Can AI Make Events More… Human?

Advancements in AI technology have transformed the way organizations add value to live events.

In our extraordinarily digital, virtual world, in-person events are more important than ever for building human connections. Organizations know that physical presence is an irreplaceable way to build and grow relationships with prospects, customers, employees, interest groups, and public audiences. It goes well beyond eye contact and handshakes—all social instincts are amplified amidst the excitement of the spectacle. Images, music, movement, and speech provide attention-getting stimulation and shared experiences that turn even casual encounters into permanent memories. 

So why are we talking about artificial intelligence? Because innovations in AI allow producers to make events more accessible and accommodating. For all the uniquely human creativity that goes into event production, an equal amount of drudgery has traditionally been required to capture and repackage event information to extend its value. AI changes that through quantum reductions in the time lag and cost of transcribing huge amounts of speech, while simultaneously automating summary, organization, and dissemination of key presentation content. 

Let’s look more closely into different ways AI tech is being applied in the event industry to minimize effort and maximize value for participants.  

Why Text is Important 

It makes sense for attendees to be able to replay sessions, view missed portions, or share the session with folks who could not attend. For those reasons, nearly all keynotes, presentations, and panel discussions are recorded in photographs and video. Slide decks are copied for distribution. Audio is streamed and recorded for podcasts. Can’t people just click, watch, and listen? 

Yes, but audio-visual is not the only way people find, learn, and store information. That is why you see so many people furiously taking notes and snapping pictures during conferences. Why make people work that hard— possibly even at the expense of hearing important nuances in a speaker’s message? AI and its speech-to-text prowess let attendees put down their notebooks and become immersed. 

Text is essential for efficient indexing, searching, editing, and sharing of information. The most familiar and powerful tools that people use to deal with information—in any format— require text input. That means that every spoken word in presentations must be transcribed into text. After all, what do you do when you search for a video, or a song lyric, or a work of art? You enter a text search or record a voice query that is translated into text for you.  

AI-powered tools can even transcribe and translate spoken words in real time, breaking down language barriers and making events accessible to international audiences. For example, at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), AI provided simultaneous interpretations in multiple languages.  

AI Use Cases for Captive Events 

Within organizations, events can build cohesion, solve problems, and improve employee satisfaction and retention. The power of getting people away from their everyday environments and immersing them in stimulating programs expands beyond sales and HR departments. Introducing AI in these settings can make a big difference. For example: 

  • Real-Time Transcription and Captioning: This helps all participants follow along more effectively, especially in large meetings where it might be hard to hear everything. It’s particularly beneficial for employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring they are included in the conversation. 
  • Automated Minutes: AI can automatically generate accurate transcripts of presentations and Q&A sessions, reducing the need for someone to take notes manually. Capturing brainstorming sessions or complex work process discussions is simple. This saves time and ensures there’s a clear record of what was discussed, which is helpful for accountability and following up on action items. 
  • Knowledge Management: Transcripts can be stored and searched later, making it easier to find information in any format from the event. Archived event content also makes excellent training materials for new employees. 

Employees benefit from a more inclusive environment and can be more productive since they have clear reference records, reducing misunderstandings. Self-guided repetition for reinforcement of messages is straightforward. For management, having access to detailed transcripts can aid in making informed decisions based on employee sentiment as well as more explicit, substantive topics. AI documentation can also aid compliance with regulations by maintaining proper records.  

AI for Outside Events 

For events like trade shows and conferences—where people from different organizations come together—AI can enhance the experience for everyone. Here’s how: 

  • Real-Time Captioning: Live captions during presentations keep the audience engaged and help those who might have difficulty hearing or who are not native speakers of the language being used. 
  • Real-Time Translation: By translating spoken words into multiple languages on the spot, events become accessible to international attendees. This breaks down language barriers and creates a more inclusive atmosphere. 
  • Content Creation and Distribution: Transcripts can be used to create blogs, articles, and social media posts, extending the reach of the event. They also allow attendees to refer to information they might have missed. Quick video highlight reels make every day of any conference more memorable while reinforcing a company’s messaging and point of view. 

Addressing Privacy Concerns 

Most organizations have policies, disclosures and consent documents that apply to traditionally recorded and distributed participant content. AI is new and different, and the best practices on privacy will evolve as quickly as technology. Pay attention. To address possible AI-related privacy issues, for now, organizations should: 

  • Develop clear policies on how AI systems are used. 
  • Inform participants about data collection practices and obtain consent when necessary. Add language to current consent and release documents covering automated recording, transcription, extraction, and dissemination of information. 
  • Use secure storage solutions to protect sensitive information. 
  • Limit access to transcripts to authorized personnel. 
  • Regularly review practices to ensure compliance with privacy standards 

So, Does AI Add a Human Element? 

Contemporary AI systems can do complicated, language-based work with remarkable speed and precision. Properly employed, AI can make events more enjoyable and productive – freeing attendees to interact with one another more readily. Since knowledge is the fundamental commodity event participants seek, AI’s ability to record and repurpose content for later access can extend the effectiveness of the production. 

Improved perception of value from time investment is a benefit that people appreciate on a personal level. AI can enhance the feeling of being respected when your event delivers more than what people expected. That is a universally appealing, and very human, benefit.

Want to elevate your next event?