In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran explore the expanding landscape of internet connectivity for events. The duo discusses how advancements like Starlink and Peplink are revolutionizing how we think about internet access, making it possible to host events in previously unreachable locations. From streaming live video from the middle of the desert to setting up robust networks in remote national parks, Brandt and Will discuss the tools and technologies that are breaking down barriers and opening up new possibilities for event planners. They also touch on the potential of solar-powered networks, the implications of widespread satellite internet, and the creative opportunities these technologies present for future events.

Discussions Include:

• Starlink's Impact on Event Connectivity: How Starlink's satellite internet is transforming connectivity, allowing for reliable internet access anywhere.
• Peplink and Speed Fusion Technology: Combining multiple internet connections to create seamless and stable networks for events.
• Outdoor Event Possibilities: Exploring how enhanced connectivity could make outdoor and remote events more viable and engaging.
• The Future of Event Tech: Speculating on the next steps in internet technology, including solar-powered systems and drone-supported events.

Quotable Quotes:

• "In this day and age, connectivity is on a whole different level than we’ve ever seen before." — Will Curran
• "It’s not just about staying connected anymore; it’s about how far we can push the boundaries of where and how we host events." — Brandt Krueger
• "What would you do if you had internet access literally anywhere?" — Brandt Krueger

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive into the latest and greatest in event tech from things like concerts and the Olympics. From groundbreaking uses of 3D rendering and AI in corporate events to the jaw-dropping visual effects at concerts, they explore how technology is transforming the live event experience. The conversation also touches on the innovative approaches seen at the recent Olympic ceremonies and how they blend tradition with cutting-edge tech. Whether it’s the latest in LED wall integration or the creative use of drones and cameras, this episode offers a rich exploration of where event technology is headed.

Discussions Include:

• VR and AI in Event Production: How VR and AI are being used to create photorealistic environments for clients, allowing them to virtually explore event setups before they happen.
• Concert Innovations: The integration of 3D visuals and live lighting at Foo Fighters concerts, creating immersive experiences that blend real and virtual elements.
• LED Walls and Beyond: The growing use of LED walls in live performances and how they can be creatively redesigned for corporate events.
• Olympics Opening Ceremony: A breakdown of some of the tech behind the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, including the stunning use of lighting on the Eiffel Tower and a floating mechanical horse carrying the Olympic flag.
• Trends in Spectacle: A reflection on the current phase of iterative innovation in event tech, where the focus is on refining existing technologies rather than introducing entirely new ones.

Quotable Quotes (should you choose to share):

• "It’s not just about what’s new; it’s about how you creatively use the tech that’s already available." — Brandt Krueger
• "We’re seeing artists and event producers push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating experiences that are not just visually stunning but also deeply immersive." — Will Curran
• "The Olympics showed us that even in the most traditional events, there’s room for technological innovation that enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it." — Brandt Krueger

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Will Curran and Brandt Krueger dive into the fascinating parallels between the event industry and video games. They explore how concepts from popular games like Fallout can be applied to enhance attendee experiences at events. From the importance of choice and exploration to the potential of gamification, they discuss innovative ideas to keep attendees engaged and satisfied. Plus, they touch on the evolution of event apps and how to gamify actions that truly matter without alienating parts of your audience.

Discussions Include:

• How open-world games like Fallout can inform event design
• The balance between too much and too little choice for attendees
• The potential pitfalls of traditional gamification methods
• The importance of meaningful engagement metrics
• The future of event apps and wayfinding technology

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

1. "I think there's some things that are more metaphorical, more spiritual when it comes to how we design our events. More strategic, there we go- that's maybe a more better, gooder word." - Brandt Krueger
2. "In the same way that we say we want more white space, we want the choice of more white space." - Will Curran
3. "Let's refocus our gamification on the things that actually matter, like networking and engagement with exhibitors." - Will Curran
4. "It's almost worse than not having gamification at all because now I feel deflated." - Brandt Krueger

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran explore the game-changing features of the Arc Browser. They share their personal experiences with this innovative browser, detailing its unique functionalities and how it stands out from traditional browsers like Chrome and Safari. From its clean, distraction-free interface to its seamless integration with AI and enhanced productivity tools, Brandt and Will dive into why Arc Browser might be the future of web browsing.

Discussions Include:

• Introduction and initial thoughts on the Arc Browser
• Unique features: clean interface, sidebar, pinned "bookmarks", and spaces
• Transitioning from other browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge
• AI integration in Arc Browser and Arc Search app
• The importance of privacy and potential monetization strategies for Arc
• Comparisons with other browsers and the future of browsing
• Pros and cons: current bugs, desktop vs. mobile experience, and more

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

1. "Arc Browser feels like what Chrome did when it first came out—revolutionary and refreshing." — Brandt Krueger
2. "The 'Browse for Me' feature in Arc Search is a game-changer. It's like having a custom-built website for every search." — Will Curran
3. "The Arc Browser team has rethought the entire browsing experience, making it more intuitive and user-friendly." — Brandt Krueger
4. "It's the first time I've been excited about a web browser in 20 years. Arc Browser is truly that innovative." — Will Curran
5. "If you're looking for a browser that respects your privacy while boosting productivity, Arc Browser is worth a try." — Brandt Krueger

Will forgot to send me his referral link so here's mine- muahahahaha! (BK):
https://arc.net/gift/c123f69d

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive into the latest advancements in AI, specifically focusing on OpenAI's newly announced text-to-video engine, Sora. They explore its potential impacts on the events industry, the challenges and ethical considerations of AI-generated content, and the exciting future possibilities this technology could unlock. From transforming stock footage creation to enhancing projection mapping, Brandt and Will discuss how Sora could revolutionize event production.

Discussions Include:

• Introduction to OpenAI's Sora and its capabilities.
• Comparisons between Sora and previous AI developments like ChatGPT and Gemini 1.5.
• Early impressions and examples of Sora-generated videos.
• Potential applications of AI video generation in the events industry.
• Ethical concerns and legal implications of AI-generated content.
• Future possibilities for AI in video editing and event production.
• Personal experiences and insights into current AI tools being used in events.

Quotable Quotes (should you choose to share):

• "The genie is out of the bottle ... There is no putting it back in." - Brandt Krueger
• "Imagine creating video moments of CAD designs with a fly-in drone shot. The creative possibilities are endless." - Will Curran
• "It's about banning the behavior, not the technology." - Brandt Krueger

And for the record, we were using colons in our episode titles and words like "delve" long before AI.

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive into the highly-anticipated Apple Vision Pro. With reviews pouring in, they discuss the pros and cons of this new spatial computing device, its hefty price tag, and its potential impact on both personal and professional environments. Spoiler alert, neither of them has purchased the device themselves, so they analyze feedback from early users and tech reviewers, debating whether the Vision Pro is worth the investment or just another flashy gadget. Tune in to hear their insights and predictions on the future of augmented reality in the events industry and beyond!

Discussions Include:

• Introduction to Vision Pro: Brandt and Will's first impressions and initial thoughts.
• Price and Accessibility: The high cost of the Vision Pro and additional accessories.
• User Reviews: Contrasting feedback from influencers and everyday users.
• Positives: Transformative potential for personal and professional use, such as workspace customization and immersive media experiences.
• Negatives: Issues with field of view, comfort, and the effectiveness of the pass-through feature.
• Future Potential: Speculations on how Apple might improve the device and its applications for events and social interactions.
• Social Implications: The awkwardness of wearing bulky headsets in public and the societal adjustments needed for widespread adoption.

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

1. Brandt Krueger: "It's really, really expensive ... You're looking at forty-five hundred at least by the time you get rolling, if not a heck of a lot more."
2. Will Curran: "I've seen a lot of positive things about putting windows all around ... being able to take a blank room and turn it into a workspace is really exciting."
3. Brandt Krueger: "Is it worth it? And for me, as of right now, **SPOILERS***, based on what I've seen."
4. Will Curran: "I think Apple has the ability to universally create the standard for avatars... Imagine an avatar store, just like the app store, where people could sell avatars into your platform."
5. Brandt Krueger: "It feels like we're just skirting around the edges of all of this... we all really want, just actual transparent lenses, Tony Stark style."

Tune in for a deep dive into the pros, cons, and future possibilities of Apple's Vision Pro, and find out if this new tech is truly groundbreaking or just another high-priced novelty.

In this session from ETL Vegas 2024, industry experts Will and Brandt dive deep into the practical applications of generative AI for event planners. They debunk common myths and provide actionable insights on leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and productivity in event planning. From overcoming the blank page syndrome to generating impressive stage designs in minutes, this episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies to help event professionals stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

Discussions Include

• The importance of learning AI to stay competitive in the industry.
• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Adobe Firefly for various event planning tasks.
• Overcoming creative blocks and speeding up proposal and content creation.
• Real-world examples of AI-generated stage designs and artwork adjustments.
• The future of AI in events: chatbots, automated summaries, and more.

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

• "It's not that AI is going to take your job, but people who know how to use AI are going to take your job."
• "Generative AI can help you overcome the blank page syndrome and get your creative juices flowing."
• "Imagine feeding all your event information into a chatbot that can answer attendee questions in real time."
• "We used AI to expand a 16x9 image seamlessly into a panoramic view, and the client didn't even notice the difference.

Thanks, and be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn and give us feedback!

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger embark on an insightful journey through the evolving landscape of virtual and hybrid events. They delve into the shifts in event technology trends post-pandemic, the nuances of audience engagement, and the future potential of virtual and hybrid event formats. The conversation touches on the reevaluation of event strategies, the role of AI in content saturation, and the speculative impact of upcoming tech like Apple's VR headset on the industry.

Discussions Include:

• The decline of "virtual event software" and the rise of "webinar platforms".
• The enduring value and challenges of executing successful hybrid events.
• The influence of remote work on event attendance and format preferences.
• The impact of AI on content creation and consumption within the event space.
• Speculations on the future role of AR and VR technologies in enhancing event experiences.

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

• Will Curran: "We're seeing a decline in hybrid, which is really interesting. It's like the event world is retracting back from the virtual edge."
• Brandt Krueger: "Hybrid events have the power to combine the best of both worlds, but the real challenge lies in executing them correctly."
• Will Curran: "The future of event tech might not lie in massive shifts but in how we incrementally improve the virtual and in-person experiences."
• Brandt Krueger: "Even as technology evolves, the core of event planning remains about connecting people and sharing knowledge."