AI and the Human Touch

On this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the events industry while emphasizing the enduring importance of human connection.

This episode — recorded live at Event Tech Live London — features Colja Dams, Co-CEO of VOK DAMS, in conversation with Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief of Skift Meetings.

As CEO of VOK DAMS, Dams brings a unique perspective on how technology is reshaping event experiences without compromising their fundamental purpose: bringing people together meaningfully.

The conversation explores the fascinating intersection of cutting-edge AI capabilities and traditional event management principles, touching on everything from attention spans in the TikTok era to the future of mindful events.

Dams's insights, drawn from his company's extensive experience managing thousands of events annually and their recent partnership with Cvent, reveal a nuanced understanding of how AI can enhance rather than replace human expertise in the events industry.

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Key Takeaways

Attention Spans and Event Design

The decreasing attention span of modern audiences is reshaping event formats. Impactful 20-minute presentations are replacing longer sessions, while opportunities for deep-dive content through masterclasses and breakouts are maintained.

Personalization and Human Curation

While AI can help with personalization, human curation remains crucial. Some events are now offering specialized guided experiences for VIP attendees, creating "events within events" that maximize value through human expertise.

Data-Driven Decision Making

AI and automation are transforming event management by providing comprehensive data analysis capabilities, helping org. These capabilities help make informed decisions from strategy about strategy and learn from past events' successes and failures.

The "Burger Model" of AI Implementation

Successful AI integration requires human input at both ends of the process — initial prompting and final editing — similar to how smartphone photography still benefits from human expertise despite advanced AI capabilities.

The Future of Mindful Events

While digitization continues to advance, the future of events lies in creating meaningful personal connections. Technology should enhance rather than replace these human interactions, focusing on generating valuable in-person experiences. Dams emphasizes that while AI and automation are transforming event management, the human element remains crucial for creating meaningful experiences. The future lies in finding the right balance between technological efficiency and personal touch.