Andrew Dubber, from Interactive Cultures, discusses the changing nature of events, and exhibition management with BCU colleague Duncan Sedgwick, Course Director for MA Events Management. In these days of barcamps and unconferences, what is the future for the events industry? Are companies cutting back on events expenditure in light of the recession? And how is technology being used in conferences?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:32 — 15.8MB)
The events industry has had its day of charging over the top prices for experimental services and products. Companies have got wise to the cost of products, services, venue charges, commissions, entertainment etc.. Event companies now have to look at leverage deals and bargaining supplier prices down to be competitive in this tough market. I am finding that goodwill and open book accounting all help the trust element of event management and the opportunity for repeat business, which is worth its weight in gold at the moment.
At Big Cat I am constantly trying to integrate social media into all events, from live blogging to a pre event social media build up. Also I have just incorporated a live interactive text to screen element to a recent event, which gave real time answers via graphs from questions posed by the audience and sponsors.