Best way to learn about MICE technology? Use it!

It’s no secret that the best way to understand and learn to use new technology is to see it in action.

It’s no secret that the best way to understand and learn to use new technology is to see it in action. Meeting planners at IMEX America, currently taking place in Las Vegas, have been finding out about event technology and meeting the experts behind the latest innovations in a new series of EventTech Tours running throughout the show. Led by Tahira Endean, one of the “Top Five Women in EventTech,” the tours feature several companies who are leading the way in technology for the meetings and event sector.

Tahira said: “The exhibitors have been very helpful in putting the technology into context. We’ve also had great feedback from the buyers who’ve been on the tours.” Carrie Drummond of Ansible by Red Hat, who took part in one of the tours said: “I’m really happy I came on this tour. It’s given me a short taste and insight into several types of technologies that I only know a little about and which are not on my appointment schedule.”


TECHknowledge

Planners can also sample the latest tech solutions for event planning, budgeting and sourcing at the TECHknowledge Area. Experts are on hand to deliver targeted technology sessions, TECHbytes, answering questions on hot topics such as Snapchat, Slack, OneNote and wearable technology, and guiding visitors through the latest tech in the Gadget Lab.

In addition to the EventTech Tours, almost 40 education sessions covering various aspects of technology are taking place in the Inspiration Hub during the show and are attracting great interest.

In the run up to the show, buyers have also had the chance to use Zenvoy, a new networking technology. IMEX has introduced this one-to-one business introduction service for professionals, groups & events to enable buyers to meet like-minded colleagues and make better contacts more easily at the event. Joanna Oliver of EmCare said, “I’m excited to see IMEX doing this, it helps to find expertise easily, to share experiences and make valuable connections.”



As well as experiencing the latest technology developments, planners also had a glimpse of some of the technology set to make waves in the industry at the #IMEXpitch. Event technology start-ups had the opportunity to showcase their products to an audience of event professionals at the show. The five finalists presented their products to a live audience. London based Grip, the world’s first artificial intelligence powered event networking solution, was crowned the winner by an expert judging panel.

Grip will receive a free space on the Technology Pavilion at next year’s show in addition to press and marketing exposure.

IMEX America is currently taking place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® Las Vegas from October 18-20, 2016, preceded by Smart Monday, October 17.

eTN is a media partner for IMEX.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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