The technology train has left the station and not everyone is on board. Some meeting planners and attendees have a serious case of technophobia.
Feeling intimidated and overwhelmed, a fear of information overload and a lack of desire for training and learning confusing new jargon are some of the reasons people suffer from this malady.
“For meeting planners, embracing technology is about making things easier and staying relevant and up-to-date in the industry,” says Jim Spellos, founder and president of Meeting U., which specializes in teaching technology applications and meeting planning. “The first time you introduce new technology such as an event app, there is bound to be some resistance, but when people see the value and time-saving elements, the resistance goes down at the next meeting.”
Appreciating and utilizing new technologies is not just about trying an electronic gizmo with lots of enticing features.
“People must discover the different reasons why it’s better, easier and more convenient than what they’re currently using,” Spellos says. “Not everyone is attracted to a technology for the same reason.
“For example, with apps”, he continues, “some are drawn to the connectivity aspects and social media possibilities while others see green initiative and advertising and marketing opportunities.”
Among the proven solutions to easing people into new technology are providing single page “cheat sheets”; group training by skill level; shorter training sessions instead of multiday training programs; providing engaging, non-technical instructors who empathize with technophobes; creating “techno stress breaks” with food and prizes; and offering a “help desk” after the training is completed.
“It’s critical that planners introduce technology regularly and have attendees try something new that will improve their overall experience,” Spellos says. “It’s important to not overload them with the introduction of a new technology and always be consistent with training.”
