It's not always easy to change habits and adjust to new work dynamics. When people know what works best and have a routine, it can be challenging for them to adopt new tools that will improve the outcomes of their work.
This is increasingly true for event professionals and their teams who may find it challenging to keep up with the constant development of digital solutions and their complexity. Technology can be a benefit, but it can also be a pain point when it comes to organising and executing an event. The rapid evolution of planning and event marketing platforms often causes struggles for professionals.
First, people would prefer to manually execute the logistic processes (because they're used to it) than automate everything. Second, new event technology requires learning how the latest tools work and how to maximise their potential. Finally, the lack of initial expertise on how to integrate event management software correctly into the workflow will most certainly cause frustration.
It's no wonder that embracing new event technology can be challenging for many people, including your team. That's why it’s so important to know how to persuade the people you are working with into embracing event technology, which will ease their workload and boost their productivity. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1. Map the challenges your team face when planning an event
Schedule an operational meeting with your employees or team members to discuss the challenges they face daily. Ask them for the solutions they’ve tried to apply and the outcomes they achieved. If the issues persist, since your team wasn’t able to find sustainable solutions, map the negative impact these problems have on the event’s ROI. Subsequently, analyse and articulate for your team the gains you’ll achieve if you eliminate the challenges everybody is facing.
Step 2. Present the benefits of an automated system
When showcasing the benefits of event technology, talk in terms of effort and time. Explain to your employees or team members how a digital system may accelerate the workflow and eliminate insurmountable challenges.
For example, let’s say somebody is responsible for manually collecting the attendees’ networking preferences. What if an event management platform or app could do that automatically by letting guests enter their own information about what they can offer or are looking for at the networking session? Let your team understand that automating specific processes and responsibilities frees them up to focus on other tasks.
Step 3. Communicate the need for growth and innovation
It’s essential to articulate the general vision and aspirations of your agency or company. If you aim for growth and sustainable innovation, ensure that you strengthen institutional communication based on these two concepts, which will prepare your employees or team members for changes.
Step 4. Set up a learning boot camp for your team
Often, people have a reserved attitude toward technology because they must develop new skills to navigate the digital environment efficiently. This can be overwhelming, especially when you have a constantly increasing list of event planning-related tasks. That’s why you may want to organise learning boot camps for your team. This can help people feel supported in the process of developing new skills and feel less apprehensive about the latest event technology they’ll need to learn.
With eventplanner.net's event software, your team can also earn certification through our online academy, giving them a confidence boost and clear recognition of their new skills.
Step 5. Empower your team members by involving them in the decision-making process
Your team’s opinion is essential. People may offer valuable insights into the needs and pain points they encounter when planning an event. Subsequently, this information can be decisive when choosing which event management software or app to purchase. Additionally, you’ll transform your team members into active agents who feel empowered to make decisions that work best for them. This mere act of making a choice will make them aware of the involved consequences and the need to grow.
Call to action
If you're encountering resistance from your team in adopting event technology, I want you to know that there's a gap in your institutional communication. To get your team to embrace the digital solutions, start by listening to them. What are their challenges, and most importantly, what are their fears?
Then, focus on accurately communicating the added value that this new event technology can offer and the benefits your team will gain. Ensure that you involve them in the decision-making process by consistently assessing their needs. Be honest about your growth vision, and transform this potential conflict into an opportunity to strengthen work relationships.
