Tag Archives: Exhibit

Mixing Virtual and Real-World Experiences at Events

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We've talked about the impact Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are having in government work, but the technologies also stand to make a huge difference in the events world. This opens up new possibilities for learning and interaction. Currently, VR is being introduced into events as entertainment -- an add-on experience to networking and gala dinners. AI is being used behind the scenes to expedite event logistics. Soon, both technologies will make their way further into events and change how attendees interact with the event and each other.

  • International Collaboration - Google is testing a new speech-to-speech translation technology, Translatotron, which would enable real-time translation at events. Through headsets, attendees would hear a close approximation of the speaker's voice in their selected language in near real-time. The AI translation can run as long as people are willing to talk and listen. Events could use this two-way communication technology for general session Q&A as well as one-on-one networking.
  • Accessibility - AI and VR are reimagining sign language interpretation. HoloHear uses Microsoft HoloLens goggles to show a signing virtual reality figure. This augmented reality helps the deaf maintain focus on the speaker, on-stage visuals, and the translator.
  • Training - While face-to-face interaction will continue to be a huge part of events and training, VR-led training is being introduced to tackle a number of more "challenging interpersonal scenarios" where in-person training might be uncomfortable.
  • More realistic experience - An event is a great place to get hands-on with a product, but it may not be the best place to truly experience a product. This article illustrates how using VR can put people in the ideal atmosphere. For example, the reaction someone may have to drinking an expensive champagne may be different if they are looking around a noisy tradeshow floor versus being immersed in a VR experience at a five-star restaurant. Building the right atmosphere for the initial product experience may lead to a better reception and reaction.

We'd love to hear from you! What are some applications of VR and AI you've seen at events? Share your thoughts in the comments. Visit GovEvents for more government events worldwide.

You Know the Type

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As we gear back up for tradeshow and conference season it is good to be prepared for the variety of challenges and experiences that come your way on the show floor. If you have spent any time staffing a booth you know that many attendees can be lumped into general "hard to deal with" groups. Below we list out some of the people you are likely to encounter and how best to turn around the experience and make it a positive one for both of you.[Tweet "You know the type... Which one is your favorite? #GovEventsBlog"]

  • The one who never makes eye contact - some people are shy, introverted, and just not interested in making small talk. Valid reasons for someone to avoid interacting with you, but as an exhibitor you cannot write these folks off. Try to engage them in a way that is comfortable for them. Have some self-guided demos on hand so they can walk through them (alone) and hopefully afterward they will have some questions to engage you in conversation.

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Speaking from Experience: Exhibitor Tips

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Let's do a show! If only it was that easy. Exhibiting at any event requires a good bit of planning and forethought. Of course, you need to focus on the message you'll be delivering, develop a booth and collateral that delivers that message, and possibly even create new demos (we'll have a post on that later), but there are plenty of other details that you need to pay attention to in order to make the show a success. We wanted to share some tactical tips we've learned (through success and failure) that will help you and your team get the most out of exhibiting.

  • Mark your calendar to take advantage of early bird pricing for exhibitor materials and services. It can save you some big money. Ship or bring other supplies like trash cans, power strips, and extension cords with your booth rather than renting them from the show vendor.

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