Artificial intelligence may be reshaping the way we plan, produce and personalise events—but one of its most powerful capabilities lies in its ability to make business events more accessible, inclusive and engaging for every participant.
According to an aggregation of industry data sources including Encore’s latest Planner Pulse survey, AI adoption among event professionals has surged to 62 percent this year, up from 48 percent in 2024. While many planners are already experimenting with AI for brainstorming and content development, Encore—an EIC Strategic Partner and Corporate Member—highlights an even greater opportunity: using AI to remove barriers, expand participation and deliver equitable experiences for all.
From Accessibility to Expectation
AI-powered tools such as live transcription, translation and captioning are transforming event accessibility. Encore’s AI Transcription and Translation service enables near real-time captions and audible translations in multiple languages—enhancing engagement for attendees with hearing or vision impairments and bridging communication across cultures.
“Captions aren’t just an add-on anymore—they’re expected,” says Encore Customer Relationship Director Gus Capone. “Just like people are used to subtitles on Netflix, attendees now rely on live transcription to follow along and absorb the message.”
At ConferenceDirect’s flagship CDX event, live captions were displayed on general session screens and accessible via QR codes on personal devices. Positive feedback from attendees has prompted organisers to expand the technology to breakout sessions in future editions.
Inclusive Design Meets Compliance
Beyond convenience, AI-enabled translation and captioning tools are helping organisations meet new global language access regulations that promote inclusivity by requiring multilingual support and real-time accessibility features.
At one recent international meeting supported by Encore, 300 of the 350 non-English-speaking participants used live translation daily. The result: improved comprehension, inclusion and satisfaction—reinforcing that accessibility isn’t just good practice; it’s good business.
Supporting Every Learner
Encore’s next-generation tools, such as AI Session Summaries, are extending accessibility beyond the live experience. These tools automatically capture key discussion points, quotes and takeaways, creating visual summaries that support different learning styles and help participants engage at their own pace.
By eliminating the need for manual notetaking, AI-powered summaries allow attendees to stay present in the moment while ensuring that valuable content lives on long after the event. Research shows this approach increases comprehension and recall while improving productivity by up to 30 percent.
“Attendees told us they loved being able to double-check what they heard or catch up on what they missed without chasing down a speaker,” says Capone. “That’s real empowerment.”
Extending Engagement Beyond the Event
The benefits of AI accessibility tools extend well past the closing session. Encore’s survey found that 73 percent of planners consider content production critical—but time and resources are major hurdles. AI-generated transcripts and summaries offer a cost-effective solution, enabling planners to repurpose session content into blogs, social posts, micro-learning assets or marketing campaigns.
Encore notes that AI integrations make this process seamless, turning accessibility into a pathway for continuous learning and deeper engagement.
The Road Ahead
According to EventTechnology.org, 94 percent of event professionals would consider using AI for translation, and two-thirds are already exploring AI-powered speech tools. For those just beginning the journey, Capone advises: “Start small. Try it in one area, build confidence, and you’ll quickly see how it saves time and improves the attendee experience. Be vigilant, but don’t be scared.”
As AI continues to evolve, its true superpower may not lie in speed or scale—but in its capacity to create a more inclusive, human-centred event experience where everyone can participate fully.
