IAEE launches Event Tech Demo Days to showcase the latest event technology
The International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE)® has unveiled an innovative series of free virtual events titled Event Tech Demo Days, designed to bring together event organisers, technology providers, and industry professionals to showcase the latest technological advancements in the exhibitions and events sector. This initiative reflects IAEE’s commitment to supporting its members by providing them with a dedicated platform to explore emergent solutions that can enhance their operational efficiency and event impact.
Event Tech Demo Days are accessible to both IAEE organiser members and non-members, utilising Swapcard as the official platform. Swapcard facilitates real-time interaction through features that enable attendees to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage in discussions during presentations. It combines these interactive capabilities with robust behind-the-scenes organisational tools, ensuring a smooth experience for participants and presenters alike.
Lisa Buchanan, IAEE’s Senior Vice President of Operations, emphasised the strategic vision behind the event series, stating, “The concept behind Event Tech Demo Days was developed from the rapid and continuous progression in technology. As someone who appreciates the ability to experience different tech advancements regularly, I recognised the significance of providing a dedicated setting for our vendors and members to connect beyond our exhibition floor at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition. This initiative was envisioned to offer a tailored platform for our members to explore and discover the latest technological innovations our vendors have to offer.”
Buchanan further outlined the advantage of concentrating the demonstrations into a single day, explaining, “This setup not only simplifies scheduling but also enhances the ability to directly compare various platforms side by side, making it easier to assess their features and benefits in a consolidated, comprehensive format. This efficiency is invaluable for making informed decisions swiftly and effectively.”
The inaugural Event Tech Demo Day is scheduled for 29 April 2025 and will focus on floorplan planning systems. It will feature updates from several notable providers including ShowCycle, Personify® A2Z Events, ExpoGenie, eShow, Map Your Show, and EXPOCAD®. Buchanan highlighted the relevance of this theme for professionals in the sector, noting, “Effective floor plan management is crucial for the success of any event, influencing everything from attendee flow to exhibitor satisfaction and overall event aesthetics.”
Attendees of this first session will benefit from a hands-on exploration of cutting-edge event planning technologies, supported by guidance from industry experts and technology developers. The event aims to facilitate a collaborative environment where professionals can directly engage with vendors, compare multiple solutions, and share experiences with peers to foster a community of practice dedicated to innovation in event design.
Looking beyond the first event, IAEE has announced additional Demo Days focusing on pivotal topics for the industry’s future:
- 17 June 2025 – From Data to Decisions: AI-Powered Insights & Revenue Generation
- 21 August 2025 – Beyond the Booth: Innovation Revenue Streams for Exhibitors
These forthcoming sessions aim to further equip event professionals with the latest tools and knowledge to leverage data analytics and explore novel revenue opportunities for exhibitors.
The Trade Show Executive is reporting that these initiatives underscore IAEE’s role in supporting industry stakeholders by creating informative and interactive platforms that showcase technological progress, ultimately enabling event organisers and their partners to stay at the forefront of sector developments. Executives in associations and trade bodies will find Event Tech Demo Days particularly valuable for benchmarking innovative technologies and enhancing service offerings to their members.
Registration for Event Tech Demo Days is currently open, providing a streamlined opportunity for professionals to engage with peers and technology vendors in a focused setting tailored to their operational and strategic needs in exhibitions and events.