EIBTM 2011 Technology Watch

The EIBTM Technology Watch is a recognized technology award in the meetings industries.

The objectives are double, one the one hand it recognizes technology innovation and it highlights significant trends that have impacts on the meeting industries (meeting planners, attendees and exhibitors)

The winner was selected from 56 applications. There were seven judges in relation with the meetings industry and technology but not selling any technology product. They took into account several elements in their notation such as the concept, innovation and the potential value for our sector. 

Near Field Communication, called shortly NFC, was highlighted by the companies selected. NFC is a short-range wireless technology. The difference with Wi-Fi is that we can quickly swap data between devices when they are touched together like QR code. For the meetings industries, we can use it for the positioning and way finding especially for big events for example.

This year the award goes to ITN International. They use NFC for the attendees and it is inexpensive. It allows the attendees’ name badge to be used as a ticket to city attraction where the event is held.

It has been implemented in Amsterdam for the first time with an innovating partnership. Thus, it allows the city to be more attractive for the attendees and on the other hand, the city collects the data regarding the impacts of the event on its territory. 

The number of applications (56) shows the relation between the meetings industry and technology. In fact, it is increasingly used in order to improve the management of events.

We have identified some trends, which are emerging:

• The increase and development of multi-purpose mobile apps for phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
• Streaming, webcasting and conference content delivery. We are here talking about hybrid events for remote audience at a low cost.
• Trend for greener events with less paper
• Attendees management

Meetings industries will continue to advance with technology tools which are becoming better and better. It is vital for us to be aware of all these innovation to be competitive and to meet the need of the attendees. 

Julia Plaquet and Jhanani Thevaharan