The Benefits and Concerns of Internet of Things (IOT) in Events

Source: http://www.corbinball.com/articles_future/index.cfm?fuseaction=cor_av&artID=9219

IOT refers to the idea of connecting objects and people automatically. The use of the thoughts in developing technology brings lots of convenience to humans both at home and at work. Small wearable devices like smart watches, NFC rings, smart belts, smart clothing and activity monitors all make use of this. At home, once people have set up their preference, sensors can recognize them when they arrive home and turn on lights or start playing entertainment devices automatically.

NFC rings. http://nfcring.com/

 

smart belt.
http://www.emiota.com/

 

activity monitors. http://www.fitbit.com/fr  

Since that such sensors are so convenient and smart, they will be widely used in event industry (opinions from Corbin Ball Associates). However, not all these awesome intelligent functions can improve our work efficiency without dispute.

Most functions can indeed save cost or improve the work environment. Smart lighting, for example, which can adjust lights accordingly, is energy saving. “On a broader basis, hotels and other meeting venues will become more efficient as sensors help to manage lighting, signage, AC, parking, elevators, loss control, security, and crowd control.” (opinions from Corbin Ball Associates) 

For attendees in participating an event, most functions are really convenient, time-saving, riskless and practical, like  receiving GPS directions, receiving directional indoor way-finding through a convention facility/exhibition hall, receiving conference alerts, exchanging contact/lead retrieval information, using as admission tickets, opening guestrooms doors, faster and more secure e-wallet transactions, making audience polling responses, enabling automated check-in for registration/meeting rooms and recording and tracking continuing education unit (CEU) credits and much more.

However, some functions may be designed with limited advantages. "Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors including iBeacons can track attendee movements throughout a meeting facility and local area to provide a wide range of assistance such as location-aware information and directions."(Videos of an example to show how does it work can be seen from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep_xWJyKHVc) Information becomes too transparency may make some attendees feel uncomfortable.

One concern with IOT is controlling the risk. If people rely too much on these awesome technologies, they may feel uncomfortable when appliance suddenly goes on strike. What if sensors fail to work? If we can get information so easily, will we be bothered by too much information surrounded? Moreover, will people feel uncomfortable with so much transparent personal information?

Sources: http://www.corbinball.com/articles_future/index.cfmfuseaction=cor_av&artID=9219

Qiuyu Long & Dongqian Zhao.