Using real-time response technology to put safety first

VenuIQ’s Oliver Rowe flags the importance of real-time technology solutions for the safe return of live events:   Although the live events industry has been severely impacted by the Covid pandemic, new research commissioned by printing company, Epson, suggests there will be a strong bounce-back for the sector once lockdown restrictions are lifted. It found that 63% of the public felt frustrated by not being able to experience in-person events, and 83% of people planned to go to the same or a greater number of events once lockdown restrictions were lifted. While many attendees cannot wait to get back to live, in-person events this year, it is important that organisers keep in mind that some people may be worried about the health and safety aspect of physically attending an event. Safety and engagement will go hand in hand, as delegates will only be willing to attend an event in person if they are reassured necessary provisions have been taken to prioritise their health and safety. As such, organisers need to ensure their event stands out not just for its content and networking value but for the steps they have taken to make it as ‘Covid secure’ as possible. Leveraging technology and data Using real-time response technology is one of the most promising ways for organisers to enhance engagement and put ‘safety-first’ in the driver’s seat for all events. Taking advantage of technology and data to supplement, automate or replace manual approaches is key in implementing both preventative and responsive safety protocols at live events. Tech-enabled solutions will drive insights and informed decision-making, adherence to protocols, and transparency, ultimately helping delegates regain trust and creating an environment that is both safe and responsible. Event apps  As venues reopen, the use of event apps can go a long way in supporting social distancing, protection and detection, with app-based heat maps, capacity trackers and contactless ordering systems helping delegates safely navigate events. Virtual tracking tools can allow organisers to live monitor the number of attendees who check in and out of their sessions and rooms, enabling them to effectively manage capacity and maintain social distancing measures. Many participants will no longer be willing to use kiosks or stand in long queues, so organisers also need to look for ways to optimise delegates’ check-in experience, for example by using platforms that enable them to register via their smart phones, which can speed up event registration and limit person-to-person contact. Wearable tech  Wearable tech solutions can also be implemented to allow venues and organisers to measure the number of attendees per space or seminar room, and alert delegates if they get within two metres of another individual for more than a few seconds. The technology can also provide automatic track and trace, where, in the instance of a later identified positive Covid-19 case, anyone tracked within close proximity can easily be informed and told to self-isolate. Event organisers who positively contribute to contact tracing efforts once an attendee tests positive at a later date will find it easier to build public confidence for future events. The future is hybrid Even with safety measures in place, not everyone will be able to get back to venues immediately. Therefore, organisers looking to maximise the reach of their events should consider adopting a hybrid model to deliver experiences beyond in-person attendance and offer the best of both worlds. The pandemic kickstarted a huge shift to virtual events, which proved a popular solution to lockdown restrictions, with some platforms reporting a 1,000% increase in business during the pandemic. As well as safeguarding against the spread of Covid, increasing options for virtual participation will make events more inclusive for those with access requirements. Conclusion The Covid-19 pandemic has likely changed event hosting forever and, while best practices for live events will continue to evolve post-pandemic, it is clear that technology will remain central. Innovative solutions will keep events moving forward with safety concerns at the forefront, and organisers who invest in and integrate their events with technologies will be able to enhance their event experiences, both live and hybrid, and ensure safety and security first and foremost. Oliver Rowe, is co-founder of VenuIQ