The Impact of Technology on Events: From Virtualization to Sustainability

Technology plays a vital role in various aspects of the events industry. The COVID-19 pandemic made virtual and hybrid events essential, and technology has made it possible to conduct these events online, allowing participation from anywhere in the world. This format not only protects the health of participants but also brings economic savings in areas like event promotion and venue costs. For example, virtual events eliminate venue costs entirely. Technology has automated nearly 80% of tasks, including exhibitor registration, sending invitations and tickets, entrance management, and communication with colleagues and guests, leading to significant time savings. Communication has been revolutionized with tools like email, video conferencing, and instant messaging, facilitating real-time interaction between event planners, team members, clients, and stakeholders. Technology has also enhanced the attendee experience by providing mobile event applications that offer access to event information, communication with other attendees, and real-time feedback to organizers. Furthermore, technology is promoting sustainability in the exhibition industry. Studies have shown that transitioning to virtual conferencing can significantly reduce the carbon footprint by 94% and energy use by 90%. Hybrid conferences, with carefully selected hubs, can also drastically reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Adopting plant-based diets for future conferences and improving the energy efficiency of the information and communication technology sector can further minimize the carbon footprint of virtual conferences.