As technology continues to transform the industry, event professionals everywhere are familiar with new enhancements such as video mapping, virtual reality and innovative photo booths. However, due to its focus on experiential technology, digital business solutions are often confused.
Operational tech may not look as flashy as celebratory tech, but it’s important to give the backend the attention it deserves. After all, a strong business foundation allows you to appeal to your clients with poise and professionalism.
So what does 2023 have in store for us? Here are his five tech trends to optimize your business for the new year.
Ongoing Appreciation for Virtual Meetings
While in-person events are (thankfully) back on the scene, virtual consulting continues to support a smooth and comfortable client experience.Apps like Zoom and CloudHQ make it easy to schedule and stay away. Meetings can be held from any location. This is especially useful for busy professionals and destination clients planning from a distance. Do not downgrade your video calling app of choice yet.
The move to digital onboarding
Digital onboarding tools go hand-in-hand with virtual consulting to provide clients with a seamless, contactless experience, from inquiry to booking. Businesses using e-signatures report faster turnaround times, increased productivity, and up to 80% more conversions. In 2023, industry-specific platforms that offer contract, invoicing, and e-signature capabilities will continue to innovate new ways to streamline the onboarding workflow for event professionals.
Growing interest in security
Online security should be a top priority for business owners in 2023 as the threat of cyberattacks grows. Keeping your digital environment safe is more than just protecting your internal data. It also protects your customers’ private information, such as addresses, credit card information, and other sensitive information. Two great places to start are:
- Keep your logins safe with a password manager like 1Password or LastPass.
- Start using our secure cloud storage system to confidentially back up your data. Backblaze is a great option.
A new interpretation of communication
Business success depends on effective communication with both your team and your clients. Email has certainly taken its place, but expectations have shifted to shorter-form messages. Consider trying apps like Slack or Voxer to skip overly long emails. Loom is also a great option for recording videos and embedding a personal touch into communications with team members and clients.
A new perception of data
In an aesthetics-based industry, it’s time to lean into the quantitative side of the business. From ad performance to social media messages, you can collect a wealth of information from your data! Set up Google Analytics (or hire an expert) and check your numbers regularly. We also look at social media metrics and compare the results of our marketing efforts to each other to determine how best to attract and engage our ideal clients.
The future of the event business is bright as technology helps pave the way for better client experiences, streamlined backends, and effective marketing strategies.
Implementing new technology takes time and effort, so start small and build from there. In 2023, we aim to embrace one or two of these trends, such as increasing cybersecurity and digitizing the onboarding process, moving you and your team to a more optimized digital workspace. Please be patient until Then the rest will come naturally!
Elizabeth Shields is co-founder of rock paper scissors coinis the first software platform that brings together wedding planners, couples and vendors in one system to manage and pay contracts and bills. Elizabeth is also the lead wedding planner for an award-winning company. bridal blissand manages the Seattle team. In addition to being recognized in Special Events’ Top 25 Event Pros to Watch series, she also earned a spot in her 2021 The BizBash 500.
