No Strings on Me! Tablet Use at Events

Tablets have become a lifesaver, or at least an arm saver, for event managers used to carrying around large binders that contained all needed documentation for an event. As tablet use continues to increase among event planners and attendees alike, what are some ways events and our interactions at events have to change?

For event planners, the tablet may be lighter, but if data is not organized and accessible, it may become just as cumbersome as flipping through those heavy binders. This article from Corbin Ball Associates provides some great guidance on how best to optimize your tablet for on-site use complete with suggestions on apps to download and begin using today.

The tablet is also making check-in easier. No need to set up clunky desktop computers, now all registrant information can be accessed on the tablet, badges can be printed, and payment can even be accepted. With Bluetooth there is a possibility that check-in could get even more hands-free. This Expo article details how attendees with Bluetooth enabled on their devices could be recognized and checked into the event or sessions just by merely walking in the door.

As Microsoft has announced it will stop providing tech support for windows XP, more organizations may take that as an opportunity to move users off laptops and desktops onto tablets (as suggested by Alex Kottoor with SceneDoc here). This means more and more attendees can easily tote their everyday work "computer" to events. While the use of tablets is great for consolidating information, notes, etc., in one device, it also means that attendees will have access to email, Internet, and even games while sitting in on your sessions. Throw in to the mix that attendees are encouraged to tweet during sessions themselves, and you have an audience that is more distracted than ever.  Much like virtual events you have to be mindful of the call attendees feel to multitask. In-person events must make sure that tablet use benefits the event, rather than distracts from it.

What changes are you seeing as more and more attendees come armed with tablets? What has been the biggest time saving benefit of tablet use for you and your events?

Image credit: Flip-Wood