The worldwide events industry was valued at $1,135.4 billion in 2019 and was on track to reach $1,552.9 billion by 2028. But things didn’t quite go to plan.
In 2020 alone, the live events industry lost a staggering $30 billion. This specific drop in revenue may come as no surprise, as Covid made it impossible for venues to sell tickets for in-person events. Even after restrictions eased, many were hesitant to populate crowded spaces and risk infection.
Post-pandemic, the live event industry is under immense pressure to uplift ticket sales and win back its relevance with consumers. Numerous modern issues stand in their way, and at Ingram Micro UK, we know that innovative technologies are the best way to keep pace with ever-evolving demands.
Crucially, entertainment venues must make the entire customer journey as simple as possible - at no point during the ticket purchasing process or when attending an event should a customer feel like they’re working hard. Technological solutions, such as QR codes, help to create a seamless experience from start to finish, removing all the off-putting parts of event attendance such as inaccessible bookings, long queues, and clunky ticket handling at the door.
Those who have not yet leveraged portable QR scanning devices to boost event attendance are missing out on a huge opportunity. Today, there is no limit to the type of event that customers can book online. Both attendees and organisers desire smooth online and cloud-based ticketing on websites or event apps - why wouldn’t they? They’re safer, more efficient, and easier to use. Everyone wins.
QR codes are also a fantastic addition, as they help to create ticket leads. Scanning different codes can generate extra revenue, allowing venues to offer complete packages to attendees rather than just a single event.
Plus, with a general population that is more health-conscious than ever before, contactless technologies minimise the spreading of germs and establish a more hygienic event environment for attendees and staff alike.
Sub-par Wi-Fi is another burning issue for venues trying to remain relevant. Although scanning a QR code doesn’t require an internet connection, downloading it does; if customers forget to do this before they enter the venue, they may struggle to do so in a packed venue, causing backlogs in queues and frustration amongst attendees.
It’s not just ticket scanning that relies on speedy Wi-Fi; if we examine trends, the very future of the entertainment industry could depend on it. Soon, consumers will expect concerts, festivals, fashion, and sports events to be more immersive experiences, incorporating technology such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality. These options will only be available for venues that invest in their Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi 6 is often up to 40% faster than Wi-Fi 5. It penetrates the walls of convention centres and delivers full wireless service, which significantly reduces the cost of and boosts wireless attendee services. Event professionals can use faster wireless to provide higher-quality events: it’s a no-brainer.
Wi-Fi 6 technology doesn’t just provide higher bandwidth for live events; it also enables new possibilities. For example, audiences can instantly replay what is happening in a football match or use VR to attend a football match or concert virtually.
Live events of the future will capitalise on the speed and potential that this new network offers - it will transform live events and usher in a new era of technologies, experiences, and revenue opportunities. Venues won’t want to miss out.
The UK and Europe as a whole, faces a challenging period. Entertainment venues must remain relevant with customers that cannot afford the costs associated with event attendance: hotel stays, transportation, and meals, to name but a few.
VR isn’t yet a fully integrated part of the industry, but it’s only a matter of time. It’s shaping up to be one of the most transformative trends, the impact of which will span various events, from weddings to concerts and conferences. It’s the answer for organisers looking to include lower-income customers or those who don’t have the funds to be there in person.
VR allows event organisers to offer these customers a similar experience to in-person attendees - not just the sights and sounds but the atmosphere too. After all, that’s what live events are all about.
At Ingram Micro UK, we have a wide range of solutions to help entertainment venues transform their offering to customers and remain relevant.
Our broad portfolio of Professional Services encompasses the full lifecycle of a customer’s IT infrastructure and provides specialist expertise to ensure the delivery of quality solutions, and our maintenance services ensure your technology remains efficient and effective.
Flexibility is at the heart of what we do, and we always recommend the right equipment for the environment, whether it’s mobile devices, cloud, or network infrastructure.
With us, you will get as much as possible from your solutions - we’ll help you determine the lifecycle of your assets, maximising efficiency and minimising cost.
If you want to learn more about how we could help you, contact us via phone at 0371 973 3000 or through our website: uk.ingrammicro.eu/contact