Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most talked-about technologies in the business events industry.
But beyond the headlines and hype, many event professionals are still asking the same question:
What does AI actually mean for events?
It’s a topic that Libbie Ray explores frequently in her keynote presentations and industry sessions. With more than 20 years of experience across events, marketing, technology and broadcast production, Libbie brings a practical perspective to how emerging technology can be applied in real event environments.
Rather than focusing on futuristic concepts, her talks explore how AI can support event professionals today.
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it will replace human roles.
In reality, the most powerful use of AI in events is augmentation, not replacement.
AI tools can help automate repetitive tasks, analyse large amounts of data and streamline processes that traditionally take hours or days. This frees up event teams to focus on the things that truly require human creativity and expertise.
Think about tasks like:
These are all areas where AI can dramatically reduce manual workload while improving speed and efficiency.
Across the industry, event teams are already experimenting with AI tools for content creation, research and communication.
But many organisations are still using these tools in an informal way. Research within the events sector suggests that AI adoption is often happening organically, with individuals experimenting independently rather than through formal systems or strategy.
The next phase is moving from experimentation to structured workflows.
That means building AI into the systems and platforms that support event delivery.
For example:
When AI is integrated into the workflow itself, the benefits multiply.
In Libbie’s talks, she often highlights several areas where AI is already reshaping event operations.
AI tools can help generate marketing content, session descriptions and social media posts faster, giving teams a starting point rather than a blank page.
Managing speakers across large conferences can involve hundreds of emails, documents and revisions.
AI-powered systems can streamline this process by centralising submissions, reviewing content and managing approval workflows.
AI can analyse registration data, engagement patterns and attendee feedback to help organisers understand what their audience actually values.
This allows future events to become more targeted and personalised.
Automation tools can help reduce repetitive admin tasks, freeing up teams to focus on delivering better attendee experiences.
At Connected Event Group, we’ve been exploring how these ideas translate into practical solutions for event organisers.
That thinking led to the creation of Connected Apps, a new platform designed to simplify event workflows and help teams build custom event tools faster.
Instead of relying on multiple disconnected systems, Connected Apps allows event professionals to create:
Because these tools are designed specifically for live environments, they are built to perform reliably when it matters most: on site, on the day.
What makes AI particularly exciting for the events industry is that we are still at the very beginning of what’s possible.
Over the next few years, we’re likely to see:
But as Libbie often emphasises in her presentations, technology alone isn’t the answer.
The most successful events will always combine great technology with great human experiences.
AI simply gives event professionals more tools to design, manage and deliver those experiences more effectively.
The events industry has always been shaped by innovation.
From livestreaming and hybrid events to interactive screens and immersive environments, technology continues to expand what’s possible.
Artificial intelligence is simply the next chapter.
And for event organisers willing to experiment, adapt and learn, it represents an incredible opportunity.
Not just to work faster.
But to create better, smarter and more connected events.
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