Utilizing Audience Response Technology in Event Management

In the world of business, events (such as workshops, sales meetings and training) play an important role in establishing and maintaining relationships with both employees and clients. Event technology is a vital tool in engaging an audience and delivering content in a suitable and efficient format. For many years, generic slideshows have been the application of choice, but recent advancements have seen an increase in the devices available to organisers. These devices breathe new life into events and are commonly known as audience response systems. Audience response systems open up a whole new world where the audience can participate in as well as influence a discussion.

At the start of a meeting, the audience response system devices can be used to register attendance – particularly useful for training sessions – and each person present is linked with a specific device, giving them a unique identification when collecting data. What audience response technology also enables is the ability to incorporate off-site audience members (perhaps they are based too far away from the venue to attend) so that they can contribute and get involved using online services – this alone can save time, money and reduce a company’s carbon footprint as the need to travel is eliminated.

The best event technology enables data to be collected, analysed and displayed in real time. The audience can answer multiple choice questions, vote in polls, as well as submit their own questions, comments or feedback. Questions can be answered quickly and data is collected electronically meaning greater accuracy and eliminating the need for paperwork – both being time consuming and costly.

Even after the event, data is retained to be analysed and interpreted so the organisation team can then gauge instantly how effective their presentation is and decide where it can grow and improve. Also, any unanswered questions are saved to be addressed through email or on the company website.

The benefits of audience response systems, and the use of modern event technology, far outweigh the costs ensuring a fluid and flexible discussion.