With virtual elements taking an increasingly prominent role in the events industry, new digital technologies continue to emerge to aid planners with the various components involved in a meeting or exhibition.

Here are four recently launched tools that help organizers in everything from site selection and exhibit booth design to networking and awards.

IFEMA Virtual Site Tour

Madrid-based IFEMA launched a new digital tool that offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the indoor and outdoor spaces, rooms and halls at its Feria de Madrid and IFEMA Palacio Municipal meeting venues. The new technology, created with Recorrido Virtual and available on any device, also allows meeting planners to book and reserve space and receive comprehensive advice throughout the process from IFEMA staff without having to travel to the site.

Glue Up Speed Networking Tool

Glue Up (which recently changed its name from EventBank) debuted a new Speed Networking Tool designed to help businesses and professionals connect in a virtual environment. The new platform boasts a fully immersive virtual networking experience that allows clients to host meet-ups, exchange business cards and socialize with one another all online and all in one place.

“This feature is like speed dating for professionals,”  said Olivia Ji, president and co-founder of Glue Up. “Instead of looking for a date, you are looking for a person that will help expand your business, professional goals, increase revenue, etc.”

Evessio Awards Room

Recently launched by Evessio, the Awards Room was designed to provide an ideal hybrid experience by combining physical and digital award ceremonies. “Our aim was to create a product for organizers that has it all in one place,” said Thomas Howie, COO of Evessio. “We believe it really does offer a truly global extension to their event brand.”

The Awards Room allows organizers to invite audiences from anywhere in the world and provides sponsors with exposure throughout the ceremony regardless of whether they are in the room or on the screen. The platform also allows networking opportunities and sponsor package ideas, among other tools.