How Will AI Impact Events?

Launching in November 2022, ChatGPT became the fastest-growing app in history, reaching an estimated 123 million monthly active users, less than three months after launch. 

AI is being utilised by many first-movers such as Microsoft adding a new feature onto search engine, Bing, so search queries can be responded to with detailed answers rather than links. But, along with any new technology, there comes new concerns such as students being able to generate assessment answers or essays.

So should event planners be worried, or is it another tool in our belt to enhance live experiences?

We asked our Creative Director, Martin Walton, to share what the rise of ChatGPT and AI will mean for live events. He decided the best way to find out would be going straight to the source.

So, here’s what ChatGPT means for for event professionals – in its own words

Request: ​“Write an essay that talks about the uses, benefits, and negatives of Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT, for live events.”

Response: ​“Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has become increasingly popular and widely adopted in many industries, including the live event industry. AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have been utilised in various ways to improve the experience of attendees, streamline event operations, and gather insights from attendees.

Uses of AI for events

One of the main uses of AI in live events is as a personal concierge for attendees. ChatGPT can help answer questions about the event schedule, venue, and even provide recommendations for food and entertainment. This frees up staff from answering repetitive questions and allows them to focus on more important tasks. Moreover, these chatbots are available 24/7, providing attendees with immediate answers to their questions, even outside of event hours.

Another benefit of AI in live events is improved event planning and management. It can analyse data from past events to predict attendance and make recommendations for venue size, catering, and security measures. This allows event organisers to make data-driven decisions and ensure that they have the resources they need. Additionally, AI can help streamline the check-in process by automatically verifying attendee information and printing badges.

Gathering insights from attendees is another area where AI can play a role in live events. AI chatbots can conduct surveys and gather feedback from attendees in real-time. This information can be used to improve future events and provide a better experience for attendees. By gathering insights from attendees, event organisers can also identify areas where they can improve the overall event experience, such as providing more diverse food options or offering more activities for attendees.

Concerns for event planners

While there are many benefits to using AI in live events, there are also some negatives to consider. One concern is that AI chatbots may not always provide accurate information. For example, if a chatbot is not programmed to answer a particular question, it may provide an incorrect answer or no answer at all. This can lead to confusion and frustration for attendees. Additionally, they may not be able to handle complex questions or provide personalised recommendations.

Another concern is that AI chatbots may replace human staff members and lead to job losses. While AI chatbots can streamline certain tasks and improve the overall efficiency of an event, they cannot provide the personal touch and empathy that human staff can offer. Furthermore, they may not be able to handle unexpected situations that may arise at an event, such as a medical emergency.

Overall, AI chatbots offer many benefits to the events industry, including improved attendee experience, efficient event planning and management, and gathering attendee insights. However, there are also negatives to consider, such as the potential for incorrect information and job losses. Ultimately, the decision to use AI in live events should be based on a careful consideration of the benefits and negatives, and how it can best be integrated into the event to improve the overall experience for attendees.”