Event Tech Podcast

Episode Summary:This week on the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran unpack the latest leaps in AI-powered image generation, focusing on new capabilities within ChatGPT and Midjourney. From photorealistic hands and seamless text rendering to transparent backgrounds and continuity across images, the conversation explores how these advancements are transforming event production, branding, and creative workflows. The hosts also touch on the evolving landscape of video generation tools and share a few candid lessons learned from the trenches of AI experimentation, including an apology to Perplexity.Discussions Include:The evolution of AI image generation: photorealism, hands and body parts finally look rightContinuity and consistency: generating series of images with persistent elements and stylesText and logo integration: AI’s newfound ability to handle crisp, accurate signage and brandingTransparent backgrounds and practical applications for event production and designMidjourney’s new draft mode, voice prompting, and the speed gap in creative iterationReflections on the future of video AI and lessons learned from using AI tools in real-world projectsQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"I have some of the worst short-term memory of all time and all I can do is blame the 90s." - Brandt Krueger"This ability to do continuity between images makes me feel like this is going to be great for brands who are like, I need to make the announcement image for my event...and now I need to say that I'm announcing that Seth Rogen is going to be the keynote speaker." - Will Curran"It's a very talented intern. Or I think somebody once described it as like your cousin-in-law's nephew who you've been using to do graphics design and maybe does a little too many drugs." - Brandt Krueger"I continue to be really excited by where these things are going. All that video is- is a thousand pictures. So we're going to get there really soon." - Brandt Krueger

Episode Summary:In this special episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran have some exciting news to share, followed by some fun chatting about the FAR future of events- robots, AI, and beyond. The duo explores the possibilities—and limitations—of automation in the events industry. They discuss everything from robot bartenders and holographic keynotes to automated floor-chalking Roombas and AI-driven video production. Along the way, they reflect on the irreplaceable human touch in events and share their thoughts on how technology will continue to shape the industry.Discussions Include:An announcement about the new AI hosts and [SPOILER] acquiring the podcastThe role of robots in events: from bartenders to exhibit booth assistantsHow AI could enhance AV production, from auto-ducking audio to sentiment analysisThe balance between automation and preserving human artistry in event productionQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"There are lots of possible futures of event technology, many of which could be very interesting." – Robotic Host (Brandt)"I think there’s always going to be a call for both—the quick-and-dirty automation and the high-touch human interaction." – Brandt Krueger"Imagine a world where a glass breaks, and a camera spots it, sending a Roomba to clean it up. That’s coming in five years!" – Will Curran"A good camera op can tell when someone is about to move—it’s an art that AI hasn’t quite mastered yet." – Brandt Krueger"We wouldn’t just drop news like that on you—or replace ourselves with AI—without telling you first!" – Will CurranLet us know what you think about the future of robots and AI in events, and if this episode may have lived up to its release date :)

In this "Another Mini-Brandt Rant" episode, Brandt and Will discuss the progress made in event accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has feels like it regressed. They highlight the importance of captioning services, which became more accessible and affordable with AI advancements. However, they note that these technologies have fallen out of favor as events returned to in-person formats, leaving behind some of the inclusivity gains made during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the broader benefits of accessibility features which can aid not just people with disabilities but frequently improve the event for the majority of attendees as well.Discussions Include:Progress and Regression in Accessibility: The hosts reflect on how COVID accelerated the adoption of accessibility technologies like captioning but lament that these practices have largely been abandoned in the return to in-person events.Technological Advancements: They discuss how AI has improved captioning services, making them more affordable and efficient, though still not as reliable as human transcription.Broader Benefits of Accessibility: The conversation highlights that features like captioning benefit a wide audience, including those with hearing difficulties, language barriers, or simply preferring visual aids.Future-Proofing Events: The hosts suggest investing in technologies that can capture and stream content from events, enhancing accessibility and providing valuable resources for attendees.Quotable Quotes:"I think one of the things that during COVID, we started to see, you know, every platform put in at least some basic level of captioning, whether it was auto-generated or otherwise." - Brandt Krueger"People with difficulty hearing would literally call these services 'craptioning' at the time because they were so bad." - Brandt Krueger"For the first time, a lot of people with accessibility issues felt like they were on even ground with all other attendees, right? Because we were all attending from our living rooms and our bedrooms." - Brandt Krueger"Like a lot of attendees, I might want to turn it on just because of the fact that like, you know, every once in a while there's a word I might miss." - Will Curran

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran bring an update on the latest advancements in AI technology, focusing on deep research capabilities and AI agents. They explore how these tools have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of event planning and personal productivity, while also touching on potential future developments in the tech industry.Discussions Include:The benefits and limitations of Perplexity and it's deep research featurePotential applications of AI agents for task automation in event planningPredictions for the future of AI integration in operating systemsThe impact of AI on job roles and productivity in the events industryQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"Deep research is now my favorite thing to do." - Will Curran"If you could free that time up to focus more on other things like, you know, plan more events, take on more business, be the first one to respond to the RFP..." - Brandt Krueger"We're creating these systems that will allow us to no longer have to be in the day-to-day." - Will Curran-and-"We only learn from each other. So we need to expand the people that we talk to!" - Brandt Krueger So be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn so we can do that!

In this somewhat spicy episode of the Event Tech Podcast, hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive into the contentious issue of in-house AV pricing and exclusivity contracts. They discuss the recent trend of significant price hikes, sometimes up to 300-400%, and the increasing prevalence of strict exclusivity clauses in venue contracts. The hosts offer insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of in-house AV company contracts, and provide advice for event planners on how to navigate these challenges.Discussions Include:The recent surge in in-house AV pricing and its impact on event budgetsThe mechanics of revenue-sharing agreements between venues and in-house AV companiesStrategies for event planners to negotiate better deals and maintain flexibility in vendor choicesThe importance of thoroughly reviewing venue contracts before signingQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"There's no incentive for the venues to fix it. There's no incentive for the in-house AV companies to fix it. And we can't fix it. The only people that can are you, the planners." - Brandt Krueger"Let's be honest, there's a lot of people planning events who are not listening to things like the Event Tech podcast, learning about these tips and tricks. And that's why this is happening." - Will Curran"I will always be happy to look at your ... venue contracts, because that's where you get nailed. People are looking at '25, '26, '27 for their venues and they're signing now." - Brandt Krueger"If you are struggling with 100% increases, 200% increases, 300% increases in your AV bill, it doesn't have to be that way, but only you can stop paying too much for AV." - Brandt KruegerAnd to whoever "the guy" is that hassled Will for using the phrase about before signing being negotiation and afterward being begging, let's talk. If you can prove you're the source, happy to attribute it to you from now on. Pretty confident that lil' nugget's been around for a while, and advanced metasearching doesn't attribute it to any one person. Happy to be wrong, though!

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran discuss the current state of the event industry job market, exploring the influx of returning professionals, the impact of AI on hiring processes, and strategies for standing out in a competitive landscape. They delve (I really do use that word - BK) into the growth of the events sector, the shift towards specialized roles, and the importance of adapting to new technologies.Discussions Include:The resurgence of professionals returning to the events industry post-COVIDThe impact of AI on job applications and hiring processesThe growing emphasis on high-touch, immersive events in marketing strategiesThe balance between generalist and specialist roles in the evolving job marketQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"It's not AI that's going to come for your job. It's going to be someone who knows how to use AI that's going to come for your job." - Brandt Krueger (though we both say it all the time now, I just happened to be the one in this episode- BK)On why people are coming back to the industry: "Event people are fun. And, you know, there's so much love in the industry, even amongst competitors. Friendpetitors!" - Brandt Krueger"If you're looking for a job, if you're a freelancer or someone who's looking for a full-time position, AI is gonna be your friend." - Brandt Krueger"Never stop learning. I mean, we talk about this all the time, it's obvious, but this is just a reminder that if you right now are sitting here and you haven't learned something new in the last year that is like game changing, you think is life changing, right? It's probably time ... this is your call to action." - Will Curran

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran check in on the highlights of CES 2025, discussing innovative technologies and their potential impact on the events industry. They explore sustainable tech, AI advancements, and futuristic concepts while emphasizing the importance of looking beyond immediate products to long-term possibilities.Discussions Include:E-ink digital posters and their potential use in event signageNvidia's AI advancements and personal AI computersSustainable technologies like paper-based batteries and salt-simulating spoonsThe future of cameras and privacy in smart homes and devicesQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"Look for the breakthrough concepts, not the breakthrough products." - Brandt Krueger"I love this idea that you can toss it in your garden and this is going to decompose." - Will Curran, on paper-based batteries"Do I think we'll ever reach a point where we're just OK with having cameras everywhere? Maybe someday, but I mean, it's not going to be soon." - Brandt Krueger"I was watching it and ... I was like yeah, there wasn't very much stuff that made me go 'My God! Take my money right now!'" - Will Curran

In this bonus episode from February 2023, hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran are joined by Wayne Johnson Jr., Creative Director at EideCom, to discuss the revolutionary impact of AI tools on event design and production. They explore how AI is transforming the creative process, from generating stage designs to streamlining proposal creation, and debate the future implications for the events industry.Discussion Include:The evolution of AI tools in event design and their potential to revolutionize the creative processUsing AI to generate stage designs, event layouts, and visual conceptsLeveraging AI for faster turnaround times and improved client presentationsThe importance of human creativity and taste in conjunction with AI-generated contentQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):"We are using it as a tool - it just allows us to do more you know with less and in faster time" - Wayne Johnson Jr."I feel like AI is the car for the mind. You don't have to think about balancing, you don't have to think about pedaling, you just say go and you put a little effort and it takes you exactly where you want to go." - Will Curran"It's not automation, this is a tool for someone creative like Wayne who's going to recognize the colors and things like that... it's garbage in, garbage out." - Brandt Krueger"All of these tools are just going to make us better at our jobs and better at what we do and better at giving the client what they want as quickly as possible." - Brandt Krueger"AI is just another burnt stick. We've always been artists who use whatever tool comes to them." - Wayne Johnson Jr.Personal apologies to Wayne for misplacing this episode. You rock, man!

In this BONUS episode (recorded in February 2023 and recently found in the couch cushions), Brandt Krueger and Will Curran dive deep into the latest developments in AI technology, focusing on the recent announcements from Microsoft's Bing and Google's Bard. They discuss the potential impact of these AI-powered search engines on various industries, including event planning, and explore the implications for content creators and information providers.Discussion Points:• The recent announcements of AI-powered search engines by Microsoft (Bing) and Google (Bard)• Potential applications of AI in the event planning industry, such as venue finding and RFP processing• The importance of staying current with AI technologies and their potential impact on various job rolesQuotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):• "If right now you're like 'Hell no, this is not going to work, this is not going to help me,' I would be really afraid. I'd be pressuring you right now to at least be playing with this stuff to be aware of it." - Will Curran• "The future for your job is not 'Can you do these things?' but 'Can you use these tools now to leverage even further?'" - Will Curran• "I think hopefully what folks are taking away from this is the clear difference in how we are talking about this again versus how we've been talking about the metaverse and stuff like that." - Brandt Krueger• "Every week for the last month solid, something new has popped into my head of like, 'Oh, I know how we could use this' or 'Oh, I know how this is going to impact events.'" - Brandt Krueger

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran sit down with Veselin (Vesko) Milev and Dessislava (Dessy) Marinova from Eventex to explore the world of event awards and event technology. As Eventex celebrates its 15th anniversary, Vesko and Dessy share insights into the global reach of the Eventex Awards, the evolution of their fully online format, and the impact of the Evalato awards management software. The team also dives into how creativity and innovation are recognized on a global scale and the fascinating trends emerging in event management.Discussions Include:The growth and global reach of the Eventex AwardsHow Evalato simplifies the awards judging process and ensures fairnessThe shift to fully online awards and its sustainability benefitsTrends in event design and technology across the worldUsing Eventex winners as creative inspiration for future event planningThe importance of transparency in award scoring and feedbackPredictions on how AI and sustainability will shape the future of event awardsQuotable Quotes:“Eventex is not just about competition; it's a learning experience.” – Vesko Milev"It’s not about the size of your event; it’s about the creativity and achieving your goals." – Brandt Krueger“Sustainability and AI will continue to drive the future of event management.” – Dessy Marinova“The software takes into account how you score in the morning versus the evening—personal bias gets neutralized.” – Vesko Milev