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lthough event software
A company Canapii officially launched in 2020 , its roots in the events sector stretch back two decades . Initially part of Canalys , a market research company in the IT industry , Canapii ' s journey began with the need to automate event processes to minimise human error . “ We started developing an app 18 years ago to streamline our events , initially for internal use ,” recalls CEO Rita Chaher . “ However , as our sponsors , including tech giants like Lenovo and Microsoft , saw its potential , they requested to use it for their events .”
The pivotal moment came for the Reading , UK-based company in 2019 when Canapii secured a contract to manage several major events . The onset of the pandemic in 2020 necessitated a rapid pivot to virtual events .
“ We redeployed our resources , recoding everything to support virtual formats . This shift revealed the tool ’ s potential beyond the IT industry ,” Chaher explains . This adaptation was crucial in establishing Canapii as a standalone entity , focused on both on-site and virtual events .
The rise of AI in translation One of the most significant advancements in event management has been AI-driven language translation . “ Given
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our global event scope , language has always been a priority ,” says Chaher . “ We ' ve heavily invested in AI translation to ensure it meets the diverse needs of our audience .”
The effectiveness of these translation tools is evident . Chaher recounts an event in Latin America where the translation feature saw limited use until a Brazilian presenter took the stage . “ Suddenly , everyone used the tool to translate Portuguese to Spanish . This underscores the critical role of accessible and efficient translation tools in enhancing event participation .”
Current trends The events industry has seen several key trends over the past year , with sustainability and AI at the forefront . “ Sustainability is a major focus , driven by pressure to reduce carbon footprints and meet ESG metrics ,” Chaher says . However , she highlights the challenges in execution , noting that while the intent is strong , practical application often falls short due to cost constraints .
Venues are increasingly prioritising sustainability , with many appointing dedicated project managers for these initiatives . “ The real challenge is empowering these roles with the necessary authority and budget ,” Chaher says . Measuring the impact of events on sustainability is now a top priority for organisers , driven by demands
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“ In recent briefings with vendors , the focus has shifted to meaningful AI integration ” |
from senior management . The rapid advancement of generative AI is another notable trend . “ In recent briefings with vendors , the focus has shifted to meaningful AI integration ,” says Chaher .
She adds : “ Our development meetings focus on identifying and solving new challenges , particularly around engagement and interactivity .” Attendees now expect high levels of networking and interactive experiences , pushing Canapii towards shorter presentations and increased gamification .
Looking ahead , Chaher sees continued growth in the demand for AI-driven translation services . “ The shift to hybrid events has significantly increased accessibility ,” she notes . “ This underscores the importance of language tools in broadening event participation .”
As AI continues to evolve , companies that integrate it meaningfully will lead the industry . “ AI-driven tools provide immense value , enabling seamless communication and enhancing overall event experiences ,” Chaher concludes . EW
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