Case Study: Adopting AI for Business Events – AIPCO Event 2024
Event: AIPCO Educational Programme – Adopting AI for Business
Date: 19th September 2024
Location: Pavilion Building, Leopardstown Racecourse, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader: Mark Kelly, AI Ireland
Overview
On 19th September 2024, AIPCO (Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers) hosted a forward-thinking event titled Adopting AI for Business, aimed at exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the business events industry. Mark Kelly, Founder and President of AI Ireland, served as the keynote speaker, delivering a comprehensive presentation on the latest AI trends and facilitating an interactive workshop. The event, held at the Pavilion Building, Leopardstown Racecourse, brought together leading industry professionals to discuss the integration of AI into event planning and management.
Keynote Presentation: “Adopting AI for Business Events – Current Trends”
Mark Kelly kicked off the session with his keynote presentation, “Adopting AI for Business Events – Current Trends,” at 15:40. His talk provided a comprehensive overview of AI and its applications in the events industry.
Key themes covered in the 40-minute session included:
– Evolution of AI: A look at how AI has progressed and its increasing role in event management.
– AI Trends Shaping the Industry: Mark highlighted the key trends impacting event planning and management, including automation, AI-driven marketing strategies, and data analytics for enhancing attendee engagement.
– Real-World Case Studies: He showcased examples of AI’s practical applications in event logistics, from automating registration processes to personalising attendee experiences.
Mark’s presentation underscored the significance of adopting AI in business events, providing a roadmap for attendees on how to leverage AI to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
Interactive Workshop: Practical AI Applications in Event Planning
Following his keynote, Mark led an interactive 25-minute workshop designed to immerse participants in the practical use of AI tools within the business events sector. The workshop allowed for hands-on experience and collaboration:
– Group Activity: Attendees were divided into tables, each representing key areas of event planning—such as event marketing, attendee engagement, logistics, AV production, and accommodation. Each group was tasked with identifying AI tools currently in use or that could be adopted to enhance their respective areas.
– Discussion and Presentations: After brainstorming, groups presented their findings, leading to an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in event management. This collaborative session allowed participants to explore real-world applications of AI and gain practical insights into its potential.
The workshop successfully engaged attendees, encouraging active participation and providing them with actionable strategies for implementing AI in their event planning processes.
Panel Discussion: AI in Action – Real-World Applications in Event Management
At 16:45, Mark chaired a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry leaders who shared their insights into how AI is already transforming their specific areas of the events industry:
– Lenny Fearon, Culinary Director & Executive Head Chef at The Convention Centre Dublin: Lenny discussed Positive Carbon, an AI-driven food waste initiative recently launched at The Convention Centre Dublin, and the significant impact it has had on sustainability efforts in large-scale events.
– Dani Hadley, Sound & Light AV: Dani provided insights into the AI tools used in AV production, highlighting how automated systems are enhancing attendee experiences at events and improving operational efficiency.
– John Burke, AIPCO and Venues World: John shared how AI-powered virtual assistants, personalised itineraries, and 24/7 chatbots are streamlining event planning and improving customer service for global events.
This insightful panel discussion brought real-world AI applications to life, allowing attendees to see how AI is already making a substantial impact across different areas of event management. It concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Mark and the panellists fielded questions from the audience.
Key Takeaways
Mark Kelly’s keynote, workshop, and leadership during the panel discussion left attendees with several crucial takeaways:
- AI is Revolutionising Event Management: From streamlining logistics to enhancing marketing strategies and improving attendee engagement, AI is transforming the events industry.
- Sustainability Through AI: Tools like Positive Carbon are driving sustainability efforts by reducing waste and enhancing efficiency, showing the broader impact AI can have beyond just operational improvements.
- Practical AI Applications: The interactive workshop and panel provided real-world examples of how AI can be implemented to solve specific challenges in event planning and management.
Mark’s ability to translate complex AI concepts into practical, actionable strategies ensured that participants left with valuable insights and a clear understanding of how to adopt AI in their own business events.
Participant Reviews
“Mark’s keynote was incredibly insightful, providing a clear vision of how AI is transforming our industry.
The examples and trends he highlighted were directly applicable to our business, and I left with actionable strategies to implement right away.”
— BDM Event’s Company Ireland
“The workshop was a real eye-opener! Mark encouraged us to dive deep into the practical applications of AI, and the collaborative format made it both engaging and informative.
I now have a much clearer understanding of how to use AI tools effectively in event planning.”
— Corporate Manager International Tourist Board
“Mark did an exceptional job moderating the panel discussion, guiding the conversation in a way that brought out valuable insights from each speaker.
His expertise in AI was evident throughout, and he made complex topics accessible to everyone in the room.”
— Marketing Manager, Irish Multinational
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This case study exemplifies Mark Kelly’s role as a thought leader in AI and his ability to deliver engaging, transformative content that resonates with professionals in the business events industry. Through his keynote, workshop, and panel leadership, Mark demonstrated the real-world potential of AI to reshape how events are planned, managed, and executed.