The conversation surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in the events industry reached new heights at IMEX America 2024. During a session led by Veemal Gungadin of Gevme and Mykyta Fastovets of ExpoPlatform, industry leaders delved into how AI is reshaping the landscape of meetings and events.
The key takeaway was clear: AI is emerging as a collaborative partner, not a replacement for the human touch. Just 18 months ago, many event professionals harbored concerns that AI might automate their jobs. However, those fears have evolved into a fascination as AI is now viewed as a valuable tool for augmenting, not replacing, human efforts.
AI is proving particularly impactful in areas like content creation and curation, where it can analyze vast amounts of conference material and transform it into valuable resources like white papers. As one panelist astutely observed, “Content is the new oil for many organizations,” underscoring the role of AI in revolutionizing how we manage and deliver event content.
While AI’s influence continues to grow, the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions remains a cornerstone of the events industry. Trust in AI is expanding, but face-to-face experiences remain crucial for building authentic connections and creating memorable experiences that AI alone cannot replicate.
The panelists shared several AI tools they use to streamline operations, including:
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AI-powered chatbots for event registration and attendee support.
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AI-driven analytics for optimizing event marketing campaigns.
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AI-assisted content creation for generating engaging presentations and event materials.
As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and experimenting with new tools is essential. Event professionals are encouraged to embrace AI to enhance creativity, efficiency, and attendee engagement. The panel concluded that “It’s about making the human element more impactful,” emphasizing that the human touch remains the industry’s greatest asset.
