ABSTRACT
As we advance into what many in business and academia call the fourth industrial revolution (I4.0), the capacity to control and exchange data electronically has extended our ability to create, edit, maintain, transmit, and retrieve information. As a result, modern event organisers are able to exponentially expand the event participant–event–event organiser relationship through digital communication technology and insight through data (Ryan et al., 2020). With this in mind, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the field of international events is developing at a phenomenal pace and technological advances have extended into each and every aspect of planning, participation, and delivery. The digital transformation of international events has improved digital communication possibilities, putting information, experiences, and collaboration quite literally at everyone’s figure tips with mobile apps and cloud communications. Aside from improving collaborative experiences, the planning and delivery stages can all be assisted and accelerated with the use of these technological advancements.
The recognition of I4.0 and its component technologies has allowed international events to produce whole new concepts and experiences in the delivery and management processes. As was suggested in Chapter 1, this book shows how international event companies continue to develop new and innovative ways to connect. International events are absorbing aspects of I4.0 at every stage of the process, pushing the boundaries of event experiences far beyond the physical world. Digital communication is improving the level of performance of business while Big Data and analytics are transforming performance from manufacturing to the field of play.
International events are increasingly engaging and investing in the use of digital communication. With the level of understanding required to achieve E4.0 (Event 4.0), it is necessary to adopt a cautious approach. The investments in more technological approaches need to demonstrate significant evidence of the 3 ‘i’s. A much greater focus has been placed on the need for secure networks and appropriate bandwidth to satisfy demand. However, this widespread availability of digital communication, apps and tools will continue to permeate throughout international events, driving knowledge, improving communication, and reinventing our methods of engagement.
