AIME Event Director, Silke Calder takes a deep dive into AI

As the AIME Event Director, I am constantly immersed in the world of large-scale event planning and conferences. It seems that AI is the buzzword that never fades away, with claims of revolutionising our industry.

At AIME we were pioneers to use AI when developing our bespoke meeting matching platform. Early on, our team recognised the power and benefits of AI in delivering a seamless experience for our buyers and exhibitors.

This unique AI platform, tailored specifically for AIME, takes the hard work out of scheduling meetings and provides both exhibitors and buyers with a diary pre-filled with appointments long before everyone steps on the showfloor. By leveraging AI, we also ensure each meeting holds commercial potential. In fact, for AIME 2023, our use of AI’s advanced matchmaking capability contributed to over $200 million in business generated. It is no wonder that participants leave AIME feeling they have connected with the very best in the industry.

While we fully embrace the advantages of AI in certain aspects of our show planning, we remain cognisant of the value of human connection. There is no denying that face-to-face human contact can simply not be replaced by technology.

But where will AI lead us in the future? I thought who better to ask than ChatGPT! Let’s see what it said…

The prompt I used was: ‘As the use of generative AI technology in the global MICE industry develops, what does the future hold?’ This is what it came back with.

AI technology has the potential to transform various aspects of the global MICE industry. Here are some potential future developments:

Further increases to personalisation

Generative AI will continue to analyse attendee preferences and behaviours to create more personalised experiences than ever before. This could include tailored event recommendations, customising niche content and more personalised networking opportunities based on data.

Real-time feedback and insights

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will collect and analyse real-time feedback from attendees, providing event organisers with valuable, in-the-moment insights to improve, customise and refine events.

Enhanced event design

AI will plan and generate virtual venue designs and layouts that optimise the space, flow of attendees and the overall experience. This will help organisers create more immersive and engaging event environments.

Intelligent matchmaking and networking

AI algorithms will analyse attendee profiles and preferences to suggest relevant connections and facilitate networking opportunities. This will enhance an attendee’s experience and increase the likelihood of meaningful interactions.

Streamlined event logistics

AI will automate and optimise various logistical aspects such as registration, ticketing, scheduling and resource allocation. This will reduce administrative burden and improve operational efficiency.

Content generation

AI algorithms will assist in generating event content such as presentations, articles and social media posts. This will help organisers manage content creation efficiently and ensure consistent messages are disseminated effectively.

AI-powered event assistants

Virtual assistants powered by AI will provide personalised recommendations, answer attendee queries and assist with navigation during an event. This will further enhance attendee engagement and improve overall event satisfaction.

The future: Balancing AI with human expertise

It is important to note that while generative AI technology holds great promise, its adoption and impact on the MICE industry will depend on factors such as data privacy concerns, infrastructure requirements and user uptake and acceptance. Nonetheless, while all these developments hold great and exciting potential, it is also important to remember to balance the use of AI with human expertise to ensure ethical use, privacy protection and to maintain the ‘human touch’ element that is crucial in the business events industry.

Many of these developments we are already seeing within the industry, and some are already being showcased at AIME like our AI platform making intelligent and valuable matchmaking appointments for buyers and exhibitors. All these developments make for an exciting future, but one thing is for sure, nothing can replace true and meaningful face-to-face interactions – see you all on the show floor at AIME 2024.

AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 – 21 February.

For AIME sales, sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries contact:

• Sales and Sponsorship: aime@talk2.media  
• Hosted Buyers: aime.buyers@talk2.media   

For more information visit aime.com.au