In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger embark on an insightful journey through the evolving landscape of virtual and hybrid events. They delve into the shifts in event technology trends post-pandemic, the nuances of audience engagement, and the future potential of virtual and hybrid event formats. The conversation touches on the reevaluation of event strategies, the role of AI in content saturation, and the speculative impact of upcoming tech like Apple's VR headset on the industry.

Discussions Include:

• The decline of "virtual event software" and the rise of "webinar platforms".
• The enduring value and challenges of executing successful hybrid events.
• The influence of remote work on event attendance and format preferences.
• The impact of AI on content creation and consumption within the event space.
• Speculations on the future role of AR and VR technologies in enhancing event experiences.

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

• Will Curran: "We're seeing a decline in hybrid, which is really interesting. It's like the event world is retracting back from the virtual edge."
• Brandt Krueger: "Hybrid events have the power to combine the best of both worlds, but the real challenge lies in executing them correctly."
• Will Curran: "The future of event tech might not lie in massive shifts but in how we incrementally improve the virtual and in-person experiences."
• Brandt Krueger: "Even as technology evolves, the core of event planning remains about connecting people and sharing knowledge."

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger engage in a candid discussion about the importance of safety in event production, spurred by the tragic incident of a CEO's death at a company event. They dive into the specifics of event rigging, the necessity of professional and experienced staffing, and share personal anecdotes highlighting the critical need for safety planning and execution. The conversation also touches on the broader aspects of event safety, including emergency preparedness and the importance of having safety equipment like first aid kits and defibrillators on hand.

Discussions Include:

• Safety is not just a responsibility but a crucial aspect of event planning, emphasized by this tragic incident
• The discussion of rigging safety serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in event production and the importance of using professional services
• Brandt and Will advocate for comprehensive safety measures, including the presence of first aid kits and defibrillators, underscoring the collective responsibility for event safety

Quotable quotes (should you choose to share):

"Just about the worst possible thing you can think of that could happen at an event." - Brandt, discussing the impact of having a death at one of your events.

"Safety is about planning ahead, being prepared, and thinking through everything that could happen." - Will, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures in event planning.

"The safety of everyone is everyone's job." - Will, emphasizing the collective responsibility for maintaining safety at events.

This episode of the Event Tech Podcast features an insightful discussion on the integration of technology in trade shows, particularly focusing on the role of e-commerce in enhancing trade show experiences. The guests, Vinit Patil, CEO and Co-Founder of Ribbon, a hybrid trade show platform, and Jesse James, the co-founder of ShoppeObject and VP of International Market Centers, share their experiences and perspectives on how technology is transforming the trade show landscape.

Key Topics:

1. Integration of E-Commerce in Trade Shows: Exploration of how Ribbon, a hybrid trade show platform, integrates e-commerce into the trade show experience, making it omnichannel and more accessible for both vendors and attendees.
2. User Experience and Aesthetics in Technology: Discussion on the importance of user experience and aesthetics in technology implementation, especially in curating trade show experiences.
3. Challenges and Opportunities in Technology Adoption: Insights into the varying levels of comfort and challenges faced by exhibitors in adopting new technology, and how mandatory participation in digital platforms can be beneficial.
4. The Future of Trade Show Technology: Predictions about future advancements in trade show technology, including potential integrations and new features that could enhance user experience.
5. Role of Curated Content and Discovery: Emphasis on the importance of curated content and the opportunity for discovery in trade shows, highlighting the significance of storytelling and editorial elements in digital platforms.

Find out more at meetribbon.com, and especially because Brandt couldn't seem to get it right in the episode, that's shoppeobject.com
S...H...O...P...P...E... dot com :)