Drone Uses in the Event Industry

Initially used as a military device, drones have been quickly introduced into the consumer sector, especially in the event industry which extracts the maximum from the huge potential of these little robots that add an incredible value to the events. This article sums up all of the best practices in the use of drones during events. Thus, we will aim at giving pieces of advices on how to use them in a safe and a conscientious way.

Capturing unique footage

The most common use of drones, regarding to the event field, is filming. Indeed, it offers a new exciting perspective, especially when it is recording high adrenaline sports events on a wide outdoor area, since it is easier for drones to follow the action, regardless of its speed.
Besides, we can use drones as a filming tool for many kinds of outdoor events such as festivals, parades, fairs and even some indoor events – if it fits the venue. By flying above attendees, the drone could display a live of this footage on a screen, which would make the event more engaging.

                                                        Credit : Stefanos Kondilys
Entertainment purposes

Drones can be used as a unique attraction during an event. For example, specific software is able to implement a drone choreography, which can be enhanced with lights and sound system, in order to live a total event around this concept. A good example would be the Intel’s show of 100 synchronized drones – performance which is part of the Guiness World Record.

                                                        Credit : Intel  

Virtual view of the event site

Drones can be useful to preview event venues, as they are excellent at experiencing virtually tour events, especially for big scale outdoor venues and places situated in remote locations. Such a virtual tour offers a more realistic view of the event venue, whereas photos or basic videos may be deceptive.

                                                        Credit : HelloAerial

Delivery tool

Drones can also be used as a delivery tool, to safely deliver packages to customers –as it is already the case for Amazon. Thus, it is possible to incorporate this concept into the event sector through various applications.
Drones enable you to deliver food and beverages during your event, which would be extremely uncommon and exciting! You can also deliver event invitations or goodies to attendees, speakers or sponsors before the event, or thank-you letters and gifts after the event.

Marketing tool

Drones are considered as great drivers for branding and sponsorship opportunities. Thus, you can deliver some sponsor’s products by air, as well as displaying an advertising banner, or even choreographing the brand’s logo in the air.

Security

It could be wise to use the large vision of drones to strengthen security of an event, by working in pair with security guards.

Before using a drone at your event, you should take a few elements into consideration as this engine, like all technologies, can’t be use without some precautions. First, drones must be used at the right event, not just because it is a current trend. Some events, like outdoors ones are more adapted and can enjoy all the advantages of the small engine. Event planners also have to check that it is allowed to use the drone on the event site as there are some regulations about it and it is not safe everywhere to recourse to a drone. To increase the safety and insure the positive impacts, a qualified pilot has to be hire as it is not so easy to operate a drone. Finally, we can’t forget that drones have battery life so it is important to think about it if you don’t want your drone to crash if front of your attendees.

Nowadays, many new technologies appear every year and the event industry has to deal with them. But among the multitude of new technology offers – virtual reality is one of the most famous at the moment – there is no doubt that drones are an emerging tool. They are now more accessible to everyone and this increasing trend for personal use probably impacts their current evolution in the event industry. 

Camille Garinet - Tanguy Villiame

Sources

http://eventgenioso.com/how-to-use-drones-at-events/

http://www.richard-evenement.fr/actu/les-drones-evenementiel/

http://happinessofficer.fr/communication-evenementielle-drone/