AI: The Game-Changer in Event Experiences

Embracing AI in 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a groundbreaking force. Drawing from insights in Andreessen Horowitz’s Big Ideas In Tech for 2024, this post explores the transformative role in AI in live events and beyond. As we delve deeper into 2024, it’s clear that AI is not just a tool for innovation; it’s redefining how we interact, learn, and experience the world around us.

Illustrative image of woman in a crowd looking down at a tablet.

Image generated by AI

AI: Transforming the Event Industry

The event industry stands at the forefront of experiencing AI’s revolutionary impact. Far from being limited to backend automation, AI is now crafting immersive and interactive narratives, offering personalized and engaging experiences to attendees. Its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time enables the creation of experiences that deeply resonate with individual attendees, turning each event into a unique and memorable journey.

Gen City Labs launches an AI brand-ambassador

A prime example of AI’s capabilities in transforming event experiences is seen our work at Gen City Labs. For a major spirits brand, we developed an AI persona launched at a flagship event in NYC. This AI bot combined the roles of a brand historian and a friendly bartender, offering not just spirits knowledge and cocktail recipes but an engaging, interactive experience. The front-end interface was meticulously designed to be both intellectually and visually appealing, showcasing how AI can create brand experiences that are not only informative but also deeply engaging and memorable. The concept of utilizing an AI trained on brand data, it’s origin story, along with sharable content can create a unique and compelling experience for your customers.

Bartender pouring a drink surrounded by glasses, garnishes and other bar fixtures.

Photo by Andra C Taylor Jr on Unsplash

AI: Beyond Automation to Personalization

The true power of AI lies in its unparalleled ability to customize experiences at small group or individual levels. Here are some of the personalized event experiences powered by AI that have us feeling inspired:

Interactive Learning Sessions: AI analyzes attendees’ professional backgrounds and learning preferences, creating custom workshop groups that facilitate more effective and engaging learning experiences.
Dynamic Content Adjustment: At cultural events or exhibitions, AI tailors the information presented to individual attendees’ interests, such as providing more detailed insights into specific art styles or eras.
Personalized Networking Opportunities: AI assesses attendee profiles to suggest ideal networking matches, enhancing the value of professional gatherings.
Customized Entertainment: AI’s ability to adjust a music festivals’ performances in real-time based on audience reactions ensures a dynamic and engaging musical experience.
Real-Time Accessibility Adjustments: AI enhances event inclusivity by offering real-time adjustments for accessibility needs, such as sign language interpretation or personalized navigation assistance.

Image of music festival. Crowd on a sunny day with clouds of color pigment and stages.

Photo by Tony Pham on Unsplash

AI-Powered Emotional Intelligence:

We’ve been having lots of internal discussions about privacy, ethical use of AI and attendee consent, and the use of facial analysis by AI is often a tricky one. However, a forward-thinking event organizer paired with thoughtful legal releases and a brilliant narrative could use AI technology to inform a new, hyper-personalized attendee experience:

AI could analyze facial expressions and body language to gauge attendee engagement, allowing real-time tweaks to event elements like pace, tone, or content delivery.
Emotional AI might adjust ambient elements; a detected drop in energy could trigger an upbeat music set or a humorous interlude to re-engage the audience.
Future use case: At a conference, if the AI detects signs of confusion or lack of understanding, it could prompt speakers to clarify points or adapt their presentations on the fly.

Extended Reality Integration:

In our most recent livestream we explored the intersection of the Apple Vision Pro + AI insights through the lens of marketing and brand experiences. We were inspired by all the ways that brands can empower consumers to DIY solutions for common home & vehicle owner issues, with the added opportunities of AR and VR to create resources far beyond a printed manual. Shifting to events:

For virtual or hybrid events: AI could personalize immersive content based on the user’s profile or past interactions, guiding them through a customized virtual event space with targeted, visually stimulating demos unique to headset wearers. Consider it a way to create a more manageable experience without the overstimulation of vendors not aligned to your business needs.
Future use case: During a product launch, AI-integrated XR could create a scenario where attendees virtually use the product, providing instant feedback used to tailor the experience further.

Sustainable Event Planning:

Partnering with venues to achieve sustainability goals is on the 2024 priorities list for many event planners. A future of AI influenced standards for the future could include:

AI predicts attendance flow patterns to optimize venue resource use, like air conditioning or lighting, for different event zones, reducing energy waste (as well as benefits of intelligent staffing).
For outdoor events, AI might analyze historical weather data and current trends to suggest the most sustainable setup for stages, seating, and concessions.
Future use case: At a festival, AI could monitor waste bin levels to schedule efficient trash collection, improving cleanliness and making it easier for attendees to make the right choices when disposing of waste and recycling.

The Essential Role of AI in 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 progresses, the role of AI in transforming industries becomes increasingly clear. For those in the event industry seeking to create memorable, educational or connection-building experiences, leveraging AI for interactive event engagement and personalization is essential. AI is not merely a technological advancement; it’s a paradigm shift that is redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in our professional and personal lives.

Discover the other custom AI powered brand experiences we’re conjuring up in the Lab by getting in touch.

Save the date for our next live broadcast!

Every other week we host casual, interactive livestream conversations leave attendees feeling inspired, and this time we’re exploring the future of conference keynote experiences. Join us as we discuss new, interactive and visually stunning ways that event organizers can level up attendee and presenter experiences.

Set a remind on LinkedIn or YouTube:

About Gen City Labs:

We’re a creative studio, crafting interactive experiences that captivate audiences and drive engagement. We collaborate with brands and agencies to bring their visions to life across both live and virtual channels. Our team of experts leverage the latest technologies to create showstopping storytelling within interactive pop-ups, activations, flagship retail, tradeshow booths, innovation centers and more. GCL is the trusted partner of choice for Fortune 500 brands and global agencies with over 15 years experience creating custom XR and emerging technology activations.

If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch at info@gencitylabs.io.