Counting sheep? AVCOM survey reveals 1 in 10 attendees have dozed off in boredom at an event.
Event attendees have worked (51%), looked at their phone (48%), eaten or drank something (41%) or fallen asleep (11%) when they became disengaged at an event.
The findings are part of AVCOM’s new report ‘Experience More: The Future of Events Report 2023’ which found that 97% of respondents have become disengaged at an event.
“Audiences now demand more sophisticated technologies to keep them engaged, like virtual and augmented reality. Even holograms aren’t being ruled out by today’s tech-curious event attendees”
AVCOM’s report uses research, carried out by Censuswide, to delve into the future of corporate events. Carried out among 200 professionals in Ireland who attend corporate events, the research provides powerful insights into the future of corporate events in Ireland, with the role of technology proving to be a major factor for engaging event-goers.
When not engaged, event attendees admit to having worked (51%), looked at their phone (48%), eaten or drank something (41%) or fallen asleep (11%). A significant proportion of attendees have even carried out household chores (23%).
The digital future of events
The report found that attendees seek to have more experiential elements incorporated into events in order to keep them engaged. Respondents identified networking (56%) as the primary motivation for attending an event, followed by hearing from subject matter experts (50%). On average, the maximum length of time event attendees want a speech or presentation to last is 26 minutes, 18 seconds.
Although traditional technologies can enhance the experience of event attendees, there is an increasing desire for a more immersive experience. Event attendees are interested in technologies such as a dedicated event app (86%); high production values covering staging, visuals, lighting and set design (81%); Virtual Reality (71%); Augmented Reality (67%); and holograms (65%).
While technology has the potential to engage attendees, it can also have a negative impact when it malfunctions. When asked about the most frustrating technology issues that they have encountered at events, 58% cited bad audio. Following this was poor video quality during presentations (45%); inadequate video quality when joining virtually (41%); difficult-to-see presentations (38%); no or bad Wi-Fi (35%); and poor lighting (20%).
“The events industry has transformed, and we recognise the need to adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers and their attendees,” said Paul Murphy, managing director of AVCOM.
“Our research highlights that the expectations of audiences have evolved, and it is no longer enough to focus on traditional technologies. Audiences now demand more sophisticated technologies to keep them engaged, like virtual and augmented reality. Even holograms aren’t being ruled out by today’s tech-curious event attendees.
“Through the use of life-centred design-led thinking and the latest cutting-edge technology, AVCOM creates dynamic and immersive event experiences that engage attendees on multiple levels and leave a lasting impression.
“We believe that events are about more than just providing information; they are about bringing people together, fostering connections, and enabling collaboration. Our commitment to our customers is to work closely with them to deliver best-in-class experiences that enable attendees to experience more and achieve their goals, both online and offline.”
Main image at top: Olivia Breene, head of Business Development & Marketing, and Paul Murphy, managing director, AVCOM
