The Era of Experimentation in Events
Technology pervades every aspect of corporate events today, from the QR codes that automate the sign-in process to the livestream that allows event participation beyond the venue walls. The challenge is separating the true tools from the gimmicks and figuring out which types of tech will elevate your event.
Now is the time to experiment and innovate, says Brandt Krueger, senior production manager at Brooklyn Park-based meeting and event production company EideCom. This runs counter to the usual instinct in the events industry, he notes. “They don’t take a lot of risks because you only get one shot at it. The technology has to be solid.”
But just pushing tech isn’t the answer. “There are very few events that need to be at the bleeding edge of technology,” says Krueger, who has worked with global brands and Fortune 500s to put on large-scale events.
It’s easy to surrender to the Christmas tree effect—adding bells and whistles without thought, whether they enhance the event or not. “You have to be very intentional about knowing your audience and what’s going to hold their attention, what’s going to appeal to them,” says Caroline Correia, who oversees business development at Minneapolis-based event planning firm BeEvents. “It’s very unique to each corporate identity.”
The goal, Krueger says, should be to think about how technology can enhance an event. From best practices to innovations, here’s your event tech primer for 2025.
“You have to be very intentional about knowing your audience and what’s going to hold their attention.”
—Caroline Correia, Business Development, beEvents
What’s in an Event Planner’s Bag?
From charging electronics on the go to taming unwieldy cords, an event planner needs to be prepared. Mariah McKechnie of Northland Special Events in Duluth and Gretchen Culver of Minneapolis-based Rocket Science Events swear by these simple tools.
Lighter. An electric lighter that doesn’t require a flame and can light a candle in a pinch is a must for McKechnie. “Nearly all of my events involve some kind of candle, so I always need to be prepared with a lighter.” Culver suggests long stick lighters for their versatility.
Cash. Culver always carries $50 in small bills. “It’s surprising how often I need $5 or
$10 in cash the day of an event.” She’s even been asked to break change by guests so they can tip a valet.
Advil. “Self-explanatory,” says Culver.
Band-Aids. “Someone needs a Band-Aid at every event, guaranteed,” says Culver.
Zip ties. They come in handy for organizing cords and a variety of things.
Black gaffer tape. There are always cords somewhere that need to be taped down, posters to be hung, or a coat hem that needs to be fixed, says Culver. Gaffer tape is her go-to—the perfect amount of stickiness that won’t damage floors or walls.
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Multi-port lightning charger. Phone, lighter, laptop, earbuds—you name it, you never know what else needs charging at an event,
McKechnie says. It can be helpful for clients, too. Culver’s go-to brand is Clutch, for its portability.
Box cutter. “There are so many boxes at events,” Culver says. “It’s handy to have a box cutter to open them and break them down for recycling.”
Black Sharpie. Markers come in handy for more than just writing. Culver has used a Sharpie for everything from covering a hole in a black vase to labeling boxes. “My Sharpie gets a workout.”
