3 minute read
AI Meets Events: Exploring the possibilities and challenges
Dear members and friends of IAPCO,
AI has been impacting our events before it became ubiquitous in our vocabulary, we just didn’t know it!
There are practical AI applications that we now use as part of our daily work, but what excites and concerns me at the same time is the future applications of AI and our events. Some of the developments that I have learnt about recently about the use of AI and the Metaverse can create a unique experience for each delegate, and subsequently, any partner that would like to tailor their advertising to each delegate (compliance issues notwithstanding!).
Recently, I was talking with a client regarding the compilation of data from a previous event’s feedback surveys. Demonstrating how efficient it was to put all the free text responses into an AI platform and have it collate and summarise the responses in minutes still excites and amazes me! However, the other applications seem only as limiting as your imagination.
Understanding how various AI tools can assist in the delivery of your events to your clients and delegates is a non-negotiable insofar as a new hire.
In summary, AI to this generation of PCOs is the online registration of the last generation (my generation), I wonder what the next big thing will be for the next.
Where does one start to begin to understand and appreciate the value that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring to not-for-profit associations?
We can consider implementing AI tools to help us manage and analyse data from marketing and communication campaigns or we can use it to target specific audiences with specific communication to meet their interests.
For some not-for-profits, AI can help to drive fundraising activities by identifying potential donors and free up staff to focus on relationship-building and initiatives. It can also help to streamline some day-to-day operational functions of an association such as membership renewals, and data processing.
Here at IAPCO, we are currently driving a digital transformation throughout our own association which will ensure we, as an HQ team with limited resources, can provide added value to our members and community. This involves not only what we communicate, but how we communicate across the many diverse stakeholder groups we serve. Measuring, evaluating and reporting on the impact that our members generate through the clients’ events, creating opportunities for them to exchange knowledge, develop their skills and leverage insights will enable us and them to make more informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
Empowering our members to engage more with our HQ team through real-time interactive technologies in specific areas of importance to them, by making it simpler for them to access content and receive feedback via AI tools, will be of huge importance and value to them as we continue to develop and deliver our services throughout our global community.
