience, while post-event insights provide valuable data to make future events more successful. Participant satisfaction, ROI and social media engagement can all be measured and improved.
4. Mindfulness-focused events: creating space for conscious experiences In a world of constant digital connectivity, mindful formats are gaining importance and can create analogue retreats that focus on being present in the moment.
These formats foster genuine interactions and leave a lasting impression. They reflect a shift toward the prioritisation of mental health. For brands, they offer an opportunity to build emotional connections.
5. The metaverse as a space for innovation The metaverse continues to grow in importance, offering opportunities to create immersive and interactive event worlds where participants act as avatars. These virtual spaces connect people regardless of location and open up new creative possibilities.
Hybrid events, merging physical and digital worlds, could become the norm.
6. Artificial Intelligence( AI) as a gamechanger AI has become indispensable in the event industry. It optimises processes, personalises experiences and analyses data in real time, tailoring events to individual participants.
From planning to execution to post-event analysis, AI ensures more efficient operations and impressive experiences.
7. The Hamburger Model: humans and AI in harmony 2025 will be defined by events that balance technology and humanity. AI serves as the tool, while humans remain the creators, delivering unforgettable experiences with a personal touch.
The Hamburger Model illustrates this harmony:
• The top bun symbolises humans providing the initial creative impulse – vision, ideas and cultural sensitivity.
• The filling represents AI, processing data, generating content and offering solutions based on human direction.
• The bottom bun represents humans again, refining the output, adding authenticity and creating emotional depth to craft experiences that resonate.
8. Live events as an antidote to the digital world At a time when AI-generated content raises questions about the authenticity of information, live events guarantee everything that happens is real. This authenticity creates an unparalleled foundation for lasting connections. n
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