Top Event Tech Trends for 2026: Boosting Engagement with Innovation

Cavendish Venues, London conference venues. We host thousands of events every year, this gives us a unique insight into new trends in the events industry.  

Over 60% of event marketers are already using event technology as part of their strategy. Tech innovations are set to make events more accessible, impactful, and globally relevant this year, from personalisation to virtual networking and sustainability. These new tools are improving engagement, simplifying processes, and helping people gather actionable insights for virtual and hybrid events.
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AI for Personalised Events

AI is becoming an essential tool for event management, offering smarter, more personalised experiences for attendees. By analysing data from past interactions and preferences, AI can recommend sessions tailored to a person's interests or suggest networking opportunities that align with their professional goals. This helps attendees feel valued and improves engagement, contributing to a more successful event.

Research shows that most event professionals see AI as a positive development. In fact, 80% of event professionals view it positively, and 76% of marketers consider it important for personalising customer experiences.

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Better Hybrid Event Tools for an Immersive Experience

Hybrid events, which cater to both in-person and online attendees, are now standard. These platforms are evolving to provide a seamless experience, allowing participants to interact effectively no matter where they are.

Platforms are expected to become even more immersive in 2026. For example, tools like  

Hubilo already offer interactive chats, polls, surveys, and social media integrations to encourage audience participation. This flexibility allows hybrid events to reach a broader audience while maintaining meaningful engagement.

According to
Swoogo, hybrid events have seen a 30% increase in registrations compared to traditional in-person events.

Here at Cavendish Venues, we offer cutting edge Hybrid Tools in all of our venues.  
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Virtualised Networking

Networking is a key benefit of attending events, and technology is changing how these connections are made. Virtual and hybrid platforms now have advanced tools that rival traditional networking, so attendees can build professional relationships from anywhere. Apps like  

SpotMe can even facilitate communication between in-person and virtual attendees.

With features such as interest-based matching, these tools help participants connect with like-minded individuals, strengthening community ties. With instant messaging, video meet-ups, and AI-powered matchmaking, virtual networking has become both practical and productive.

A PCMA survey found that 79% of event planners are hosting virtual events. Additionally,  

TeamStage reports that 40% of people network more effectively online than in person.
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Advanced Analytics for Engagement Insights

Understanding what works and what doesn't is crucial for event planning. Modern analytics tools give organisers deeper insights by tracking attendee behaviour in real-time. Metrics like session participation and content downloads offer valuable data for improving future events.

For example,  

Eventify allows organisers to monitor attendance, exhibitor interactions, and speaker engagement, providing actionable insights. A  

Forrester study found that using post-event analysis to refine strategies can lead to a 20% increase in attendee satisfaction.
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The Future of Event Engagement

Technology is developing quickly, and the events industry is keeping pace. The new tools are not only boosting engagement but also aligning with the expectations of tech-savvy audiences. For organisers, adapting to these innovations is no longer a choice - it's a necessity. By effectively using AI, hybrid platforms, and advanced analytics, events in 2026 are set to become more inclusive, impactful, and memorable.

Whether creating personalised experiences or offering global networking opportunities, technology is shaping the future of how we connect and collaborate.
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If you are looking for market-leading venues offering cutting-edge technology Cavendish Venues is the venue for your conference or exhibition venue in the City of London or Central London, please get in touch on 0207 706 7700 or enquires@cavendishvenues.com