Toby Lewis Q&A -Tech Integration in the Post-Covid Events Industry | by Alice Bonasio | Tech Trends

Q&A with Toby Lewis, CEO at Live Group

Toby Lewis, CEO of Live Group, a tech-driven events and engagement agency, discusses his outlook for the sector post-Covid, and the role technology will play in keeping event organisers in operation and growing new business.

1 Why has tech integration in the events sector become crucial in light of lessons learned during the pandemic?

Technological development has been at the core of Live Group’s operations for over 15 years. We used the pause in typical play during the pandemic to accelerate progress along our development roadmap. As a result of this, and our consistent investment in new tech, we are well-positioned compared to our peers in the market.

An inability to participate in in-person events during the pandemic prompted a major shift to virtual, with webinars and video conferences being more widely used. This uptake in virtual methods has educated audiences in a new way of engaging. Now, as plans for in-person events kick off again, we are seeing an increased demand for hybrid solutions which blend the virtual and the physical together.

For event operators looking to capitalise on this behavioural shift to virtual and hybrid, investing in tech integration will be key to satisfying both their clients and delegates.

2 Which tech tools has Live Group used that have contributed most to the success of client events?

Among the tools we have found which help optimise results for clients are indoor positioning systems using Bluetooth beacons, which expedite delegate registration on-site, and show clients the areas of an event space which engage their audience most. This tracking creates an event ‘heat map’ for future use which can inform best areas for sponsor placement and floor planning overall, as well as providing further insights into what content is making the biggest…