Everyone has that person in their life who seems to always need technical help. Whether it’s operating the breakout feature on Zoom or clearing memory in a dated smartphone, some people just aren’t tech-savvy. And for the most part, their tech-related struggles might be mildly frustrating or even humorous. But when the benefits of tech are lost on key decision-makers, brands face an uphill battle connecting with would-be users. That’s why designing tech events that engage these non-techy laymen is so important. In this article, we’ll share ideas for planning a tech event that connects with technophobes while still getting tech experts fired up.
Start With Strategic Alignment
Skip the specs and go straight to strategic alignment. The executives, i.e., the tech-resistant decision-makers, want to know how technology will contribute to their strategic goals. Show them how technology will:
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- Improve efficiency
- Save time and money
- Lead to actionable insights
Make Technology Understandable
Ditch the jargon. It will only confuse and frustrate. Instead, speak in the language stakeholders understand.
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- Illustrate impact with real-world examples
- Connect features with relevant business goals
- Identify problems and solutions
- Focus on the opportunities technology creates
Design Layered Programming
Let attendees decide how deep to go into the material. Decision-makers will be able to get their questions answered without delving into irrelevant details that could alienate them. At the same time, tech-savvy attendees can be inspired with more comprehensive material.
Big-picture keynotes for all attendees can serve as a springboard for discussions. Non-technical stakeholders will come away with a clear understanding of how the technology fits into the business. Tech-savvy attendees will be able identify areas for further exploration.
Optional breakouts that answer pressing questions for every audience group. Techies will be able to get their questions answered about the technology’s underlying structure and advanced features. And the stakeholders can go deeper into how the tech can be used for specific real-world applications.
Invite Participation With Interactive Formats
Stakeholders will feel more invested in your tech event if they have an opportunity to participate. Live Q&A sessions will help ensure their questions get answered, and potential friction points are smoothed over. Use live polling and quizzes to keep attendees engaged. Look for ways the audience can discuss ideas, such as breakouts and brainstorming sessions.
Build Simplicity Into Production
Use event production techniques to make complex material easily understandable. Creative production techniques can make the presentation entertaining and accessible.
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- Illustrate key information with infographics
- Use animations to explain complex systems
- Use visuals to echo key ideas
Use Experiential Opportunities to Reinforce Learning
Adults are multi-sensory learners. In addition to incorporating visuals into your presentations, look for ways to add experiential learning opportunities. These are hands-on learning opportunities that reinforce recently acquired information.
You can reinforce technical concepts with sample workstations. Or you can install physical representations of complex systems. An interactive kiosk can provide an innovative way to engage with the material. The key is to allow attendees to interact with the material.
Plan Your Next Tech Event With EMRG Media
Tech innovation requires savvy users who can make the most of technology. It also requires buy-in from non-technical stakeholders. You can plan a tech event that appeals to both of these groups when you incorporate a variety of formats, programming, and hands-on learning. Your tech-savvy attendees will appreciate the deep learning. Most importantly, your non-technical stakeholders will understand and buy into the technology.
Partner with EMRG Media when designing your next tech event. Our event planning team understands how to design events that appeal to a variety of audience groups. We can help you ensure that your event offers something of value to every type of attendee. Contact us today.
