Three ways technology enhances medical meetings

By Bridie Hook, Digital Programme Manager at SWM Partners

Regardless of whether your audience is joining an event physically, remotely, or in a hybrid fashion, it’s important to consider the ways that technology can be woven throughout all aspects of the experience.

This is because digital tools can add immense value to medical meetings of all formats and sizes, from an audience engagement and connection, through to personalisation and analysis perspective.

Here I delve into three ways our digital team leverages the latest technologies to create informative experiences for delegates, which also drive results for global healthcare organisations.

Improved personalisation capabilities via AI

While we’re of the view that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be used on its own – but rather to complement the skills of humans – it can add value during the planning process.

It is capable of analysing delegates’ data, which can provide insight into elements such as their locations, job titles, learning preferences, reason/s for attending, and accessibility requirements.

This information can be applied to all aspects of the event, from its location and format, to the agenda itself, where the content that is covered and duration and style of sessions – such as keynote presentations, panels, and live Q&As – can be selected based on what resonates with attendees.

Furthermore, it can enable smart networking, by matching delegates based on their shared interests, either during break periods in the physical event space, or via interactive sessions in the virtual realm.

On that note, when it comes to hybrid meetings, it is vital that agendas are adjusted so that they appeal to virtual audiences, and AI is also capable of providing rich data about attendees’ preferences in these environments.

Custom streaming platforms for continued learning

Ensuring remote delegates feel a part of the wider experience is key, and bespoke platforms that reflect an organisation, the particular study, and the meeting’s content play are especially effective here.

Tools of this nature can be completely customised for the event, and include:

• The physical live stream
• The agenda and presentation slides
• Links to external sites or resources
• Animated graphics that reflect the event’s host city
• Engagement tools such as polling and Q&A pop ups

Additionally, platforms of this nature are equipped to host content once the meeting concludes, and it can be made accessible to all delegates, ensuring learning opportunities continue long after it ends.

This can take the form of session recordings, which are edited to include top takeaways, or with embedded chapters so that audience members – or those who were unable to attend a portion of the event – can view particular sections with ease, as well as written communications and resources.