Although event software company Canapii officially launched in 2020, its roots in the events sector stretch back two decades. Initially part of Canalys, a market research company in the IT industry, Canapii's journey began with the need to automate event processes to minimise human error.
“We started developing an app 18 years ago to streamline our events, initially for internal use,” recalls CEO Rita Chaher. “However, as our sponsors, including tech giants like Lenovo and Microsoft, saw its potential, they requested to use it for their events.”
The pivotal moment came for the Reading, UK-based company in 2019 when Canapii secured a contract to manage several major events. The onset of the pandemic in 2020 necessitated a rapid pivot to virtual events.
“We redeployed our resources, recoding everything to support virtual formats. This shift revealed the tool’s potential beyond the IT industry,” Chaher explains. This adaptation was crucial in establishing Canapii as a standalone entity, focused on both on-site and virtual events.
The rise of AI in translation
One of the most significant advancements in event management has been AI-driven language translation. “Given our global event scope, language has always been a priority,” says Chaher. “We've heavily invested in AI translation to ensure it meets the diverse needs of our audience.”
The effectiveness of these translation tools is evident. Chaher recounts an event in Latin America where the translation feature saw limited use until a Brazilian presenter took the stage. “Suddenly, everyone used the tool to translate Portuguese to Spanish. This underscores the critical role of accessible and efficient translation tools in enhancing event participation.”
Current trends
The events industry has seen several key trends over the past year, with sustainability and AI at the forefront. “Sustainability is a major focus, driven by pressure to reduce carbon footprints and meet ESG metrics,” Chaher says. However, she highlights the challenges in execution, noting that while the intent is strong, practical application often falls short due to cost constraints.
Venues are increasingly prioritising sustainability, with many appointing dedicated project managers for these initiatives. “The real challenge is empowering these roles with the necessary authority and budget,” Chaher says. Measuring the impact of events on sustainability is now a top priority for organisers, driven by demands from senior management.
The rapid advancement of generative AI is another notable trend. “In recent briefings with vendors, the focus has shifted to meaningful AI integration,” says Chaher.
She adds: “Our development meetings focus on identifying and solving new challenges, particularly around engagement and interactivity.” Attendees now expect high levels of networking and interactive experiences, pushing Canapii towards shorter presentations and increased gamification.
Looking ahead, Chaher sees continued growth in the demand for AI-driven translation services. “The shift to hybrid events has significantly increased accessibility,” she notes. “This underscores the importance of language tools in broadening event participation.”
As AI continues to evolve, companies that integrate it meaningfully will lead the industry. “AI-driven tools provide immense value, enabling seamless communication and enhancing overall event experiences,” Chaher concludes.
