AI's Growing Role: Smart Solutions for Modern Events
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how associations plan and execute conferences and events, moving far beyond simple automation to become an indispensable partner for efficiency and innovation. Event professionals are now leveraging AI across a spectrum of tasks, streamlining operations and enhancing the attendee experience.
For administration and communication, AI is proving invaluable. It refines communication strategies, optimises standard operating procedures (SOPs), and even assists with general administrative duties. From crafting compelling social media posts to refining speech notes, AI helps ensure messaging is consistent and impactful.
The power of AI extends into content and program development. It's used to generate fresh ideas and identify "hot topics" for conference sessions, ensuring relevance and engagement. Furthermore, AI tools can help map event programs to specific curriculum requirements or professional development specifications, guaranteeing educational outcomes.
AI is a game-changer for data analysis and decision-making. Teams employ AI to summarise attendee survey data, pinpointing actionable improvements for future events. It's also assisting in creating robust sponsorship pipelines and proposals, backed by data-driven insights. Even day-to-day organisation benefits, with AI comparing quotes, organising event information into timelines and Gantt charts, and setting reminders. Essentially, AI acts as a personal assistant, interpreting complex data for actionable insights and tracking meeting notes to generate follow-up tasks.
While the benefits are clear, the industry is also beginning to consider the broader implications, with some professionals raising valid concerns about the environmental impact of AI's energy and water consumption. As illustrated by Eric Schmidt's TED Talk on the "underhyped" AI revolution, balancing these powerful opportunities with sustainability remains a key consideration for the future of events.
https://www.ted.com/talks/eric_schmidt_the_ai_revolution_is_underhyped.
Written by Tony Gleeson, Associations Forum Advisor
