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What’s Sizzling in Event Tech Right Now?

In honour of National BBQ Week 2025, we’re firing up something a little different—because it’s not just grills getting hotter this season. The events industry is sizzling with cutting-edge gadgets and game-changing platforms, from AI that predicts attendee behaviour to VR that transports your guests to another world (no travel required!). In fact, over 60% of event marketers are now baking tech into their event strategy (Top World News Today).


So while you're flipping burgers or lighting the charcoal, we’re flipping the script on traditional event planning. This blog is your grill-side guide to the hottest event tech trends of 2025, and how small businesses and event marketers can bring the heat without burning through their budgets.


We’ll explore the smartest ways to spice up your events using AI, AR/VR, hybrid platforms, mobile apps, and real-time analytics, all seasoned with tools, tips, and just the right amount of wit.


Jump to a section:


AI: Your Smartest Event Assistant (That Never Sleeps)


Artificial Intelligence has evolved from a buzzword into a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in event marketing. Today, it's not just supporting your events—it’s transforming them.


AI is redefining personalisation at scale. By analysing behavioural data—such as past session attendance, app interactions, or content downloads—AI can recommend tailored agendas, flag must-meet delegates, and suggest exhibitors based on individual interests. According to a 2023 study by Skift Meetings, 80% of event professionals believe AI will significantly enhance event personalisation, and 76% say it's essential for improving the attendee experience (Skift).


One of the most tangible applications? AI-powered chatbots. These virtual concierges can handle FAQs 24/7—from “Where’s the coffee?” to “Can I still register for the networking lunch?”—improving the user experience and reducing pressure on your team. In fact, Gartner predicts that chatbots will handle 85% of customer interactions by the end of 2025 (Gartner).


Meanwhile, matchmaking platforms like Swapcard, Brella, and Grip use machine learning to connect attendees based on interests, roles, and behaviour—helping to facilitate high-value networking at scale. Swapcard, for instance, reports that events using their AI matchmaking see up to 60% more meetings booked compared to manual methods (Swapcard).

“Let AI do the heavy lifting—so your team can focus on the ‘wow’ moments attendees will remember.”

 TIP:  Use AI for the grunt work—chatbots, scheduling, matchmaking—while your human team focuses on creative programming, speaker curation, and high-touch experiences that drive real impact.


Important Note:  Be transparent about when attendees are interacting with AI (e.g. in your chatbot welcome message) to maintain trust and comply with evolving data privacy standards.


The Augmented (and Virtual) Reality Check


No, we’re not in Iron Man territory (yet), but Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are making serious waves in event marketing—turning passive attendees into active participants. These immersive technologies aren’t just gimmicks; they’re experience enhancers that boost engagement, retention, and brand recall.


VR headsets can transport guests to virtual product tours, 360° venue walkthroughs, or training simulations without leaving the event floor. Meanwhile, AR adds a layer of digital interaction to the real world—overlaying speaker bios on stage, guiding visitors to exhibition stands, or turning printed materials into interactive storytelling tools. According to Statista, the global AR/VR market in events is projected to exceed $4.5 billion by 2028, driven by both enterprise adoption and consumer demand.

Example: At CES, BMW used VR to let attendees test-drive a concept car, while at Mobile World Congress, AR overlays helped attendees visualise how 5G infrastructure would transform cityscapes.

Even budget-friendly tools are gaining traction. Platforms like Zappar, BlippAR, and 8thWall offer simple AR experiences via mobile web—no app required. And immersive tech isn’t limited to screens: LED wristbands that sync with light shows, motion-triggered activations, and interactive name badges (like those used at Adobe Summit) add physical interactivity that turns audiences into part of the spectacle.


As Cvent notes, AR/VR is becoming more accessible to all event types—not just the big-budget expos. Done well, it doesn't just generate buzz; it generates content. Think Instagrammable moments, shareable experiences, and serious post-event traction.


 TIP:  Even a lightweight AR filter or branded 360° virtual booth can give your event a digital edge—without needing a Metaverse-sized budget. Try it for social engagement, sponsor visibility, or product showcases.


Hybrid (and Highly Immersive) Hustle


Live events are thriving—people are more eager than ever to connect face-to-face. But today’s most impactful events are those that blend the buzz of in-person with the accessibility of digital. Hybrid isn’t a fallback—it’s a force multiplier.


Platforms like Hubilo, SpotMe, and ON24 are leading the way, offering features like real-time chat, live polling, Q&A, and even networking lounges that bring together in-room and online attendees. These tools ensure your remote audience doesn’t just watch—they participate.


Hybrid events typically attract 30–40% more attendees than traditional in-person formats alone (Markletic, 2023). With fewer barriers to entry, you can welcome global guests, accommodate different schedules, and build deeper data profiles.


The key? Making the digital side feel as considered as the on-site experience. That means smooth streaming, intentional interactivity (think live reactions, virtual breakout rooms), and content tailored for shorter attention spans. When done well, hybrid creates a shared experience—whether attendees are in the front row or joining from across the globe.

Example: Adobe MAX created mirrored experiences for virtual and in-person audiences, offering behind-the-scenes content, exclusive chats, and digital swag—all without compromising the live experience.

Hybrid events don’t replace the magic of being in the room—they extend it. They amplify your message, scale your reach, and futureproof your content for wider impact.


 TIP:  Treat your virtual audience like VIPs. Invest in quality production, live interaction, and repackaged content to keep them engaged—and coming back.


Tap, Swipe, Connect: The Rise of Mobile-First Events


With smartphones glued to hands (and attention spans shorter than ever), event apps have evolved from ‘nice-to-have’ to mission-critical. They’re no longer just digital agendas—they're command centres for engagement, communication, and data capture.


Today’s leading platforms—like Whova, EventMobi, and Cvent’s Attendee Hub—offer features like real-time schedule updates, interactive maps, push notifications, and gamified elements such as scavenger hunts and quizzes to keep energy high. Attendees can network via in-app messaging, book 1:1 meetings, submit live questions, and even vote in session polls—all from a single, branded interface.

91% of event marketers say event apps positively impact attendee satisfaction (Bizzabo, 2023). Why? Because they meet attendees where they already are—on their phones.

And the innovation doesn’t stop there. Wearables like NFC-enabled wristbands and smart badges are turning up at major conferences. These tools allow for tap-to-check-in, session tracking, and lead capture at booths without manual scanning. Bonus: they often double as branded keepsakes and conversation starters.

Example: Web Summit equips attendees with RFID badges that allow for seamless networking, session entry, and data collection—without ever pulling out a phone.

These tools don’t just make events smoother—they generate real-time behavioural data, unlock personalised experiences, and provide valuable post-event insights for organisers and sponsors alike.


 TIP:  Choose an app that’s intuitive and customisable. If attendees need a user manual or get lost in clunky menus, you risk disengagement. Aim for sleek UX and strong integrations with your event tech stack.


Clicks, Stats & Mic Drops: Tracking Event ROI in Real Time


Event tech isn’t just flashy—it’s data-rich and insight-driven. Every touchpoint at a modern event can now feed live analytics, helping organisers optimise experiences before the closing keynote wraps.


Want to know if your keynote landed? Platforms like Cvent, Eventify, and Bizzabo deliver real-time session attendance, engagement rates, and drop-off points. Wondering if your expo floor is buzzing? Sensors, RFID badges, and beacons track foot traffic and dwell time by zone, giving exhibitors valuable lead scoring and organisers heatmaps of on-site flow.

According to Freeman Data Solutions, events using real-time analytics see a 20%+ increase in attendee satisfaction and engagement, compared to those that rely solely on post-event surveys (Freeman).

What’s more, tools like Eventify and Grip now capture granular engagement data: which polls got answered, how many people downloaded a session handout, which booths triggered the most badge taps, and which speakers drew the longest Q&A queues. This allows event marketers to adapt in the moment—extending popular sessions, fixing underperforming ones, and proving ROI with hard numbers.

Looking ahead, expect predictive analytics powered by AI to play a larger role—anticipating attendee needs, highlighting drop-off risks, and recommending content paths that improve satisfaction before a complaint ever surfaces.

 TIP:  Don’t wait for the post-event report to find out what worked. Use live dashboards to monitor engagement in real time—and pivot as needed to maximise impact while the event is still in motion.


Green Is the New Black: Where Sustainability Meets Innovation


In 2025, sustainability isn’t a side note—it’s a core brand expectation. Audiences, sponsors, and stakeholders are holding events to higher standards, and technology is leading the green revolution.


Gone are the days of stacks of printed programmes and single-use plastic badges. Mobile-first agendas, e-tickets, and digital signage now replace paper and print waste. Hybrid and virtual options reduce travel emissions by default, while on-site tech innovations like energy-efficient LED lighting, solar-powered charging stations, and smart HVAC systems help reduce venue-related carbon output.

A study by MeetGreen found that a single three-day, 1,000-person in-person event produces roughly 530 metric tons of CO₂, most of which comes from travel. Hybrid formats can reduce this impact by up to 60% (MeetGreen).

Event tech companies are also stepping up, offering biodegradable name badges, recyclable lanyards, and modular, reusable stands for exhibitors. Even RFID and NFC badge technology is being redesigned with compostable components.

Example: IMEX America 2024 went entirely paperless, distributed digital swag, and partnered with local food banks to divert leftover catering—earning them a Green Meetings certification.

As Superside points out, sustainability has become a “business imperative,” not just a talking point. Eco-conscious decisions now influence buyer intent, sponsorship decisions, and attendee loyalty. The smartest event marketers are highlighting their green credentials as proudly as their tech stack.


 TIP:  Ditch the paper, minimise single-use plastics, and prioritise vendors and venues with sustainability certifications. Bonus? It’s not just good for the planet—it’s great for your brand image.


Small Business, Big Impact: Your Event Marketing Technology Toolkit


Think event tech is just for enterprise giants? Think again. A new generation of affordable, all-in-one platforms is making it easier than ever for small businesses to run slick, professional events without the big-agency price tag.


Take Fielddrive for an example, a leader in on-site tech built for agility. From touchless check-in kiosks to on-demand badge printing, facial recognition, and eco-friendly materials, it helps even small teams deliver a seamless (and impressive) delegate experience.


Or consider Eventify, which offers an intuitive all-in-one event app ideal for everything from meetups to multi-track conferences. You get custom landing pages, built-in ticketing, mobile agendas, and real-time engagement tracking—all in a single platform that scales as you grow.


Then there’s Whova, a favourite among small-to-mid-sized organisers for good reason. This platform supports in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats with networking tools, live announcements, polls, and attendee messaging—helping small events feel big, connected, and professional.

Want enterprise-level capability on a modest budget? Even larger platforms like Cvent and Bizzabo now offer tiered pricing and modular features, so small businesses can pick what they need without paying for what they don’t.

Whether you're after mobile-first apps, efficient check-ins, or a full-stack system that handles marketing, analytics, and attendee engagement, there’s a tool out there designed for your size and speed—and most come with automation baked in to save your team hours.


 TIP:  Look for platforms that offer built-in integrations, automation, and intuitive UX. The best tools should feel like an extra pair of hands—not extra work.


Key Takeaways: Make It Memorable, Measurable, and Magnetic


There you have it—a whirlwind tour of the tech shaping events in 2025. From AI that personalises in real time to immersive AR/VR experiences and data-rich engagement tools, the future of event marketing is already here—and it’s measurable, magnetic, and built for impact.


The message is clear:

  • Personalise the experience from first click to final coffee.

  • Engage your audience wherever they are—live, virtual, or both.

  • Measure every moment that matters to refine and improve.

  • Repeat what works, and don’t be afraid to evolve what doesn’t.


Whether you're an event marketer or a small business owner, now is the time to explore. Test an interactive app, pilot a hybrid stream, or bring in a chatbot that frees up your team’s time. As the EventMB State of the Industry Report notes, embracing AI, hybrid platforms, and real-time analytics is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity.


Just remember: tech alone isn’t the headline. It’s the memorable stories, seamless journeys, and shared moments that keep attendees coming back—and talking about your event long after the lights go down.


 TIP:  Don’t chase every shiny new tool—focus on solving your biggest pain points. Tech is powerful, but ROI is even more fabulous.



Ready to Tech Up Your Next Event?


Whether you’re launching your first hybrid experience, swimming in data with no clear direction, or just need a smarter tech stack without the headaches, we’re here to help.


Book your free 30-minute strategy call—no pressure, just practical ideas tailored to your goals.

Let’s make your next event your smartest, most seamless, and most shareable yet.


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