Event Technology: Trends to Be Followed In 2026
No matter what kind of event you are hosting, chances are you want to get it right. You want to make a big impression, make sure everyone has a good time, and maybe even move forward some key performance indicators. As with everything else in 2026, there are a lot of technological solutions.
Embracing the latest event technology not only enhances attendee experiences but also streamlines event management, making it more efficient and impactful. Let's dive into the essential event technology trends for 2026 and how they can transform your events.
Key Takeaways
- Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-driven solutions for better event management and attendee engagement.
- Smarter Networking and Lead Capture: Enhanced tools for meaningful connections.
- Mobile Apps: Improving attendee experience with seamless integration.
- Immersive AR/VR Experiences: Bridging the physical and virtual worlds.
- Sustainability: Leveraging technology for eco-friendly events.
- Strengthened Security Measures: Enhanced data protection and security protocols.
Book a demo to see how Fliplet can help.
What Is Event Technology?
Event technology encompasses the tools, apps, and software employed to plan, execute, and measure events. These innovations have transformed the events industry by streamlining the planning process through data-driven solutions. Event professionals increasingly depend on virtual, hybrid, and digital in-person events to address diverse audience needs, resulting in hassle-free and safer experiences for everyone involved. An effective event strategy is essential for maximizing these benefits.
Event technology's impact on the industry is significant, supporting collaboration by streamlining information flow and organizing tasks among stakeholders. This consolidation saves time and money while boosting the chances of achieving event goals. A staggering 90% of event professionals believe that technology positively affects event success, underscoring its importance in modern event planning.
Event technology also enhances planning by providing practical tools and reducing guesswork for organizers. These innovations aim to improve the attendee experience, reflecting positively on the brand and organization. From management software to mobile event apps, the right event technology solutions can elevate the entire attendee journey. Explore mobile event app solutions to see how technology can transform your events.
Examples of Event Technology
Integrating the right event technology tools can significantly enhance the success of your events:
- Enhancing connections among attendees — Fliplet's event networking app facilitates meaningful interactions with real-time chat, personalized profiles, and interactive forums.
- Effective promotion — Fliplet offers event marketing tools and a branded app.
- Creativity and collaboration — Fliplet's brainstorming app fosters idea generation.
- Real-time insights — Fliplet's mobile reporting app monitors engagement, session popularity, and feedback.
- Capturing and analyzing data — Fliplet's data capture tool gathers attendee behavior and feedback.
All of these functionalities can be combined into a single Fliplet event app.
Leveraging Event Technology for Enhanced Experiences
Event planners today have a powerful arsenal of tools at their disposal to create customized event experiences that resonate with their audience. Utilizing attendee preferences allows planners to boost attendee engagement. Social media platforms play a critical role in engaging attendees and fostering event-specific communities. Through live polling, AI chatbots, or virtual and augmented reality, the objective is to craft unforgettable experiences that keep attendees engaged.
In-person events benefit from technology like event apps, which provide personalized schedules, interactive maps, and timely updates. These mobile event apps facilitate seamless navigation and real-time communication, making the entire event experience more interactive and engaging. Hybrid events leverage both virtual and in-person event interactions, ensuring an immersive experience for all attendees.
Modern technology investment transforms virtual events into engaging experiences. Platforms with live streaming and participation options significantly boost attendee engagement. AI chatbots offer immediate assistance, enhancing the overall attendee experience. Incorporating event technology continues to expand the number of virtual events and virtual event attendees globally.
Why Is Event Technology Important?
Event tech is vital because it enhances efficiency, improves attendee experiences, and provides valuable insights through data analytics. By leveraging the right tools, event planners can ensure smooth operations and maximize the impact of their events. Your event tech also adds to the allure—it offers people a chance to try out new things, and that alone can get people through the door with curiosity.
How To Choose the Right Event Tech
Selecting the appropriate event technology can be daunting, but a structured approach can simplify it:
- Align with Current Workflows: Ensure the technology enhances rather than disrupts existing processes.
- Phased Implementation: Introduce new technology in phases, starting with essential features.
- Evaluate Compatibility: Check for compatibility between different technology systems to maintain operational efficiency.
- Consider Total Costs: Look beyond the initial price and consider setup and maintenance costs to make an informed choice.
- Leverage Automation: Opt for technologies that reduce errors through automation, such as avoiding double-booked booths.
- Experienced Vendors: Partner with vendors who have extensive experience in the event industry for reliable solutions.
Clearly identify your event's objectives—whether increasing attendee engagement, streamlining operations, or gathering insightful data. Your chosen technology should directly support these goals. Match your needs first; if you only need a few key functions, there's no point investing in a highly expensive option that's hard to master. A solid event strategy helps you prioritize. For in-person events, focus on registration software, mobile apps for real-time updates, check-in management, interactive maps, and attendee tracking. For virtual events, opt for live streaming, virtual networking, interactive sessions (Q&A, polls, chat), and high-quality video and audio. For hybrid events, look for live streaming of physical sessions, virtual breakout rooms, hybrid networking tools, and seamless synchronization.
Key Factors When Choosing Event Technology
Hybrid Compatibility: Choose technology that seamlessly integrates both in-person and virtual elements. User-Friendliness: Choose tools that are intuitive and easy to navigate for both planners and attendees. Reliability: Opt for proven solutions with a strong track record. Top Customer Support: Look for 24/7 availability and multiple contact channels. Easy Accessibility: Mobile compatibility, multilingual support, and accessibility options. Security: Attendees should trust that their information is safe.
How To Find the Best Event Tech
Explore event technology review sites like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot for ratings, user reviews, and comparisons. Pay close attention to platforms where Fliplet is highly rated—Fliplet is well-regarded on G2 for comprehensive solutions. Consider user feedback on ease of use, customer support, and relevant features. Compare features and pricing to determine which tools offer the best value. For event websites and apps in one place, Fliplet is a strong option.
Fliplet: Best Event Technology Tool for 2026
Fliplet stands out as the top event management platform for 2026. Advanced Event Management: Real-time updates, personalized schedules, polls and Q&A sessions. AI-Driven Solutions: Fliplet leverages AI for personalized experiences and smarter data analytics, automating scheduling, registration, and follow-ups. Superior Networking Tools: Real-time chat, personalized attendee profiles, interactive forums. Immersive and Sustainable Technology: AR/VR technologies; digital tickets and programs. Enhanced Security and Support: Robust protection of attendee data; 24/7 customer support. Book a demo to see how Fliplet can help.
Event Technology Trends for 2026
The events industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to key trends in 2026. Notably, 68.9% of event organizers report that event software positively impacts their events' success, and post-pandemic, 90% of professionals believe technology enhances event success. The following sections explore some of the top event technology trends that streamline various aspects of event planning, making processes faster and more efficient.
Among the most notable trends are the integration of digital twins, AI, virtual reality, and a strong focus on sustainability. Digital twins allow event planners to create virtual simulations of event setups, reducing the need for physical prototypes and minimizing waste. This technology also enables real-time performance monitoring, helping to optimize resource usage and lower energy consumption. AI, virtual reality, and sustainability are set to significantly reshape the industry, with many planners prioritizing eco-friendly practices and venues.
AI-Powered Personalization
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming event planning by providing personalized experiences and recommendations based on attendee preferences and behavior. AI-powered solutions generate insights into the entire attendee journey, helping create more tailored experiences. Tracking attendee preferences and behaviors allows planners to tailor experiences to individual needs, ensuring a more engaging event.
Additionally, AI improves communication and engagement by streamlining event-related content creation. AI chatbots provide 24/7 assistance to attendees, ensuring their needs are met throughout the event. Utilizing AI in event planning streamlines key touchpoints, improves security, and enhances the overall attendee experience.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are revolutionizing events by offering immersive and interactive environments for attendees globally. These technologies allow attendees to explore virtual venue tours, participate in interactive sessions, and engage with content in a more dynamic way. Recent advancements have made VR and AR more affordable, increasing their accessibility for a broader range of events.
The integration of VR and AR into event planning offers numerous benefits. For example, VR can create virtual simulations of event setups, while AR can enrich in-person experiences by overlaying digital information onto the physical world. These technologies not only boost attendee engagement but also create memorable experiences that resonate long after the event concludes.
Contactless Solutions
Facial recognition technology is revolutionizing event check-ins by expediting registration processes and significantly enhancing security. This technology enhances the attendee experience by allowing for faster entry and exit at the venue. However, it is crucial to obtain attendee consent to address privacy challenges associated with facial recognition.
RFID technology is another contactless solution gaining traction. RFID wristbands and badges gather attendee admission data, detect security access, and streamline entry processes. These technologies provide cost-effective data collection and validate event success. Overall, contactless check-ins enhance safety and streamline logistics, reducing queues and improving the overall attendee experience.
Rise of AI: Personalized experiences, automation (scheduling, registration, follow-ups), real-time data analysis. Smarter Networking and Lead Capture: Enhanced matchmaking, lead scoring, real-time engagement tools. Mobile Apps: Real-time updates, personalized schedules, polls, Q&A, networking tools. Immersive AR/VR: Virtual tours, immersive presentations, virtual networking lounges. Hybrid: Unified platforms, interactive content, synchronized experiences. Sustainability: Digital tickets and programs, energy efficiency, waste reduction. Security: Data protection, secure transactions, access control.
Top Event Technologies
Mobile Event Apps: A Must-Have Tool
Mobile event apps have become essential for modern events, providing attendees with instant access to schedules, networking opportunities, and real-time updates. These apps enhance engagement through features like live polling, Q&A sessions, and interactive maps. Mobile event apps also facilitate communication between attendees, speakers, and organizers, creating a more connected event experience.
For event organizers, mobile apps offer valuable analytics and insights into attendee behavior, helping to measure event success and identify areas for improvement. These apps can also reduce costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for printed materials and reducing waste. Consider using an event website to complement your mobile app strategy.
Enhancing Networking Opportunities with Event Tech
Event technology has greatly enhanced networking opportunities, enabling better user experiences and instant connections among attendees. Features such as matchmaking systems and virtual networking events enhance connections among attendees, speakers, and sponsors. These advancements foster connections, community, and meaningful conversations, leading to improved networking outcomes.
Integration of social media within event platforms fosters collaboration and valuable networking exchanges. Advanced analytics in event tech allows organizers to track engagement patterns, leading to more effective networking opportunities. In 2026, measuring the strength of relationships, known as Return on Relationships (ROR), will be crucial for event success.
Event Registration Software: Simplifying Sign-Ups
Event registration software simplifies the sign-up process for events. Cloud-based event management software aids in automating time-consuming tasks, allowing organizers to focus on essential aspects of event planning. This software also centralizes attendee data, making tracking and managing information more efficient. Automating tasks with this software saves time throughout the event planning process and enhances the effectiveness of event management tools.
Modern registration software often integrates seamlessly with payment gateways, streamlining the financial aspect of event management. These tools ensure compliance with data protection regulations, enhancing attendee information security. Many event registration tools now feature mobile-friendly interfaces, making it easier for attendees to sign up and access information on the go.
Sustainability Through Event Technology
Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone in event planning, with technology solutions playing a crucial role in driving this change. Mobile event apps offer digital information access, significantly reducing paper usage during events. Digital registration further reduces environmental impact by minimizing the need for printed materials. These eco-friendly practices reduce waste and align with global initiatives to lower environmental footprints.
Key sustainable practices in event planning include minimizing carbon footprints, using sustainable materials, local sourcing, recycling, and composting. The future of event planning hinges on integrating innovative event technology solutions that prioritize sustainability. Adopting these technologies enables event planners to host successful events while promoting environmental responsibility.
Event Marketing Technology for Business Growth
Event marketing technology is vital for driving business growth and audience engagement. Email marketing tools facilitate personalized event messaging and targeted promotions. These tools enable event planners to capture insights throughout the attendee journey and optimize event strategies for better outcomes. Social media enhances event marketing by promoting events through attendee-generated content and fostering interaction across platforms. Learn how event apps can enhance your marketing efforts.
Data analytics is crucial in event marketing technology, enabling marketers to make informed decisions based on attendee behavior and preferences. Using these digital tools, event planners can create more effective marketing campaigns, resulting in increased attendance and business growth. Integrating social media platforms, email marketing tools, and data analytics ensures a comprehensive approach to event marketing. Learn more about event reporting to track your marketing success.
Partnering with Event Technology Vendors
Choosing the right event technology vendors is crucial for hosting successful events. When selecting vendors, consider functionalities and innovative features that meet your event's specific needs. Prioritizing customer support and success tools can improve your decision-making process. Effective communication with vendors during planning can prevent miscommunication and minimize errors.
Researching key factors and choosing vendors with extensive event industry experience ensures reliable support and innovative solutions. Prioritize best-in-class support and quick issue resolution when selecting technology providers. Using a single event platform can boost collaboration, reduce miscommunication, and enhance overall planning efficiency. Seamless integration with existing systems and payment processors ensures secure online transactions and smooth operations.
Learn More About Event Technologies with Fliplet
In summary, the event technology landscape in 2026 is marked by innovations that enhance attendee experiences, streamline planning processes, and promote sustainability. From AI-powered personalization and virtual reality to contactless solutions and mobile event apps, these technologies are transforming how events are planned and executed. By staying abreast of the latest trends and effectively leveraging event technology, event planners can create unforgettable experiences that drive business growth and leave lasting impressions.
Looking to take advantage of these event tech trends? Then it's time you tried a platform that does everything you need in a fully customized app. In other words, it's time to try Fliplet. Discover how Fliplet can transform your events with innovative technology solutions. Book a demo to see how we can help make your next event a massive success.
Lisa Broom is the Content Writer and Head of Marketing at Fliplet - an app building platform that enables anyone to easily create engaging and interactive mobile and web apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is event technology?
Event technology encompasses tools and platforms that enhance event planning and execution—from registration and marketing to networking and analytics—streamlining operations and boosting attendee engagement.
Why is event technology important?
Event tech improves efficiency, enhances attendee experiences, and provides valuable data insights. It also adds appeal by letting people try new tools, which can drive attendance.
How do I choose the right event technology?
Align tools with your event goals, match them to your format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid), and consider hybrid compatibility, user-friendliness, reliability, support, accessibility, and security.
What are the key event technology trends?
Key trends include the rise of AI, smarter networking and lead capture, mobile apps, immersive AR/VR, hybrid platforms, sustainability-focused tech, and strengthened security measures.
Where can I find the best event tech?
Use review sites like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot for ratings and comparisons. Compare features, pricing, and user feedback to find the best value for your needs.
