AI: it seems everyone’s talking about it. The sudden popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL-E in 2023 hit the industry like a hurricane.
According to a forecast by Forrester, generative AI will have an average annual growth rate of 36% up to 2030, capturing 55% of the AI software market. This meteoric rise illustrates why being the ability to use generative AI is an increasingly important skill for event planners and marketers.
But you may be wondering what AI means for you and how it may impact the events you run. Will it help you be more efficient or put your job security at risk?
The truth is that there are many ways AI can help you automate routine tasks, be more efficient, and enhance your skill set. And if you’re not already using AI in events, you may be missing out on opportunities for success.
But there are also potential challenges to be aware of, especially as the technology continues to evolve. In this guide, we’ll explore the power of generative AI and how it can impact your event planning and marketing strategies.
Investigating Generative AI
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new and original content, such as text, images, video, and even sounds, by learning from patterns in existing information.
For example, ChatGPT can generate relevant human-sounding text based on input prompts.
Generative AI takes many forms. You can use it to write emails, summarise reports, generate convincing photos or illustrations from text prompts, compose music, generate sound effects, or create voiceovers, and create videos. AI translation models can also generate text in one language based on input text in another, helping overcome language barriers.
Using AI can help event planners and marketers save time on tasks like content creation, scheduling and data analysis, create more personalised content and in turn improve attendee engagement.
How are event planners and marketers using AI tools today?
AI is already being used by event planner and marketers today. Here’s a few ways our industry is making the most of AI tools:
- Brainstorm ideas. Whether you need help brainstorming themes, session topics, or unique event formats, AI can
help you come up with fresh ideas you may not have thought of, and get your creative juices flowing - Craft engaging copy. Tools like ChatGPT can write email, website and social media copy quickly with the right prompt. You then have the option to edit them and add your brand’s tone of voice to the copy.
- Create compelling speaker bios and session descriptions. Writing inspiring, exciting intros and descriptions for a whole list of speakers and sessions is hard. But you can get AI to craft impressive speaker introductions and engaging session descriptions.
- Improve networking with AI-powered matchmaking. One of the main reasons people attend events is to connect with others and build their professional networks. Finding the right people at networking events is often daunting for attendees. You can help them by getting AI to analyse profiles and interests in advance and offer
a customised list for each attendee - Reach international audiences. If your event attracts an international audience, use AI to facilitate real-time language translations and cultural exchanges among attendees. Translating content is a good way to help further your reach.
- Maximise post-event engagement. Attendee engagement doesn’t stop when the event ends. Use AI to do a lot of the heavy lifting by getting it to assist with devising survey questions, collating responses and creating content summaries. In addition, ask it to analyse any key points or trends buried in data you collected during the event and put it into a summary document.
Which AI tools can help you?
There are numerous AI tools available – here are some that are perfect for helping you plan and promote your events.
Cvent AI Writing Assistant | Aragon | Audiopen | Audo Studio | Beautiful AI | Calendly | Canva | ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 (ChatGPT Plus) | Clone Dub | Drift | Gigapixel AI | Kaiber | Murf AI | Otter | Runway | Synthesia | Tray.io
Read the full guide here, for more tips on how to get your prompts right, how to implement AI tools and how to deal with their limitations!
