With wireless connectivity permeating pretty much every tech category across all aspects of our lives, MWC now serves as a showcase for new and exciting tech. The events industry is no exception. With that in mind, here are four things event profs tech-enthusiasts should look out for at #MWC19.
5G Connectivity
One of the hottest topics in tech right now is undoubtedly the progression of 5G and MWC is a likely destination where important news will be revealed. It’s highly anticipated that big-name brands such as Huawei and Ericsson will announce significant developments in 5G as it’s an implementation to the mainstream draws ever closer. A number of companies new flagship devices are expected to facilitate 5G connectivity with LG launching their first ever device with this feature. This is definitely a top trend to look out for.
With faster connectivity, the user experience on mobile will shift leading to opportunities in delivering engaging, rich content. The focus on 5G will progress from the concept itself to the planning and implementing phase. When it comes to how it’ll impact event-tech, we suspect it will bring about a move to more data-heavy, visual content. Another point to keep an eye on will be on how 5G impacts Wi-Fi at events. Will it make it less pivotal?
Folding phones
We all remember the days of the Motorola Razor, but these new wave of folding phones are miles apart from their ancient predecessors. Instead of a more traditional ‘flip phone’, these devices fold in half to provide a seamless screen that has doubled in size before your eyes. There is absolutely no evidence of a seam down the middle and in holding one of these devices you feel like you are being transported to the 22nd century. These are guaranteed to be a game-changer when they hit the market if not just for the novelty factor. However, at their suspected retailing at around $2000 they are at the top of the price spectrum.
Folding phones is a gimmick. If you can think of a legitimate reason for buying one we’d love to hear from you…
The strongest link to events we can come up is when combined with 5G. The fast connectivity along with a larger screen with a higher resolution would make viewing video content an absolute joy.
Artificial Intelligence
2018 was a massive year for AI mobile applications and that is only expected to increase in the coming year. There’s no doubt that the presence of AI will be more apparent than ever; with improvements to security and the hardware itself being high up on the agenda.
AI is particularly relevant for digital marketers and event planners. From a targeting standpoint, the more intelligent levers that can be applied, the more personalised ads will become. The more personalised ads or events are, the more likely consumers or attendees will engage with content.
Facial Recognition
While it may not be put front and center on the show floor, event-based facial recognition will be implemented across MWC 2019 to expedite venue access for attendees. Comba Telecom Systems will be providing its ScanViS ID facial recognition technology through MWC venues as an additional registration and security measure. With 42 percent of event planners citing the registration and check-in process as a pain point, according to a Meeting Today study, facial recognition at major events may become more and more commonplace as a security measure and complement to traditional registration systems.
Augmented Reality
Excitement is generating as Microsoft are hotly anticipated to be releasing their new HoloLens 2 in 2019 and Mobile World Congress would be the perfect event for them to do so. Alex Kipman, the creator of the first version has already dropped a big hint on Twitter and this announcement would be massive news for the AR community. Aside from the Hololens, the other interesting piece of augmented reality news is the integrated technology within LG’s new G8 device. LG are back with a bang in 2019!
Augmented reality will likely have a massive impact on events primarily due to it being far easier to implement than virtual reality without the need for a headset with audio (at a minimum). For example, you’re attending an event that is utilising AR glasses. Instead of checking an agenda on paper or on your phone, you can have it pop up on your glasses along with a speaker bio. When it comes to the networking session, the facial recognition software automatically brings up a persons name, title, company etc.
As one of the foremost showcases of enterprise technology and emerging trends, there will surely be a few surprises at Mobile World Congress. One thing for sure will be Glisser’s presence. We’re running the event-tech at six of the stages at the four-day event. So if you’re attending, be sure to swing by hall 4 and say hi.
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