The CN Global Event Tech Summit 2024 featured keynote speaker Dex Hunter-Torricke, former head of communications at SpaceX and Google executive. In his talk, How to Move Into the World: Events in the Age of Disruption, Dex shared his top 5 disruption trends for the next decade, highlighting how industries like science, culture, and sport are transforming and their impact on events. He predicted that the next decade will be the most disruptive in history.
Top 5 disruptors:
A few voices will dominate the news narrative
Elon Musk and others like him are increasingly influencing public opinion, surpassing mainstream corporations that have long controlled news distribution. With the rise of tech platforms, people, especially the youth, now have greater access to content that aligns with their interests, driven by a distrust in traditional media.
In the events industry ‘thought leaders’ have built their own audiences and create events based on their platforms. These events, focused on hard-hitting discussions, are driving growth. They provide valuable information, debates, and data that shape opinions, leaving the event industry in a strong position with more people eager to connect and network globally.
The next wave of AI
The rapid growth of AI will make creation easier, even without coding knowledge. A recent example is an AI-generated image, The Electrician, which won the Sony World Photography Awards, raising questions about whether AI is a helpful tool or a hindrance. While AI can aid daily activities, its ability to deceive can blur the line between fact and fiction.
In events, AI’s hyper-personalisation will improve accessibility and inclusivity, enhancing the attendee experience before and after the event. Ethical data management will ensure private information is securely stored and used responsibly.
The rise of nuclear fusion
As questions grow about reliable energy sources, Oxford University sent a robotic dog to the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s nuclear fusion reactor to map the facility, collect data, and explore whether robots could assist in autonomous maintenance of fusion reactors, which offer endless, clean energy. The UK government has pledged £650m to accelerate research toward net-zero. With sustainability a priority, the search for greener, long-term energy solutions intensifies.
For events, which require significant energy to operate, nuclear fusion could become a future solution to power venues sustainably.
Robotics/tech already here take over essential jobs
AI and robots are increasingly being used in essential sectors like farming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. Supermarkets, aiming for net-zero by 2040, are leading the way. M&S, for example, has deployed drones for ‘autonomous field’ farming, investing £1m. Early results show that robot farming reduces carbon emissions by 46% compared to traditional diesel-powered methods.
In events, advanced technologies like infrared tech and safety barriers are improving security. Additionally, hybrid solutions allow attendees to access missed sessions, while VR is shaping new, interactive experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and organisers.
E-sports will surpass traditional sports in popularity and revenue
E-sports is disrupting the sports industry, with experts predicting it will surpass traditional sports like the NFL due to its strong social connections and massive platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Popular among younger audiences, e-sports’ success in markets like North America and Asia is key to its growth. Its revenue is expected to reach nearly $14bn by 2032, driven by digital monetisation, major investments, and lucrative sponsorships.
In events, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has added e-sports to its programme, with the first event set for 2025 in Saudi Arabia, which previously hosted the e-sports World Cup. The IOC’s move marks a new era of sports, targeting a younger demographic.
Technology is transforming industries, with influencers reshaping public opinion, AI enhancing personalisation, and nuclear fusion offering sustainable energy. Robotics improving event security, while e-sports are set to surpass traditional sports in popularity. These trends highlight the growing impact of tech and sustainability on the future.
