Rev up your event planning TECHNOFILE Organising events can feel like a logistical nightmare,
but help is at hand. Michael Scanlon looks at three pieces of technology that can help you plan and manage the perfect event
It’s a fact that technology now plays a significant role in almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. This is most appar- ent in the way we organise our working day. For a PA, managing change comes with the territory, but the pace of this tech- nological change can leave even the most skilful person gasping for air, par- ticularly in the field of Event Organisa- tion. Ken Clayton, Director of RefTech agrees, “It’s an unfortunate fact that technology is both a benefit and a liability when it comes to organising events. That said, some technologies have made the organising business easier.”
Take a tablet The way an audience interacts with an event is increasingly driven by technology. Whether that’s taking notes on a smart- phone or looking up event information online, a modern audience expects more than just a printed itinerary or brochure. Tablet Rentals is one company offering a truly modern approach to audience par- ticipation. They provide iPads that can be pre-loaded with content and branding for use at presentations, exhibitions or pro- motional events as well as support before and during an event. You can even take advantage of additional features such as data capture, iPad surveys and interactive Q&A sessions, meaning you’ll not only provide a great user experience, but you’ll be able to generate great feedback and comments for future events.
www.tablet-rentals.co.uk
INFO
Manage your list Event registration is no longer just a list of names with ticks and crosses next to them and anyone not using an online registra- tion system will find their time and money are not being put to best use. Online reg- istration systems must now take into account a whole range of factors including emails and e-shots, questionnaires and feedback and delegate requirements, diary planning and reports. One such system,
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EventReference, designed by RefTech Service Ltd, enables organisers to import lists of invited people, send out emails, ask pertinent questions, monitor responses and create bespoke reports according to the organiser’s individual needs.
www.reftech.com
INFO
Ditch the paper brochure Smartphone and tablet technology has enabled us to carry around an arsenal of tools in the palm of our hand; diaries, timetables, documents and books are all now accessible through a single device. PowerVote, who specialises in interactive presentation software, has applied this accessibility to event organisation in the form of a powerful App, which does everything a brochure can do and more. The App is designed for use by delegates and participants alike and can include maps, speaker profiles, event timetables, presentations and participant surveys. As their name would suggest, Power- Vote also provide a powerful digital vot- ing system for use at events that enables participants to not only vote but answer questions and surveys in real time. It’s a great way to involve an audience and includes instant response graphic display and PowerPoint integration.
www.powervote.com
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Eventbrite.com This nifty website offers everything a
PA could need to sell tickets and manage registration for events. You create an event webpage using the simple tools, you can then promote it, track your registrations and make the entire event paperless.
Check In Easy This easy-to-use guest registr a tion
tool was recognised as one of the top event and meeting apps at Tech-Fest 2012. It can handle huge guest lists of up 20,000 people and has some great features including email and text alerts.
Asana
If you’re trying to manage a team at the same time as running an event then this app is for you. As well as a host of great comm un ication features it allows you to create, prioritise and assign tasks on- the-go for up to 15 teammates with no additional cost.
TOP TIPS
Three essential event must-haves
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