Event-Based Prospecting: AI Trends 2024

published on 19 November 2024

AI is revolutionizing event-based prospecting in 2024. Here's what you need to know:

  • AI tools are making it easier to find and connect with potential leads at events
  • Over 70% of event professionals are already using AI tools
  • AI is improving event analysis, personalization, and lead generation

Key AI trends for event-based prospecting in 2024:

  1. Smarter attendee tracking and analysis
  2. AI-powered lead capture tools
  3. Personalized messaging and recommendations
  4. Improved ROI tracking
  5. AI-assisted content creation

Challenges to watch out for:

  • Data privacy concerns
  • Integration with existing systems
  • Staff training and adoption

The bottom line: AI is becoming essential for competitive event-based prospecting. Event pros need to start incorporating AI tools to create better, more successful events.

How We Conducted This Research

We dug deep to give you the full scoop on AI trends in event-based prospecting for 2024. Here's how we did it:

Data Sources and Testing

We left no stone unturned:

1. Industry Reports

We pored over reports from big names like Cvent and Eventbrite. These platforms use AI to track attendee behavior and crunch numbers automatically.

2. Expert Interviews

We picked the brains of industry pros like David Ramirez and Sekeno Aldred. They shared their real-world experiences using AI for data analysis and event planning.

3. Case Studies

We looked at how AI is actually being used in events. For example, Google I/O uses real-time data analysis, while SXSW applies predictive analytics.

4. Market Research

Our market analysis revealed some eye-opening stats:

  • 85% of B2B marketers depend on lead generation for new business
  • 80% of them use live events to make it happen

5. Tool Analysis

We put AI-powered event tools under the microscope. This included:

  • StreamAlive for audience engagement
  • IBM Watson and Salesforce Einstein for predictive insights

6. Survey Data

The numbers don't lie:

  • 83% of marketers say events are key for business growth
  • 85% report that event lead generation strategies pay off

To make sure our findings were solid, we:

  • Cross-checked data from multiple sources
  • Focused on recent info (last 18 months)
  • Had event pros and AI experts review our work

How AI Improves Event Analysis

AI is changing how we analyze events. It gives event planners new tools to understand and manage gatherings better. AI turns data into useful insights, making every part of event management smarter.

Using AI to Study Attendee Actions

AI is great at tracking what attendees do. It helps organizers know their audience better. Here's how:

AI can watch how people interact, which sessions they go to, and even their facial expressions. This lets organizers make quick changes to make the event better.

AI can also predict what attendees might like. It looks at past data and current trends. For example, Eventico Technologies used AI to make check-ins 70% faster and get people 40% more involved.

AI can even suggest things to each attendee. It might recommend sessions, people to meet, or booths to visit based on what it knows about them. ConferLink did this and saw 50% more networking and 35% happier attendees.

Connecting AI with Event Tools

When AI works with other event software, it does even more:

AI can make better schedules. It looks at what people like, when speakers are free, and how many people fit in a room. This means fewer schedule conflicts and more people showing up.

AI can analyze data as the event happens. This lets organizers quickly make the event flow better and give people what they want. DigitalDefynd said, "Eventico used AI to make attendees 20% happier and cut event costs by 30%."

After the event, AI can send personalized follow-ups based on what each person did at the event. This keeps people interested and more likely to come back next time.

AI Tools for Finding Leads at Events

AI is changing how businesses find leads at events. These tools make it easier to spot good prospects and talk to them.

Email Extractor Tool - Extract Emails with AI Automation

Email Extractor Tool - Extract Emails with AI Automation

The Email Extractor Tool stands out for lead generation. This Chrome extension uses AI to find and grab email addresses from web pages. It's great for building contact lists at events.

Here's what the tool offers:

Plan Price/Month Email IDs/Month What You Get
Starter $8.99 Up to 5,000 Automation, CSV download
Growth $39.99 Up to 50,000 Priority email support
Enterprise $139.99 Up to 1,000,000 Premium support, high volume

By doing the email collection work for you, this tool lets you focus on talking to people at events.

Live Event Tracking

AI tools for live event tracking are changing lead generation. They watch what attendees do in real-time, giving sales teams useful info.

Take Cvent's OnArrival system. It uses AI to handle check-ins and see which sessions people go to. At a recent big company event, it cut wait times in half. The organizers could also make quick changes based on what people were doing, which made everyone happier.

Bizzabo's AI matchmaking is another good example. At a networking event using their system, people said they made 30% more good connections thanks to AI suggestions.

These tools don't just collect info - they analyze it right away to help you make smart choices on the spot. Say AI notices a topic is more popular than expected. You can quickly add more resources or extra sessions on that topic.

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Making Messages More Personal with AI

AI is changing how event organizers talk to attendees. It uses smart algorithms and data analysis to create targeted messages for different groups. Let's see how AI makes event communications more personal and effective.

AI-Built Customer Profiles

AI is great at making detailed attendee profiles by looking at lots of data. These profiles include more than just basic info:

  • AI combines data from past events, session choices, and work experience
  • It predicts what attendees might like based on past data
  • Profiles update in real-time as attendees interact during the event

Here's a real example: Teleflora, a flower delivery service, used AI to make customer profiles. They mixed product data with customer info to guess future purchases and suggest flowers. This made customers happy and boosted sales.

Smart Audience Groups

AI doesn't just make individual profiles. It's also good at grouping attendees for better outreach:

  • AI sorts attendees into groups based on what they have in common
  • It sends the right content to each group automatically
  • AI suggests personalized content, sessions, and networking chances

For example, Web Summit, a big tech conference, used AI to suggest sessions, speakers, and networking. Attendees loved it, saying the AI suggestions helped them make great connections.

Using AI for profiles and groups helps event organizers create better experiences. It makes attendees happier and helps sponsors and exhibitors too.

Nicole Walker, CEO of Arinex, says:

"Imagine an onsite registration process guided by an AI avatar. During registration, this virtual assistant conducts a short interview to understand their preferences. It then navigates them through the schedule and recommends sessions to attend, areas of the event to explore and exhibitors they may find beneficial to engage with."

As AI gets better, we'll see even more ways to make events personal and fun for everyone involved.

Common Problems and Fixes

AI is changing event-based prospecting, but it's not without its hiccups. Let's dive into the main issues and how to tackle them.

Data Privacy and Quality

AI loves data, but handling it right is key. Here's the scoop:

Privacy Regulations: New laws are popping up like California's Delete Act, with Oregon, Texas, and Delaware following suit. These give attendees more say over their data.

To stay on the right side of the law:

  • Do regular data checks
  • Keep your privacy policies fresh
  • Make sure your team knows how to handle data safely

Data Quality: AI needs clean, accurate data to shine. But here's the rub: many organizations are drowning in messy data.

Chris Gibson, CEO of FIRST, nails it:

"Complacency has no place in the realm of security. Learning from sectors like banks and hospitals, which excel in securing sensitive information, is crucial."

To clean up your data act:

  • Get serious about data governance
  • Invest in good data management tools
  • Keep your data tidy with regular clean-ups

Playing Nice with Current Systems

Mixing AI with your existing tech can be like oil and water. Here's how to make it work:

Integration Headaches: Old systems often clash with new AI tools. Get this: the average company spreads data across over 800 apps, but only 29% of these talk to each other.

To smooth things out:

  • Use custom APIs to bridge the gap
  • Look into middleware for better connections
  • Start small: pick one task to automate first

Getting Your Team on Board: Your staff needs to be AI-friendly. Some might fear for their jobs.

Patrick Grau, FIRST AI Security SIG Chair, cautions:

"Incorrect application of these measures can result in unintended consequences, including data breaches, misinformation and overall economic losses."

To help your team embrace AI:

  • Give them solid training on AI tools
  • Show how AI can make their work easier, not obsolete
  • Set clear rules for responsible AI use

What's Next for AI at Events

AI is set to shake up event-based prospecting. Let's peek into the future and see what's cooking for 2024 and beyond.

New Tools on the Horizon

AI event tools are leveling up fast. Here's what's coming:

Multimodal AI for Content: Soon, event organizers will use AI to whip up text, images, and videos. It's a game-changer for creating event content quickly and cheaply. Take Synthesia - it lets planners make personalized video invites in multiple languages without hiring actors or breaking the bank.

Smarter Attendee Matching: AI is getting better at playing matchmaker. Bizzabo is cooking up an AI that digs into attendee profiles and behavior to suggest spot-on networking opportunities. Early tests show it's boosting meaningful connections at events by 30%.

Real-Time Mood Reading: Zenus is pushing the envelope with ethical face analysis. Without getting personal, these systems can tell how engaged and happy attendees are in real-time. Organizers can use this to make "Happy Maps" of their venues and quickly perk up any low-energy spots.

How to Win with AI

Want to make AI work for your event prospecting? Try these tips:

1. Start Small, Think Big: Kick off with something simple, like using Cvent's AI Writing Assistant for event descriptions. Once you've got the hang of it, go for the bigger stuff.

2. Data is King: Remember, AI is only as smart as the data you feed it. Keep your CRM squeaky clean and your attendee info up-to-date. Your AI lead gen tools will thank you.

3. Get Personal: Use AI to tailor experiences. How about AI chatbots that suggest sessions or exhibitors based on each attendee's profile and behavior?

4. Keep it Ethical: Be upfront about how you're using attendee data with AI. Go for tools that put privacy first, like those that check engagement without storing personal info.

5. Never Stop Learning: AI moves fast. Stay in the loop - hit up webinars, devour industry reports, and chat with other event pros to trade notes.

Key Takeaways

AI is changing event-based prospecting in 2024, bringing new tools and strategies for marketers and event planners. Here's what you need to know:

Smarter Event Discovery: AI is changing how people find events. Ted Dworkin, Eventbrite's Chief Product Officer, says:

"Consumer event discovery will change fundamentally when prompt-based or conversation-based interactions are really powerful and effective."

Custom Experiences: AI helps create events that fit each person. Web Summit used AI to suggest sessions and connections, making attendees happier.

Real-Time Data Use: AI looks at attendee data quickly, helping organizers make smart choices during events. Eventico Technologies used AI to:

  • Make check-ins 70% faster
  • Boost attendee engagement by 40%

Easier Lead Capture: AI tools like the Email Extractor Tool make getting leads at events simpler. This Chrome add-on finds email addresses on web pages automatically.

Better ROI Tracking: Only 30% of event organizers measure financial ROI now. But AI is making it easier to track how well events do, helping plan better future events.

As AI grows, event pros need to keep learning and changing their plans. Using these AI trends can help create better, more successful events in 2024 and after.

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