Insights

The Critical Role of Data in Event Success and Why It’s So Damn Hard To Get

November 14, 2024

For event organisers, proving the impact of your events is essential, yet gathering actionable data can be very difficult. Despite the wide-ranging of event tech tools available today, many organisers struggle to get clear insights that truly reflect attendee engagement and overall ROI.

Here’s a breakdown of some common obstacles and strategies to help address them.

 

Fragmented Technology Ecosystems

Most events rely on multiple technologies - registration software, event apps, tracking tools - but without integration, these systems often fail to work together seamlessly. This fragmentation creates disconnected data, making it difficult to track the full attendee journey from start to finish.

Solution: Choosing technology platforms that prioritise integration or consolidate multiple features is essential. An integrated tech stack reduces the need for manual intervention and enables seamless data collection throughout the event lifecycle, offering a more comprehensive view of attendee engagement.


Data Privacy

Data protection rules like GDPR set strict guidelines for how attendee data is collected and stored. While these regulations are important for privacy, they can sometimes make it harder for organisers to collect useful insights.

Solution: Look for tools that come with built-in compliance features to make consent management and data storage easier. Transparency is crucial - attendees need to feel their data is secure. Clear consent options help build that trust, while still giving organisers the ability to gather valuable data.

Marketer looking at data dashboards-1

Low Attendee Engagement

One big challenge for gathering meaningful data is low attendee engagement. If attendees aren't interacting with event apps, surveys, or networking tools, the data collected can be incomplete or unreliable.

Solution: Use event tech that encourages interaction, such as live polling, Q&A sessions or personalised content. These features not only boost engagement but also provide richer, more valuable data on attendee behaviour.

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Defining Clear Metrics

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by too much data. But not all metrics are equally important. Instead of tracking everything, focus on KPIs that directly align with your event goal - such as lead quality, engagement time or session attendance.

Solution: Set your success metrics before the event to make sure the data you collect is focused and relevant. By concentrating on a few key metrics, you can better demonstrate the real value of your event and show its impact more clearly.

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Building a Data-Driven Future

Gathering actionable data may seem challenging, but it’s achievable with the right strategies in place. By selecting integrated technology, ensuring compliance, boosting engagement, and defining clear metrics, organisers can turn data into valuable insights that show the true impact of their events.

Looking to dive deeper? Watch out for our next blog on the top metrics to track for successful event measurement and take your data strategy to the next level.