Smart Venues: Showcasing Tech for A Competitive Edge

The events industry is rapidly evolving.

Guest expectations are changing, event formats are becoming more dynamic, and technology is pivotal in driving this transformation. Smart venues that provide robust connectivity, out-of-the-box capabilities, and immersive experiences are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for meeting and event planners and delegates alike.

In this post, we'll explore the key advantages of using venue technology and the importance of showcasing it for a competitive edge.

Trends Driving Tech Adoption in Event Venues
The following are some trends propelling forward the shift toward tech-enabled venues:

1. 5G and Wi-Fi 6: Lightning-fast 5G networks and next-gen Wi-Fi 6 will enable bandwidth- heavy event apps, live streaming, augmented reality, and ultra-HD video.
2. Smart mobile apps: Custom event apps are widely adopted to facilitate networking, event info access, interactive maps, gamification, and data collection.
3. Location-based technology: Tools like beacons and RFID tracking provide proximity-based experiences, contactless access, accurate attendance capture, and mapping of delegate journeys.
4. Connected event spaces: Integrating sensors with internet-of-things optimises lighting, sound, and ambience and monitors real-time room usage to reduce labour and costs.
5. Cybersecurity: With growing technology comes the need for robust cybersecurity measures like network segmentation, encryption, and secure payment systems to protect user data and prevent threats.
6. Sustainability: Venues are deploying smart energy management systems, reduced waste tech like digital signage, and carbon footprint trackers to meet sustainability goals.
7. Hybrid event studios: All-in-one broadcast studios built into venues to simplify the production of high-quality hybrid and virtual events.

The Growing Demand for Smart Venues

The demand for tech-enabled event spaces is rapidly rising.

Meeting and event planners expect more from venues today—they seek technology-driven experiences that wow attendees. A 2023 survey found that 70% of guests now prefer contactless options for check-in, booking, and payments. And 73% are likely to revisit hotels that meet their technology needs, underscoring its impact on satisfaction.

Here are 8 other compelling reasons why showcasing technology has become crucial for venues to attract events:

1. Cater to evolving needs: Event planners increasingly seek tech-enabled solutions to enhance attendee engagement, streamline communication, and gather valuable data. Hotels with outdated technology simply won't cater to these evolving needs, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

2. Stand out from the crowd: In a crowded market, showcasing your cutting-edge technology differentiates you. Event planners will prioritise venues that offer features like virtual/hybrid event platforms, interactive floor plans, and mobile apps, making your hotel stand out as a forward-thinking choice.

3. Enhance event experience: Technology can elevate the event experience for delegates. Imagine self-service kiosks for check-in, digital signage displaying real-time information, or interactive displays for presentations. These features create a seamless, engaging, and memorable experience that planners will appreciate.

4. Increase efficiency and productivity: Technology can streamline event planning and execution. Event management software, online booking platforms, and automated systems save planners and hotel staff time and resources, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks. 

5. Attract premium pricing: Hotels equipped with advanced technology can command premium pricing. The added value and improved event experience justify higher rates, attracting planners who understand the benefits of investing in a modern, tech-savvy venue.

6. Future-proof your business: By embracing technology, you adapt to evolving trends and ensure your hotel remains relevant in the future. As technology plays a bigger role in the event industry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for long-term success.

7. Valuable data and insights: Technology allows venues to collect valuable attendee behaviour and preferences data. This information can be used to optimise future events, personalise offerings, and enhance marketing efforts, giving you a significant edge over competitors.

8. Improved communication and collaboration: Technology fosters seamless communication between event planners, delegates, and hotel staff. Online collaboration tools, real-time data sharing, and digital feedback systems ensure everyone is on the same page, leading to a smoother and more successful event.

9 Key Venue Technologies to Showcase for A Competitive Advantage

While embracing technology is crucial for venues to stay relevant, simply having it isn't enough.

Your cutting-edge features will only attract event planners if they know you exist and what you offer. This is where online listings come into play. They can provide significant advantages like increased visibility, brand awareness and lead generation.

In addition to high-quality images, be sure to highlight these key elements that planners look for:

1. Wi-Fi capabilities: Highlight bandwidth speeds, number of simultaneous connections, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and extent of coverage across the venue.
2. Audio-visual systems: List built-in options like projectors, screens, sound systems, lighting, and the ability to integrate AV with streaming platforms.
3. Hybrid event facilities: Detail broadcasting studios, cameras, audio equipment, mixing boards, and virtual event platform compatibility.
4. Digital signage: Showcase indoor/outdoor signage, video walls, 3D holographic displays, and interactive touch screens.
5. Smart building tech: List energy optimisation systems, automated thermostats and lighting controls, delegate counter sensors, and room scheduling displays.
6. Bandwidth for live streaming: Promote dedicated internet lines and cabling infrastructure to enable high-quality video broadcasts and webcasting.
7. Charging stations: Highlight the quantity and type of device charging points across the venue.
8. Customisation ability: Describe ways to tailor lighting, sound, and digital displays and integrate branded content through venue tech.
9. Support capabilities: Detail experienced AV technicians on staff and technical support services included for a seamless event experience.

Enhancing Venue Visibility with Venue Directory
Want to attract more event planners and boost your venue's bookings?

Consider Venue Directory's Promoted Listing ad!

You'll gain increased visibility in search results, create a richer profile with detailed information, and showcase your space with stunning imagery—all designed to make planning easier and more appealing for event organisers.

Here's how a Promoted Listing ad can elevate a venue's profile:

Placement Advantage: Venues participating in the Promoted Listings ad gain prominent positioning on venuedirectory.com. This special placement ensures higher visibility, making venues stand out to meeting & event planners and potential clients.

Enhanced Exposure: This opportunity amplifies a venue's exposure to a targeted audience, showcasing its offerings to a wider group of meeting & event organisers actively seeking suitable spaces.
Increased Engagement: Elevated interaction with potential customers due to priority placement, leading to increased enquiries, bookings, and ultimately, revenue generation.

Exclusivity: Secure position as one of two venues per destination to benefit from priority placement on each search page when your destination is searched on venuedirectory.com and GRATIS.

Join the Venue Technology Revolution
By showcasing your tech-enabled features and capabilities, you can attract event planners seeking modern, dynamic spaces to host their next gathering. Remember, it's not just about having the technology; it's about telling your story and highlighting how it benefits event planners and delegates.

By utilising effective online listing platforms and crafting compelling descriptions, you can ensure your venue stands out and attracts the right clientele.

So, take the first step today!

Invest in the technology that will elevate your venue experience, and then shout it from the rooftops (or, instead, the digital marketplace like venuedirectory.com). The future of events is bright, and with the right approach, your venue can be a shining star within it.