Friday, July 30, 2010

Mar 02 2010

Tech Chic: New Event Technology

Tags:  Event Trends, Events, Product Review,

To be successful in our line of work, creativity and originality are two requirements that never cease to exist.  We at EA tend to produce events that utilize some of the latest and most high-tech equipment when it comes to things like projectors, LED walls and tiles, audio, and lighting.  We constantly search for vendors who own their own equipment and can provide the latest technologies, so when the audience does finally arrive, we can watch jaws drop.  To some it may be boring, but to us, knowing the ins and outs of the world of technology (no matter how nerdy) can make all the difference.


Lighting and Projection

One technology we’ve been a big fan of and look forward to working with more is the new High End Systems DL-3 Projector.  When attending a sporting event like a basketball game, for example, there’s usually an introduction in the form of video and a laser light show.  What most people don’t realize is that this same technology is available to us, and we fully intend to use it.  In fact, we already have one usage in the works, when we will transform a 12,000 square foot blank ceiling into a moving, alive galaxy image.  The affect is truly awesome, and we’ll pull it off to give the impression that guests are not inside, but rather underneath a sky showing thousands of stars.


























Holographic Imagery

Arguably the item I’m most excited to use going forward is the use of Holograms at events.  Most people have seen the Obi Wan Kenobi image from the original Star Wars, or the newer "Gorillaz" music video performances featuring a fully holographic band.  The thing is, this technology is now accessible, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.  We’re currently working on a project for a client to bring in holographic images of event attendees from around the world, and having our keynote presenter interact with these full-size, real people – who just happen to be zapped in from another country.  It’s really neat stuff.










This image comes from Digital Illusions, who created a live, moving arena for their presenter to be on.











 




Light Touch

We’re excited about some of the newest innovations to hit the market, as we look for ways to incorporate them into our events.  I’m a huge fan of interactive projection, such as the Light Touch system.  All it takes is one small, state of the art device, and a fully interactive screen appears, displaying visuals such as keyboards, menus, presentations, and more.  Light Touch uses Holographic Laser Projection to create the image on the surface.  The device can also of course be used purely for entertainment – how would you like to order your food at the next meeting?  Just by the touch of a button of course.











d"Light Bubbles

d*Light Bubbles are some neat, funky lights I discovered recently.  They offer a purely fun aesthetic, as they are eye catching and provide some light.  The light bubbles are basically squeezable LED lights, which are lightweight and easily transportable, and can be hung, bounced, or thrown around.  







What event technology have you been using recently? Login to Facebook at the bottom of this blog post and share new event technology you have used or seen recently.