In the fast-paced world of Destination Management, embracing event technology is no longer optional; it’s essential. As a Destination Management Company (DMC), integrating technology into your proposal writing, event planning, and execution processes is an important tool in making your events successful. Technology can help you streamline operations and create elevated experiences that exceed client expectations and create lasting memories.

 

Sometimes, it feels as though technology is advancing at a rate that is hard to keep up with. However, it’s important to remember that you do not need to utilize every technological tool to make a big impact. Different technologies can enhance the event experience for your clients and vendors in many ways, both big and small.

 

How DMCs Can Use Technology to Enhance Events

Before diving into the world of event technology, let's establish a common ground for what it encompasses. This term covers digital tools like software, apps, and electronic devices and their functions related to events. Technology can help you land a client, plan, design, and deliver events that lead to amazing attendee experiences. If you’re wondering how to best use event technology, consider these ideas.

 

Embrace AI.

In an industry where time is often of the essence, AI is proving to be an invaluable ally. Contrary to popular belief, AI isn’t here to replace human expertise – it’s here to enhance it. Yes, human expertise is essential for adding nuanced details about venues, suppliers, and local insights, but AI can generate a first draft in minutes, allowing DMC sales teams to focus on refining and personalizing the proposal rather than starting from scratch.  AI can ensure that proposals maintain a consistent structure and tone, select appropriate images from your image library, and analyze your data to tailor proposals to specific client needs and preferences. The DMCs that thrive will strike the perfect balance between AI efficiency and human creativity.

 

Explore destinations digitally.

Utilize virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experiences to offer clients and potential clients immersive previews of event venues, local attractions, and accommodation options. By giving them a sensory experience of what’s to come, you’ll build anticipation, demonstrate your expertise, and encourage event attendees to book their next destination event with you.

 

Utilize drones at events.

Drones are one of the most flexible and customizable technologies available to DMCs. These eco-friendly flyers can be utilized in a wide variety of ways to enhance everything from storytelling to security. Event hosts can build a narrative for guests with a drone show, capture candid event photos, and even work alongside human security guards to keep an event safe from every angle. Drones are also a great alternative or addition to fireworks shows, lasers, and projections. This versatile tool is an excellent way to take your event to the next level.

 

Corinthian Events, a DMC Network Company, won a 2023 ADMEI Award for Best Entertainment Production for a two-wave incentive program that concluded with  100 drones all designed and choreographed to their client’s theme with perfectly traced music.  The client’s goal of creating a “wow factor” form of entertainment that would be the highlight of the group’s trip to Boston was supported and achieved through the custom-designed drone show that included Boston-specific graphics and the client’s logo shining the night sky.

 

Use video mapping.

Video mapping, also known as projection mapping, turns ordinary surfaces into a dynamic projector screen. This incredible technology aligns the projected images with the edges and curves of its background, creating a truly immersive experience for attendees. Video mapping is an innovative way to transform a space without long-lasting effects or time-consuming installations.

 

Sporting arenas project pregame shows onto the court or rink, modern art is projected onto historic buildings to transport viewers through time, and restaurants provide diners with entertainment and beauty through video mapping onto walls or ceilings.

 

 

DMCs can use video mapping to enhance guest experience innearly any venue. Spaintacular, a Hosts Global Member,  won three 2021 ADMEI Awards for an incentive trip to Tenerife, where they used video mapping and holograms to provide a truly immersive experience for attendees. In the middle of a banana plantation, they synchronized video mapping for five tables of 25 meters each with six interleaved holograms. The DMC met the client’s goals of creating an original, unique, and innovative show that highlighted the local elements of the destination. Attendee reviews were so high (average of 5 out of 5!) that the client rebooked the destination for several subsequent years.

 

Using Technology Well: 2024 ADMEI Awards Winner for Best Use of Technology

 

At the 2024 ADMEI Annual Conference, we celebrated DMCs that lead the way in the industry.  This year, 24 different awards were presented to outstanding DMCs who serve as exemplary ADMEI members. The 2024 Award for Best Use of Technology was presented to The CE Group, a DMC Network Company for their submission, “A Spotlight on San Antonio.”

 

During the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2023, The CE Group, a DMC Network Company, was tasked with finding a spectacular way to elevate guest experience and showcase the city of San Antonio in a new light. Their solution was a light show that would kick off at the opening ceremonies and span 5 days, elevating the experience for nearly 5,000 international and domestic guests. Through the use of technology, they were able to illuminate 38 city buildings, light up miles of downtown, and culminate the initiative with a 400-drone light show that left a lasting impression on attendees.

 

The CE Group’s Award submission stated, “The team delivered a cohesive experience that left international guests with a long-lasting impression of what Texas has to offer as a global tourist destination, met IPW’s goal of providing an exciting environment for its members to conduct business in, and honored our state’s authentic values and identities. We proved to our 5000+ member audience that everything is, in fact, bigger in Texas.”

 

Successfully Integrating Technology.

This is just one example of how DMCs are not just logistical experts but experience architects. Technology is a valuable tool in helping DMCs create live, local experiences that engage and excite audiences worldwide. The key to success lies not in adopting every new gadget but in strategically integrating technologies that enhance your DMC’s distinctive strengths and vision while showcasing the destination’s unique characteristics.

 

Technology is just one of the many hot topics covered in ADMEI webinars, conferences, awards, and owner/general manager roundtables. To learn more about ADMEI – Association of Destination Management Executives International – visit www.admei.org.