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McKinsey & Company’s recent “The Economic Potential of Generative AI” report estimates that generative AI has the potential to generate $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in value across industries. (Sergio Membrillas illustration)
In a world driven by technological advancements, event professionals are embracing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of event planning and execution. From captivating designs and personalized experiences to streamlined operations and data-driven insights, AI is emerging as a transformative force, empowering event organizers to create extraordinary moments that leave attendees spellbound.
All illustrations by Sergio Membrillas.
Nope, I didn’t write that intro paragraph. ChatGPT did, in response to the prompt: Can you help me write an introduction to an article that features different ways professionals use AI for events? If you’re using a generative AI tool to help you write session descriptions, marketing messages, or social-media posts, you may recognize that distinctive over-the-top tone — I don’t think we’ve ever promised in Convene that taking a particular approach will leave attendees “spellbound.”
But the hype about AI itself is not overblown: McKinsey & Company’s recent “The Economic Potential of Generative AI” report estimates that generative AI has the potential to generate $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in value across industries.
We could cite all kinds of stats about generative AI’s impact on knowledge work, explore its dark side, like the ethical ramifications of the technology on society, or go the other way and publish mind-blowing predictions of its future use. We chose instead to focus our July-August 2023 cover and CMP Series stories on how the tool is being used by event professionals today in everyday, practical ways.
Not all of us are quick to embrace AI, but we can’t afford to ignore it either. And when it comes down to its potential in the business world, McKinsey Senior Partner Lareina Yee seems to be speaking directly to the heart of our industry: “In general, workers can spend more time on the human connection and interaction aspects of their roles, which is something AI can’t take away.”
Michelle Russell is editor in chief of Convene.
Find the links to our stories for this CMP Series below.
AI is ‘Revolutionizing’ Work for This Event Pro
Megan Finnell, director of meetings and conferences for the Medical Group Management Association, is using generative AI tools to ramp up her productivity. READ MORE
Dissecting the Generative AI Disruption for Events
In a recent PCMA webinar, four event professionals shared how they are using generative AI tools to save time and enhance their creativity. READ MORE
How AI Is Transforming Event Data
This may be the first time since the arrival of the smartphone that events and associations have been immersed in technology innovation at the same speed as the world’s leading technology companies. READ MORE
Adventures with MidJourney
Convene experimented with generative AI tools MidJourney and ChatGPT to come up with meeting spaces of the future. See what the collaboration created. READ MORE
The Future of Emotional AI for Events
How one AI company is sussing out the emotions behind decision-making — because that’s how most of our decisions, including whether or not to attend an event, are made. READ MORE
How One Event Professional ‘Onboards’ ChatGPT
ChatGPT users often consider the tool a co-pilot in the creative process. Marc Ghafoori, senior vice president of brand strategy for Heritage Exposition Services, thinks of the tool as a new employee ready for training. READ MORE