IMEX America: Helping buyers learn about technology

Planners are sampling the latest tech solutions for event planning, budgeting and sourcing at the TECHknowledge Area at IMEX America.

Tahira Endean, on the “Top Five Women in EventTech” panel said: “The exhibitors have been very helpful in putting the technology into context. We’ve also had great feedback from the buyers who’ve been on the tours.”

It’s no secret that the best way to understand and learn to use new technology is to see it in action. Meeting planners at IMEX America, currently taking place in Las Vegas, have been finding out about event technology and meeting the experts behind the latest innovations in a new series of EventTech Tours running throughout the show. Led by Tahira, the tours feature several companies who are leading the way in technology for the meetings and event sector.

Carrie Drummond of Ansible by Red Hat, who took part in one of the tours said: “I’m really happy I came on this tour. It’s given me a short taste and insight into several types of technologies that I only know a little about and which are not on my appointment schedule.”

TEKNISK kunnskap

Experts are on hand to deliver targeted technology sessions, TECHbytes, answering questions on hot topics such as Snapchat, Slack, OneNote and wearable technology, and guiding visitors through the latest tech in the Gadget Lab.

I tillegg til EventTech Tours, finner nesten 40 undervisningsøkter som dekker ulike aspekter av teknologi sted i Inspiration Hub under showet og vekker stor interesse.

In the run up to the show, buyers have also had the chance to use Zenvoy, a new networking technology.  IMEX has introduced this one-to-one business introduction service for professionals, groups & events to enable buyers to meet like-minded colleagues and make better contacts more easily at the event. Joanna Oliver of EmCare said, “I’m excited to see IMEX doing this, it helps to find expertise easily, to share experiences and make valuable connections.”

I tillegg til å oppleve den nyeste teknologiutviklingen, fikk planleggere også et glimt av noe av teknologien som kommer til å skape bølger i bransjen på #IMEXpitch. Begivenhetsteknologistart-ups hadde muligheten til å vise frem produktene sine til et publikum av begivenhetseksperter på messen. De fem finalistene presenterte produktene sine for et levende publikum. London-baserte Grip, verdens første kunstig intelligens-drevne eventnettverksløsning, ble kåret til vinneren av et ekspertpanel.

Grip får ledig plass på Teknologipaviljongen på neste års utstilling i tillegg til presse- og markedsføringseksponering.

IMEX America foregår for tiden på Sands Expo and Convention Center på The Venetian® | Palazzo® Las Vegas fra 18. til 20. oktober 2016, foran Smart mandag 17. oktober.

eTN er en mediepartner for IMEX.