Hot Audio-Visual Trends for 2019
The Audio-Visual landscape is not necessarily changing, but it is evolving in 2019. We are seeing many technology improvements making it more affordable for meeting planners to utilize advancements in popular audio-visual systems in the meetings and events industry. What better way to remain relevant in today’s competitive marketplace than to use some really cool technology to show off your organization’s staying power?
Augmented Reality (AR)
While virtual reality (VR) is certainly cool, the technology is more geared towards gaming and other highly specialized applications. In the Audio-Visual world, it’s augmented reality (AR) that continues to make strides in digital transformation trends for meetings and events. AR has found a real home in workforce training, making it efficient and useful for all sorts of educational applications.
Thanks to popular apps like Snapchat and Pokémon GO, and platforms like Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore, AR is now mainstream. Event planners can create unique memorable experiences for their guests by incorporating the technology in their 2019 events. They can use it to make their sponsor signs come to life, or they can highlight a city excursion by bringing it into the welcome reception, or even have a celebrity “crash” they keynote address! You’re only limited by your own creativity.
Enhanced Video Conferencing
Virtual face-to-face meetings are increasing in popularity. And, with that, video conferencing is growing rapidly in many sectors. With the enhancements made to video conference technology, two-way interactivity will become more prevalent in 2019. It allows groups in “live” and “off-site” locations to engage with the same content. Also, a simulcast conference with events occurring in two different locations can use live video and audio to allow the hosts, speakers, and audience members to interact in a real-time, two-way communication process.
Sensory Displays
Visual displays not only make sharing information easier, but in 2019, the use of visual displays will improve the overall meeting experience itself. Sensory technology in the audio-visual world can be used to detect when people enter a room or walk in front of a display. When it engages, the display comes to life or the music starts. Many exhibitors are utilizing the technology in their tradeshow booths by engaging when someone stops in front of their booth. Additionally, venues are using sensory displays to monitor a room’s temperature and air quality in order to make the rooms optimally comfortable for guests.
LED Walls
Is pipe-and-drape becoming a boring drag? Try something new in 2019! LED lighting technology has not only improved in clarity, but in lowered cost as well. More and more event planners are opting for more visually appealing sets for their events. LED walls can be used as dynamic displays while serving as a replacement for pipe-and-drape in many situations. Creative content displayed on LED walls can serve as step-and-repeats or backdrops. They can also display videos as part of a presentation. Some are programmed to constantly change to acknowledge sponsors or presenters. The possibilities are limitless, and the implementation costs can be more affordable when you consider replacing the costs for pipe-and-drape or traditional print signage.