The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) has rolled out MICE Technology Guidelines, which introduce potential corporate planners to business events-related technology available for their events.
These 15 technologies will be able to provide support planners in all stages of business events, from planning to execution. For example, organisers can conduct a remote inspection with a 360-degree view, while secretariats can benefit from a data management system that integrates all functions. On-site, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used with security cameras to detect abnormal behaviour and foreign objects to ensure venue security.
Should planners wish to boost engagement, there are AI-based image analysis and sensors to help bring about interactive elements such as project mapping, while simultaneous multilingual interpretation and transcription can improve inclusivity. A metaverse space with presenters and participants can also be used in conjunction with real events. Also available are robo-waiters to transport food and beverages, and mobility as a service (MaaS) for improved access around the city.
These guidelines were designed to increase efficiency and productivity at business events, as well as enhance accessibility through remote participation, manage personnel shortages, advance sustainability, and improve participant satisfaction.
Kazuko Toda, senior director of the business events team at TCVB, told TTGmice that Tokyo’s “high-level technological and engineering expertise” gives the city “an edge in high-tech, state-of-the-art meetings”.
The TVCB has been promoting these guidelines on its website, through an e-newsletter. as well as at a recent symposium. So far, several organisations have already deployed these technologies.
In August 2023, the 10th International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics, for example, opted to use telepresence avatar robots so that their remote participants could interact in live video chats with the in-person participants.
“Until recently, the use of high technology has not been well established in the local business events industry. However, through the formation of these guidelines, we connected with technology providers and conducted public demonstrations of how technology can streamline business event planning. As a result, we succeeded in rapidly forging connections between business events and technological industries,” opined Toda.
The TCVB says it will continue working with service providers and startup companies to accelerate the digitalisation of business events in Tokyo.
