Those who have read my blog regularly know that I have a sort of love/hate relationship with technology, but with
OCE’s Discovery just around the corner I am getting pumped up by the enormous and awe inspiring display of invention and ingenuity the show has to offer, from wearable technology, to smart home appliances, 3D printers, robots, drones, smart cars and advancing tech including such issues as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
One thing is abundantly clear to me; innovators, no matter what sector, continue to dream big, creating products and services that push beyond what we once thought imaginable.
While some of us are still getting used to the technology from last year, others are moving recklessly into a world where everything you wear, drive and touch in your home, hotels and shops is connected via the Internet.
So why do I feel uncomfortable with the pace of innovation? I guess the analytical side of me wants to test it, make it prove itself to me as a long running contender; make it show me that I can trust it. But after all the kinks have been worked out – am I too late? When it becomes commonplace then is it not just another dusty old relic?
Add in the vast number of new technologies out there for the event industry and my uneasiness jolts to science fiction level horror. Everyone claims to have the latest and greatest and taking that leap of faith is as daunting as Frankenstein taking his first step.
I am not sure I can lead you out of this black hole of mayhem, but as with any predicament I revert back to simple non-tech decision making with good old sensible research:
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Take every opportunity to learn about anything that is new that can help your business and your clients
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What do you or your client or event really need from technology? …seriously - maybe your client’s conference is not ready for beacon tracking their attendees
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What is your budget? … realistically
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What device, app, system gives you the most bang for the buck? …and will actually be used by attendees
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Learn from your suppliers reaching out to audio visual partners and special effects professionals.
So for right now I am TECHish – loving technology with a skittish caution.
Come back in a few weeks and the aNd team will give you their picks for latest and greatest apps, gadgets and dongles.
Hope my “Free Idea” makes your Friday!