Did you know that experiential marketing and event marketing are a top priority for 93% of companies? And successful events need the right tools for the job. It’s no wonder why event technology managers are so busy these days. As the demand for events increases, so will the likelihood of these killer (but totally solvable) problems. Here’s what you can expect and how to deal with it at your next event.
Chances are you face one (or more) of these issues every time you go to plan an event. So make sure you bookmark this page and reference it the next time something comes up.
1. Slow event registration processes are often a problem for event technology managers.
Problem: Did you know that 72.5% of events professionals agree that the check-in process needs to be improved? Long lines, lost data, and ticketing mistakes are all the result of a messy system. Which is why event technology managers need to adopt the right tools in order to keep things moving along.
Solution: Every efficient event check-in process uses the following tools: a great app, an event management solution, and a device to host it all on. The best devices to replace paper and pencil event check-in include iPads with or without kiosks, depending on if you’d like to use staff at the entrance. But really, any tablet will do.
Source: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
2. Technology adoption is a common issue for event technology managers.
Problem: What’s the point of renting great equipment if your event planners or staff aren’t utilizing their new tools? Whether it’s an aversion to change or simply lack of familiarity, event technology managers often receive push back on great product rentals. In fact, studies have shown that event technology adoption can increase attendance by as much as 20%. It can also decrease costs (at about 30%) and increase productivity towards goals (at 27%).
Solution: If you see this problem coming up, try partnering with a technology rental company that is dedicated to helping your team adjust. Together you’ll be able to create a simple solution for communicating the importance of the technology and how users can quickly get started with using it.
3. Venue Wi-Fi issues are a common headache for event technology managers.
Problem: Nearly half of all event planners (44%) name Wi-Fi the top most annoying issue in event spaces. It can also create issues for speakers and presentations as well as interfere with other rented gadgets. Which is why it’s important for event technology managers to test connectivity from all major areas of the venue ahead of time.
Solution: The good news is, 5G is on the horizon and it has some promising benefits for event planners. Which means you should prioritize venues that offer it, especially if you’re hosting more than 100 people. You can also use a free internet speed check app when you do your walk through. Use your findings to adjust your event design as needed.
Source: Flickr
4. Live stream video or audio issues are often a problem for event technology managers.
Problem: Video Wall marketing is trending right now with 82% of surveyed consumers claiming they’d much rather see a video than a photo post from brands they shop with. Besides breaking news, conferences rank as the best event type to live-stream. However, if there are issues with the image or sound, 62% of consumers say they’d have a negative perception of the brand. Given the popularity of the medium, this is clearly a high stakes issue.
Solution: Besides having a backup camera to capture the moment for sharing at a later date, event technology managers should make sure to do a practice run of any live stream presentations. You can also caution your marketers to have an alternative plan for that live stream segment just in case. Let them know which areas of the venue have the best connectivity so that they can film the replacement content from that location in an emergency.
5. Laptop or tablet failures at the event itself can be a stress for event technology managers.
Problem: Faulty units, outdated software, and repair mishaps can all cause unexpected issues for event technology managers that day of the big gathering. These issues often occur when they choose to work with less experienced or unverified event technology suppliers.
Solution: Again, it’s important that you work with an event technology management company you can trust. And while it’s not possible to prevent every possible issue, the company you rent from should be able to help service or replace your products in person (or, at the very least, over the phone).
Source: Flickr
6. Effectively collecting attendee data is an issue for event technology managers.
Problem: For 68% of B2B event planners, lead generation and capture is the main reason why they do live events in the first place. The problem is they have to rely on user input for a lot of their information. Which means planners need event technology managers’ help to seamlessly incorporate manual entry without disrupting the attendees’ experience too much.
Solution: Whether or not the event host has a branded app they’re using to collect data; event technology managers will need to rent the right tools to use the apps on. If your client needs to survey guests with 5 questions or less, try using iPads, tablets, or laptops for employees to use when talking to attendees.
If your client needs user to fill out longer forms, go one step further and rent kiosks too. They’ll be more comfortable, help service attendees faster, and gives the user enough room to relax and take their time.
7. Finding the right technology supplier is time consuming for event technology managers.
Problem: Sometimes your team needs last minute rentals. Or you find yourself overwhelmed with other projects and don’t have time to vet every possible option. Besides online reviews, how are event technology managers supposed to choose a vendor they can trust?
Solution: Keep a few key parameters in mind when selecting a technology supply partner for your next event. These guidelines will shorthand your search and help you choose the best possible option every time.
First, consider their location. The closer their rental locations are to your venue, the better. This is still true for multi-city events and roadshows so make sure you find a supplier that can provide service within close proximity to your chosen destinations for every day of your get-together.
Next, check out their inventory. A wide variety of brand name and cutting edge options is a good indication that the supplier will have everything you need. Plus, they’ll be able to provide great recommendations and give your ideas for a given budget.
Then, see how fast they get back to you with a quote. The goal is to receive swift and efficient communication within 48 hours of your original inquiry. Being able to quickly respond to messages shows that the supplier is dedicated to customer service and can be available if you need them on short notice for anything else.
Finally, compare the prices. It’s an obvious addition but it’s important to consider this one last because the above parameters will help make sure your investment is worthwhile in the first place. If all the other criteria are checked off and the event supplier you’re vetting can still provide the most competitive price, then you’ve got yourself a winner.
Source: Flickr
8. Asking for (and receiving) custom specifications is a hassle for event technology managers.
Problem: Sometimes suppliers can’t accommodate special requests. Or they’ll try to but fail to deliver. Not only is this frustrating for event technology managers, it also means hours of back and forth wasted only for them to start over from scratch in the end.
Solution: The promise of amazing customer service should be a top buying consideration before you ever make your event rental purchase. Ideally, you’ll want to always partner with a brand who can work with any special requests and still deliver product quickly. In fact, you can even expect some event technology suppliers to hand deliver your custom models in some cases.
9. Merging event technology tools with big picture strategy can be an issue for event technology managers.
Problem: Seeing the big picture is a great skill to have for any project. But when it comes to making decisions like what tools are best for certain goals, most planners aren’t sure what’s best. Often, event technology managers will have to explain why copying a direct competitor isn’t necessarily the best solution for certain spaces and planned activities. Which means it’s up to you to explain why the products you’ve suggested renting are best.
Solution: If you’re really having trouble communicating value to your event team members, ask your supplier to help out. Chances are they’ll have case studies from customers who rented the same equipment for similar events. Or they might even be willing to speak to your colleagues themselves. Whatever the case may be, looping your potential supplier into the conversation will help everyone make better, more informed choices.
Source: Flickr
10. Dealing with tech delivery issues, mistakes and miscommunications.
Problem: Event technology managers cannot afford to waste rental funds on missing or mishandled equipment. Plus, tracking down the responsible party and fixing the issue isn’t exactly built into the event schedule. This is especially true if you’re expected to remain onsite to check out equipment, provide tech assistance. And answer general questions for presenters.
Solution: Accidents happen. But they don’t have to ruin your event or sabotage your technology rental experience. Even if the worst case scenario happens, working with the right event technology supplier will help relieve the repercussions. Which is why you should take care to only work with a partner who values customer service and can demonstrate that through their actions.
Now you’re ready to face most of your biggest technology challenges!
All in all, your event technology rental experience will only be as good as your supplier. Working with dedicated professionals who act as partners rather than vendors is a big step towards solving most major problems you’ll face on the job. Here are some other great takeaways to keep in mind the next time you deal with one of these killer problems all event technology managers face:
- Know what to look for before you select an event technology supplier. Customer service, proximity to your venue, and a wide selection are the biggest points for consideration. Also, make sure whoever you work with sees themselves as a partner for your event and not just a vendor.
- Make sure you learn your event technology supplier’s last minute or day-of event availability. Whether you need more tools or assistance setting up, can your supplier help you when you need them? Or can they offer the latest, cutting edge solutions to combat common venue issues like slow Wi-Fi or live streaming issues?
- Help event planners and decision makers think ahead when it comes to possible venue and technology issues. Ask your event technology supplier to be part of the conversation. Or use their materials to prove investment value.
Continue improving your event technology manager strategy by checking out RentiPads, a trusted event technology supplier who understand and can help solve your common problems.