Skift Take
There's a lot of buzz around emerging technologies like augmented reality and facial recognition. Realistically, though, it's too early for these things to really catch on, but companies like Cvent want to be ready to deploy new products when and if they do.
Over the last two decades, Cvent has helped define the shape of the meeting and event industry. So how exactly is it working to remain just as relevant going forward?
This week I took a look back at conversations with Cvent executives recently and delved into how the company approaches introducing new technologies. Unlike other leaders across travel, Cvent is trying to be pragmatic about introducing things like augmented reality instead of putting a product out there and hoping customers will emerge.
We also have the latest on how hospitality is embracing wellness and the behind-the-scenes effort at integrating Marriott and Starwood.
Check out these stories, and more on the future of events, below.
If you have any feedback about the newsletter or news tips, feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected] or tweet me @sheivach.
— Andrew Sheivachman, Business Travel Editor
The Future of Events and Meetings
How Cvent Searches for the Event Technology Tipping Point: Cvent wants to be opportunistic about adding emerging technologies like augmented reality to its broad stable of products for event professionals. For the time being, the focus is on making its products easier to use and reducing the fragmentation that can make life more complicated for its customers.
Marriott and Starwood Clean House Ahead of Combining Loyalty Programs: Marriott and Starwood are ready to pull the trigger on integrating their loyalty programs — but will their hotel and loyalty members ever be ready for the change?
What’s Missing in Wellness Hospitality? We’re in the first inning of wellness innovation in hospitality. There’s a lot more science, integration, and bold new ideas yet to surface. Here’s a look at how the space will evolve in the next few years.
Around the Industry
Eventbrite Scoops Up Another Competitor: As Eventbrite gears up to go public, it has acquired Vancouver-based ticketing site Picatic to join its diverse portfolio of smaller brands stationed around the world.
Are All-Day Breaks Catching On? Shared catering is helping planners keep costs down while offering more flexibility to attendees.
Brands Compete for Attention at San Diego Comic-Con: Brand activations are becoming more intricate, with interactive experiences employing a high level of complexity.
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Skift Business Travel Editor Andrew Sheivachman [[email protected]] curates the Skift Meetings Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Wednesday.
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Tags: cvent, event technology, meetings, meetingsiq
Photo credit: Attendees on the show floor at Cvent Connect 2018 in Las Vegas. Cvent / Flickr