Future-Forward Events: Technologies Shaping Tomorrow’s Gatherings

The most innovative technology I saw at an event in the past year was augmented reality (AR) in live product demonstrations at the Digital Marketing Summit 2023. At this conference, one company used AR to give attendees a fully immersive experience of their product in action.

Instead of relying on static images or videos, they allowed us to interact with the product through AR, which projected a 3D model of the product into the real-world environment using smartphones. This allowed attendees to explore the product’s features in a highly engaging and informative way.

What made this technology particularly impressive was how it gave attendees the chance to experience the product in a personalized and dynamic manner.

For example, when I pointed my phone at a surface, the AR app displayed a model of the product, which I could rotate, zoom in on, and see how various features functioned in a simulated real-world setting. It offered a much clearer and more interactive view of how the product could fit into daily life compared to traditional demos that only showcase static images or videos.

As a recruiter working in the biotech, pharma, and healthcare sphere, I’m starting to see augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) take over industry events. This technology is about to transform the hiring process in the sector, and seeing it firsthand at conferences has really helped me understand how it will change the way I personally connect with talent.

The most striking part of the experience was seeing how candidates would be able to walk through virtual biotech labs, production facilities, and even the day-to-day workflow in a clinical setting. I could immediately tell that the interactions therein would be incredibly valuable to both employers and applicants. Practical experience is so important in this field, where new hires are often expected to hit the ground running.

The data that results will be an absolute game-changer to my own industry. Being able to track candidate engagement within these virtual spaces and analyze reactions in real-time will help us assess not just their technical knowledge but also how they approach problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability in real-world scenarios. It goes way beyond a traditional interview or skills test.

The most innovative technology I’ve seen at an event this past year was the integration of AI-powered platforms designed to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Specifically, this one event was where a platform used AI to analyze attendee data and tailor personalized business advice in real-time. It felt like having a one-on-one business coach available to everyone. For entrepreneurs, especially in the creative space, these tools are game-changers. They help automate content creation, customer engagement, and even business strategy—giving them more time to focus on what they do best: being creative.

This technology is a huge asset for someone like me, who teaches women how to navigate the business side of creativity.

It not only streamlines processes but also removes the overwhelm that comes with managing the business side of entrepreneurship. As a business coach, I always aim to empower my clients to embrace entrepreneurship without feeling bogged down by the details, and these AI tools do just that. They’re making it possible for people to work smarter, not harder, and scale their businesses faster while still focusing on their passion. I see this kind of technology as the future of entrepreneurship, especially for those looking to step into the freedom of owning their own businesses, without losing themselves in the logistics. It’s exciting to see how AI is enabling women to break through those business barriers with ease.

Over the past year, one of the most innovative technologies I’ve seen at an event was augmented reality (AR) in real estate presentations. At a real estate conference I attended, several developers and designers used AR to showcase their properties in a completely new way. Instead of relying solely on static images or 3D models, AR allowed potential buyers to virtually walk through a property using just their smartphones or AR glasses. 

This technology is especially powerful because it provides a more immersive experience. Buyers could explore every room, look at the finishes, and even visualize furniture placement in real time, all without needing to be physically on-site. The ability to interact with the space, without any delays or barriers, really made the experience stand out.

What I found particularly exciting was how AR could bridge the gap between online and in-person experiences. It’s one thing to view a property online, but it’s another to have that interactive, almost lifelike experience from the comfort of your own home. I’ve seen this tech not just in real estate but also in home staging, which made it even more appealing for both agents and buyers.

It really showed me how technology is shifting the way people experience and engage with homes, and I see this as the future of real estate marketing.

At a recent tech event, I was deeply impressed by the advancements in cybersecurity, particularly the integration of AI-powered threat detection systems. These systems use machine learning to predict and neutralize threats in real time, offering a robust layer of protection against emerging cyber threats. We implemented a similar approach at Next Level Technologies, allowing us to proactively shield businesses from potential attacks.

One compelling example is a case where we applied AI-driven cybersecurity solutions for a financial services client. Our custom approach not only addressed their immediate security concerns but also provided ongoing protection, reducing their cyber incident reports by 45% in the first quarter post-implementation. This technology ensures that businesses can maintain operational integrity without the fear of cybersecurity breaches.

As someone deeply involved in managed IT services, I’ve seen how integrating AI in cybersecurity is not just innovative-it’s essential.

It’s critical for companies, particularly those in vulnerable industries, to adopt such solutions to safeguard their operations and data in an increasingly digital world.

At CES 2024, one of the most innovative technologies I encountered was HaptX’s haptic gloves. These gloves take virtual reality to a whole new level by introducing tactile feedback using microfluidics, allowing users to physically feel objects in a digital environment. I think what makes this technology so compelling is its ability to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world experiences, transforming how we engage with VR beyond sight and sound. When I tried them, the sensation of petting a virtual cat was astonishingly realistic-it felt as if the fur was genuinely under my fingertips.

The practical applications of these gloves go far beyond entertainment. The US Army is already using them to train medics in battlefield simulations, providing a safer yet immersive way to prepare for high-stakes scenarios. For me personally, this experience reinforced how haptic technology could redefine fields like education, healthcare, and remote work by making virtual interactions feel tangible. While the gloves are still evolving, I believe they offer a clear glimpse into a future where VR becomes more immersive and practical for real-world training and collaboration.

In the past year, I’ve been truly impressed by advancements in thermal security camera technology. At a recent security industry event, I saw how these cameras are revolutionizing perimeter protection. Unlike traditional cameras that rely on light, thermal cameras detect heat signatures, making it nearly impossible for intruders to hide even in complete darkness or complex terrains. This technology is a game-changer for security in locations like car dealerships or large estates, where continuous monitoring of expansive areas is crucial.

For instance, at TechPro Security, we’ve implemented thermal cameras for some of our clients, including gated communities, solving a significant challenge by allowing remote monitoring and instant alerts triggered by unusual heat patterns. This proactive approach not only improves security but provides peace of mind for property owners.

As someone who travels to many conferences around the world and attended over five major ones in 2024, the most impressive technology I saw was biometric recognition. It stood out as a major improvement for making events more efficient.

At one event, biometric recognition was used with an on-site registration step where attendees scanned their fingerprints or faces when they arrived. This was much better than traditional check-ins because it removed manual checks, avoided mistakes, and made the process much simpler. It was also much faster: just 1-2 seconds per person instead of 30-60 seconds. If you multiply that by 5,000 attendees, it saves over 40 hours of time. Think about how much easier the event runs with those hours saved.

Biometric recognition is also very secure. It makes sure only the right person can access the event, stopping identity fraud.

Organizers store biometric data for a short time, and it is encrypted to protect privacy. This system saves a lot of time and lets everyone focus on the event itself instead of standing in long lines.