We at zappit think that the greatest thing is that so many of the trends can be fulfilled with contactless technology like Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – better known as iBeacons. So with reference to some of these tech trends, here are 9 reasons why it’s worth integrating NFC and BLE into the event mix:

1. Speed up on-site registration

When attendees arrive at an event they want to be able to register and collect their badge quickly. This is all possible with an NFC based registration system with each name badge featuring a unique NFC tag.

2. Faster session check-in

Now that attendees are wearing NFC name badges it unlocks interactions in new ways. Session check-in can now work like the Oyster card system with more intelligent readers than traditional, bulky and expensive barcode scanners.

3. Efficient lead generation

Why use barcode scanners when smart devices coupled with software can provide exhibitors with a more convenient, accessible, and cost effective method of capturing and qualifying leads and recovering data.

4. Collect more feedback

Collecting feedback from attendees to understand and measure event success is hugely important but response rates tend to drop if the feedback survey is paper-based or emailed to attendees after the event. With NFC it’s possible to create a personalised, on-site feedback survey only displaying the most relevant questions based on attendees’ unique experiences. Using NFC also means that the feedback experience is quicker and easier as attendees do not need to enter their contact details.

5. iBeacons – new way to communicate

Bluetooth Low Energy (iBeacon) is the much talked about mobile technology that is changing the

retail shopping experience

. The same technology is entirely applicable in the events world as it provides a new, innovative channel for communication.  It allows event organisers and exhibitors the opportunity to notify attendees with relevant, targeted digital messages as they walk around an exhibition.

6. Help visitors navigate through event space

Location based services are becoming increasingly relevant for large exhibitions with hundreds of exhibition stands. With Bluetooth Low Energy it is now possible to add value to attendees by providing additional functionality within an event app to help them easily navigate around an exhibition.

7. Track visitor movements

For some event organisers it’s important to understand exactly where attendees are going within an event, dwell time at exhibition stands, which sessions they have attended etc. For large, open spaces Bluetooth Low Energy is the best solution for tracking such information. RFID is also a possibility for tracking attendees as they walk through defined entrances. The great thing about this technology is that attendees do not need to be disrupted by having their badges scanned, allowing for a free flowing event with no queues.

8. Offer a personalised journey

If you can create a unique, personal experience for your audience it is more likely that they will feel connected and engaged throughout the event. Whether it’s personalised agendas, digital welcome messages or kiosk experiences – the capabilities of NFC and BLE enables a wide variety of customised experiences.

9. Data consolidation and real-time analytics

Now for the most important part….accessing live data and being able to easily measure event success. zappit has an easy to navigate cloud-based data management platform that consolidates of every single touch point at an event. This is an event organisers’ dream.

Round up

So there you have it…9 reasons to integrate wireless and contactless technology into events. In the zappit.co world these event tech trends are a reality as we are already providing these solutions for a number of global clients. We are excited about the future of events and hope this will inspire you to innovate and enhance the event experience for your attendees and exhibitors.