EW rounds up the latest news in event technology
New ‘ walking meetings ’ platform Spot enters beta
new digital meetings platform with a focus on ‘ walking meetings ’, called Spot , has launched in beta version .
Meetings on Spot are audio-only . The platform uses what it calls ‘ smart mute ’ technology to block out background noise , and encourages users to avoid screen fatigue and keep meetings short . It also has a voice-activated virtual assistant .
The app allows users to quickly share meeting highlights , notes and action points , and to choose with whom they wish to share this
Web Summit offering event software for sale to others
ajor tech conference / exhibition Web Summit is joining the gold rush for virtual event platforms , as it announces its event software is now for sale .
The company ’ s first customer for its software is the United Nations Development Programme .
Web Summit is an event that makes heavy use of technology , with aspects of registration , networking , and more taking information .
Spot CEO Greg Caplan previously created Remote Year , a company which organises travel programmes for people who continue to work remotely .
Caplan commented : “ I have been passionate about walking meetings ever since crumbling under the weight of Zoom fatigue while building Remote Year . After spending 10,000 + hours on walking calls , it finally dawned on me . All of these tools are built for sitters .
“ Walkers need tools too . The best tool available today is a simple phone call , but they were created over 100 years ago . We believe we can do better . We don ’ t have all of the answers yet , but we are listening and want to hear what you need .”
place via the event ’ s app .
This software was used by the United Nations Development Programme Istanbul Innovation Days , which took place 23-25 March .
The news was announced by Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave in a blog , where he said : “ Until now , we ’ ve kept our event software to ourselves . Today , that changes with the United Nations Development Programme . And , in the coming years , we hope to help power many of the world ’ s leading events , as well as the events of many of the world ’ s leading organisations .”
Right : Eclipse ’ s new virtual studio
Eclipse launches new 3D event studio
clipse , an event production company based in London , has launched a new version of its digital event studio , which makes use of avatars in 3D space .
Eclipse brands its new studio as a ‘ mixed reality ’ platform . It allows users to create bespoke virtual environments for their events , and to combine these with in-person elements for hybrid events .
Robin Purslow , managing director of Eclipse , said : “ Throughout the course of the pandemic we have been working to push the boundaries of event production , initially launching the first of our virtual event studios in March 2020 to meet the rising needs of our clients and to provide professional solutions to overcome any event challenges presented by Covid-19 .
“ We are delighted to be investing in pioneering event technology that will push the boundaries of our event capabilities . As more of our clients continue to adapt and welcome digital integrations into their events , as shown in our increasing amount of hybrid event enquiries , our digital studios will provide a cost-effective yet creative solution that will undoubtedly drive events to the next level of immersion and engagement .”
32 Issue 2 2021 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk