Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the event industry and convention centres are on the brink of a transformation.
As AI technologies become more accessible and advanced, planners and venues are exploring how they might use AI to streamline logistics, personalize experiences, and enhance sustainability. At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, we’re closely watching these developments and envisioning how AI might shape the events of tomorrow. Here’s a look at what the future could hold.
Hyper-Personalized Attendee Journeys
In the future, AI could power fully personalized event experiences for every guest. Imagine attendees receiving smart agendas tailored to their preferences, interests, and learning styles, even before arriving onsite.
AI tools might one day analyze registration data, past attendance patterns, and real-time feedback to recommend sessions, networking opportunities, or even meal options, helping events feel more personal, even at scale.
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Planners
AI could offer planners new ways to make smarter, faster decisions. From optimizing room layouts to forecasting peak foot traffic times, convention centres might rely on predictive analytics to enhance flow, engagement, and resource allocation.
Imagine planning a conference where AI can recommend the most efficient registration setup or identify which sessions are likely to have overflow crowds, before any guests arrive.
AI-Powered Concierge Services
Future events might feature AI concierge bots, onsite or virtual, that answer questions, provide directions, deliver schedule updates, and even suggest nearby food options.
These AI assistants could operate through apps, kiosks, or wearable tech, offering 24/7 support without the need for additional staffing. For attendees, this might mean faster service, easier navigation, and a more seamless experience overall.
Automation of Behind-the-Scenes
Behind the scenes, AI might help automate countless time-consuming tasks:
- Auto-generating name badges
- Managing inventory for exhibit booths
- Assigning breakout rooms based on session popularity
- Tracking engagement metrics in real time
These automations could free up staff to focus on guest experience and creativity, while reducing the risk of human error.
Smarter Safety and Crowd Management
Looking ahead, AI could play a major role in venue safety and logistics. By analyzing real-time video feeds, AI systems might help manage crowds, detect congestion, and flag potential hazards quickly and discreetly.
In high-attendance scenarios, this could mean improved safety protocols, faster response times, and smoother guest movement throughout the space.
Encore Canada: Driving AI Innovation and Accessibility in Events
Our technology partner, Encore Canada, is leading the way in AI adoption for event planning by combining innovation with inclusivity. Beyond optimizing logistics, boosting attendee engagement, and streamlining administrative processes, Encore Canada now offers AI driven transcription, captioning, and translation services. These tools give event organizers powerful, affordable ways to make their events more accessible to diverse audiences.
From AI generated content and smart tracking to automated communications and real-time language solutions, Encore Canada’s expertise is shaping a future where intelligent systems help events run smoother, faster, and with greater reach than ever before.
Thoughts from Our Events Team
Heidi Danson, one of the Rogers Centre Ottawa’s event services managers said. “We’re already seeing new tools make event planning a bit easier, like helping with things such as timelines, budgets, and even sending out personalized invites.” Danson says, “I think it’s only going to get better. In the future, we might see tech that offers live support during events and helps create more meaningful experiences for guests, based on what they care about. It could also make gathering feedback and planning the next event feel a lot less overwhelming.“
Looking Ahead
As the event industry continues to evolve, AI stands out as one of the most promising innovations on the horizon. At the Rogers Centre Ottawa, we’re exploring how these technologies might fit into future operations and enhance efficiency, inclusivity, and creativity.
Whether it’s AI-driven planning software, personalized attendee experiences, or smart safety systems, one thing is clear: the future of event planning is intelligent, adaptive, and just getting started.
