The future trend on applying Google Glass in events

Google Glass will be released to the general public early next year, and arguably will revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us in much the same way that smart phones have.

The glasses will include a camera, display and microphone. Essentially, it will be able to do some of the things your phone can do but hands free – take a picture, start a Google hangout, record a video. Ultimately, this all feeds into our need for speed and instant gratification.

So, what the impact of this new technology is it Google Glass or their competitors might mean for the events world?

First, on the positive side…

- A really nifty feature is the ability for the system to simultaneously translate.
This is proper Star Trek imaginings and this kind of technology is getting better compared with previous decades, so the ability to be able to understand what's going on at once when you are visiting or organizing an event is very interesting.

- The potential to access a range of information hands-free.

 Attendee can view this dress detail information by Google Glass on time

From the news headlines, to a map to help you navigate your way somewhere, to the information on your flight departure gate and maybe to additional potential functions at events. For instance, transfer the instant-update messaging through event mobile apps to Google Glass to tell attendees a party is about to start or a speaker is appearing on stage.

- The ability to record in a more convenient way.

Record the scenery and share it.

Conversations, interviews, presentations etc could be really powerful for media looking to provide insights into an event for their readers, and for the organizers whose staff can suddenly collect a lot more content in an easier way, which could be used for post-event video creations or even live vox-pop style clips. This isn't really that different to what is already possible with an iphone, but the simplicity, accessibility opens up new possibilities.

But,on the flip side...

- Heavy burden on events networks
The device includes 12GB of user storage but syncs with your Google Drive in the cloud. While in the future, the increasing number of devices that visitors at events are going to create further pressures on venue WiFi networks.

- Potential legal problems
The stealth element of Google Glass (when you can't tell if the person talking to you is recording your conversation or not) creates a wealth of issues around copyright infringement across the entire event spectrum. Meetings, conferences, sports events, theatre and performance - a whole new code of conventions, legislation and permissions will have to be developed very quickly to overcome this.

- Negative influence on attendees' concentration 

It's even harder to catch their attention in every minute

We are already all guilty of multi-tasking. We listen to conference proceedings whilst tweeting, whilst checking our emails whilst checking the weather for tomorrow. In some ways, Glass just makes some of that easier and more accessible, but it removes the physicality which means you can’t tell if a wearer is listening to you or checking their emails which is surely a bit discomforting.

Anyway, Google Glass is still in development, it's currently being road-tested by a truck load of self-confessed geeks keen to participate in its future. It's therefore a little tricky to understand what APIs will be developed to make Glass do more than it currently can, but it will be really interesting to see what new innovations tech companies come up with for the event space.

Reference
http://events-guru.co.uk/event-technology-blog/google-glass
http://venturebeat.com/2013/02/15/google-glass-foundry-event-lucky-developers-get-their-hands-on-googles-awesome-ar-glasses/#vb-gallery:1:623295
http://blog.zagat.com/2013/03/photo-of-day-google-glass-is-new-it.html

Keywords
Google Glass, technology, events, trend,

By
BILLAUD Milena & LIU Chen

The Rise of M-Ticketing and E-ticketing

More and more consumers are using the internet on-the-go with their mobile devices and event planner must adapt to the trend.  Mobile ticketing is becoming a common element in the events industry, which is understandable based on the many advantages that come with using this technology. In an article last year in Event Industry News, Adam Parry describes the many advantages of adapting this technology for events.

The big advantage of e-ticketing is that anyone can make a purchase, pay for the purchase, and receive their tickets from anywhere at any time.  Clearly, this is beneficial for event planners because the ease of buying should increase the amount of purchases accordingly.  The time flexibility that comes with e-ticketing also allows event organizers to work towards selling out events up to the last minute.  The result is increased revenue and customer satisfaction as potential customers turn into buyers with the convenience of technology.  These tickets would otherwise go unsold and consumers would remain unsatisfied as they discovered it was too late to purchase a ticket.

The organizer can also use the mobile information processed through ticket sales for marketing purposes.  Parry points out that numbers can be used for SMS to promote future events.  It should be mentioned, however, that it is important to be tasteful and transparent when using this sensitive customer information.  Buyers should be able to opt out of correspondence and they should not be bombarded with promotional material.

Parry also mentions the fact that e-ticketing eliminates distribution costs for the company and also limits illegal ticket selling and ticket fraud.  In addition to being more costly, the move away from sending tickets via the post is more timely.  One important advantage he failed to mention is the fact that e-ticketing is a green practice.  The organizer can use this to their advantage in the marketing process.  In today’s world, green sells.  

The user enjoys the convenience of e-ticketing as well.  An event goer no longer has to show up at an event early to purchase a last minute ticket or wait in a “Will Call” line.  This is sure to increase attendee satisfaction.  In addition, they no longer have to worry about forgetting tickets, as they will be stored on their smartphone and accessible at any time.

Ticketscript is an e-ticket software that makes it possible for planners to sell tickets through mobile phones, official event websites,  and even Facebook. To be more exact, Ticketscript helps clients sell e-tickets, mobile tickets, and hard copy tickets. Planners can use Ticketscript after they set up a professional ticket shop.

Both e-ticketing and mobile ticketing are customer-tailored. Regarding e-ticketing, clients can create an e-ticket that reflects the look and feel of their event.  There is also plenty of room for advertisements, sponsor logos, and of course the event branding. For mobile ticketing, it includes the event logo, text about the event and ticket details, and a 2D barcode to scan at the door.

One of the biggest advantages is the fact that the software is free to the client as the visitor pays a small booking fee. Thus, the organizer can reduce cost and increase ROI.  Another advantage is that this new technology uses ticket scanners, which bring secure and quick entry to the event. Visitors to the event are able to gain admission quickly and securely instead of standing in long queues at the door

At the start of 2013, Ticketscript rolled out a new mobile sales channel  called Shuttle, which processes tickets via mobile chip and pin terminals. The terminal is used via Bluetooth and Internet so it reduces installation and operating charges,  which helps organizers further reduce costs. In addition, customers are able to use mobile purchase “m-tickets” as they enter a venue, transacting in a way they are familiar with, using any card.  

E-ticketing certainly seems to be the way of the future as it has proven to be arguably more convenient and effective than physical ticket distribution.  We expect to see even greater use of this technology in the coming year as paper and long ticket lines become more even more outdated.

Contributed by Ludell Maggard and Yumeng Xie

Sources: 
http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2012/05/the-rise-of-mobile-ticketing-in-the-events-industry/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVaMRPhzFng
http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2012/12/ticketscript-launch-new-mobile-chip-pin-pos-solution-following-adyen-announcement/

Trends in the Event App Industry: Multi-Event Apps

 According to Nielson, in America alone, smart phone ownership reached 54.9% in mid 2012.  Today, 2 out of 3 Americans who buy a new phone purchase a smart phone.    These technology trends are playing a major role in the ever evolving nature of events.  Apps that are used by either planners or attendees (or both) have become a common element in event planning and execution.  Sometimes, attendees may even expect an event to integrate apps.  Event apps are still relatively new, however, so planners are discovering how to include them in an effective and efficient way.  

An article in Event Industry News reports GenieMobile’s predictions for the event app industry in 2013.  Michaels Douglas, Operations Director at Genie Mobile, says they believe that apps will become a normal event element.  They also see trends towards multi-event apps and increased demand for ROI.  Below is a summary of the entire list of predictions for 2013:

1.Platforms will need to be compatible with web and tablets

2.Apps will become a normal event element

3.Greater focus on ROI

4.Rise in use of multi-event apps

5.App vendors will have to deliver higher quality products

6.Customers will use information collected from apps to plan future events

7.Customers will look for one supplier for apps services instead of multiple

8.Customers will need to create content with differences between smart phones and tablets

9.Augmented reality will replace QR codes

10.Show floor tracking for understanding participant movement

Obviously, staying updated on trends in the event app industry will be crucial for planners this year.  It will help them keep up with the rest of the industry and provide a better product to all involved.  It is important that event planners and their clients are aware of attendees’ demand for more technology integration during events in order to ensure ease and satisfaction.  They also need to know what kinds of devices their attendees prefer and how they are using them.  In addition, planners must be aware of new tools that are being developed to make app creation, use, and measurement of ROI easier.

Quickmobile makes this possible with the development of SnapApp.  This application allows planners to manage event content and supply attendees with a down-loadable app- all within one platform.  First, Quickmobile designs a master app for the client, with all of their needs in mind.  Next, the client and their staff are given access to the content management system and are able to customize apps for particular events.  Finally, event attendees download the master app and log in in for access to their event’s app.

This multi-event technology helps companies save time and money that would otherwise be spent on creating individual apps for each event from scratch.  It’s easy to use (perfect for companies without programming expertise or money to pay for it)  and attendees can even use it to create content.  Possible interactive content include photo contests, polls, sweepstakes, and personality contests.  

Apps may reduce attendee confusion during the event as well.   It is difficult for attendees to navigate the official event website on their smart phones through normal search engines.  Providing a well-designed app with all of the important information they might need for the event provides convenience and will, in effect, increase attendee satisfaction.  

Then, there’s the common concern of ROI.  With SnapApp, attendees are able to share content through the app on various social media sites.  The app then allows the company to view their performance analytics based on these activities.  There are still doubts about the accuracy of measuring ROI from apps.  At the moment, implementing best practices for measurement is necessary.  Observing the amount of attendee activity and use of the app, along with the amount of “likes” and “shares” will give the planner or client an idea of the effectiveness its effectiveness.


Contributed by Ludell Maggard and Yumeng Xie

           Article: Parry, A.  (2013).  Top ten predictions for the event app industry in 2012.  Retrieved from http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2013/01/top-10-predictions-for-the-event-app-industry-in-2013/?doing_wp_cron=1359627817.1960639953613281250000#sthash.M2rVTY2j.JdNAbRbd.dpbs

          Other sources:

http://www.quickmobile.com/snapapp

http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/two-thirds-of-new-mobile-buyers-now-opting-for-smartphones/

http://www.hubspot.com/blog/bid/33644/SnapApp-Helps-You-Launch-Interactive-Promotions-now-in-the-HubSpot-Marketplace

Key words: event apps, event IT trends, multi-event apps, event industry