Event Tech Vocabulary 2026 – Event Terms Every Planner Should Know

Event technology has advanced faster in the past five years than in the previous decade combined. As we move deeper into 2026, planners are expected to understand the systems, software, digital tools, and technical language behind event management apps, event management platforms, hybrid event software, mobile conference apps, and event registration software.

This glossary contains 80+ verified acronyms and terms widely used across the U.S. events industry — by planners, AV teams, venues, corporate organizers, and event-tech professionals.

Let’s begin.

Core Event Technology & Software Terms

EMS — Event Management Software/System

Software used to plan, manage, deliver, and analyze events. Event management apps like Grupio fall under this category.

API — Application Programming Interface

A connector that allows your event app to work with CRMs, ticketing systems, check-in tools, and marketing platforms.

UX — User Experience

How easy, intuitive, and enjoyable the event mobile app feels for attendees.

UI — User Interface

The layout and visual design of the app’s screens, buttons, and navigation.

CMS — Content Management System

System used to manage schedules, speakers, exhibitors, documents, push notifications, and more.

SaaS — Software as a Service

Cloud-hosted event platforms accessed by login (e.g., event apps, registration systems).

SSO — Single Sign-On

Attendees log in using one set of credentials (Google, Microsoft, corporate login).

SAML — Security Assertion Markup Language

A secure method for authenticating SSO users.

NFC — Near Field Communication

Used for contactless check-ins and smart badges.

OCR — Optical Character Recognition

Technology used for badge scanning and document reading.

AR — Augmented Reality

Used in event apps for interactive venue maps, exhibitor product previews, and 3D overlays.

VR — Virtual Reality

Used for immersive demonstrations, virtual tours, or hybrid presentations.

AI — Artificial Intelligence

Used in networking matchmaking, personalized recommendations, chatbots, and event analytics.

ML — Machine Learning

A branch of AI that improves predictions over time.

BLE — Bluetooth Low Energy (Beacons)

Used for indoor positioning, heat maps, and attendee tracking.

PWA — Progressive Web App

A lightweight app accessed through the browser without installation.

RTMP — Real-Time Messaging Protocol

Technology used for livestreaming sessions in hybrid events.

CDN — Content Delivery Network

Used to ensure smooth video playback and fast app loading.

Engagement, Registration & Event Marketing Terms

QR — Quick Response Code

Used for mobile check-in, contactless entry, and lead retrieval.

EDM — Electronic Direct Mail

Email-based event marketing approach.

CTA — Call to Action

Buttons or prompts like “Register Now,” “Join Session,” “Download App.”

CTR — Click-Through Rate

Measures how many people clicked on your event marketing links.

UVP — Unique Value Proposition

What makes your event different or better (exhibitors, speakers, tech tools, sessions).

UGC — User-Generated Content

Photos, posts, and contributions made by attendees inside your event app.

ROI — Return on Investment

Total value generated vs. total cost.

ROO — Return on Objective

Success measured based on engagement or learning outcomes (not money).

CAC — Customer Acquisition Cost

How much it costs to attract an attendee or exhibitor.

ATT — App Tracking Transparency

Rules affecting user-tracking permissions on iPhones.

Hybrid, Virtual & Remote Event Technology

VOD — Video on Demand

Recorded sessions available after the event.

VoIP — Voice over Internet Protocol

Used for virtual speaker calls and digital communication.

ATS — Attendee Tracking System

Tracks attendance, movements, and session participation.

VEP — Virtual Event Platform

Platforms used to host and deliver online sessions.

Breakout Rooms

Virtual sub-sessions used for workshops, networking, and roundtables.

Latency

The time delay in livestreams — critical for speaker coordination.

Bandwidth

Required internet strength for streaming quality video.

Planning, Logistics & Onsite Operations Terms

BEO — Banquet Event Order

A document outlining catering requirements, schedules, room setups, and services.

RFP — Request for Proposal

Issued to venues, AV companies, and software providers for competitive bidding.

RFQ — Request for Quote

Used when gathering price comparisons.

SME — Subject Matter Expert

Specialized speaker or expert presenter.

AV / A/V — Audio Visual

Equipment and production teams responsible for microphones, screens, lights, and display systems.

F&B — Food and Beverage

Catering services and meal planning handled by venues.

CVB — Convention & Visitors Bureau

Local organization that supports event planning, venue selection, and tourism.

DMC — Destination Management Company

Handles local logistics, transportation, tours, and entertainment.

PAX — Number of Attendees

Common term in seating, catering, and registration.

ETA — Estimated Time of Arrival

Used for speakers, VIPs, vendors, and deliveries.

CAD — Computer-Aided Design

Used for booth layouts, venue maps, and production diagrams.

MOD — Manager on Duty

Primary operations manager during an event.

WBS — Work Breakdown Structure

Organizes tasks and timelines for event project management.

SOP — Standard Operating Procedure

Instructions for safety, operations, or vendor workflow.

 

Security & Compliance Terms (Critical for 2026)

GDPR — General Data Protection Regulation

Applies if your event includes European attendees.

CCPA — California Consumer Privacy Act

Regulates attendee data collection in the U.S.

MFA — Multi-Factor Authentication

2-step verification for secure access.

SSL — Secure Sockets Layer

Protects web traffic and event websites.

TLS — Transport Layer Security

Modern version of SSL encryption.

IP — Internet Protocol

Basic communication standard on networks.

VPN — Virtual Private Network

Used for secure communication between planners and vendors.

DDoS — Distributed Denial of Service Attack

Cyber threat that floods servers — relevant for virtual events.

KMS — Key Management Service

Used for managing encryption keys securely.

 

Venue, Production & Staging Terms

FOH — Front of House

Public-facing area where attendees interact (registration desk, seating, stage).

BOH — Back of House

Staff-only zones for operations and equipment.

LED — Light Emitting Diode

Screens, stage displays, and signage.

HDMI — High Definition Multimedia Interface

Standard display connector.

PTZ Camera — Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera

Remotely controlled cameras used in hybrid events.

RF — Radio Frequency

Used for wireless microphones and communication systems.

Stage Plot

Diagram showing performer and AV equipment placement.

Show Flow / Run Sheet

Minute-by-minute production document for speakers, AV, and stage managers.

 

Attendee Experience & Event App Interaction Terms

NPS — Net Promoter Score

Measures attendee satisfaction and loyalty.

CEUs / CE Credits — Continuing Education Units

Used in academic, medical, scientific, and corporate training events.

RFID — Radio-Frequency Identification

Used for smart badges, tracking, and cashless payments.

Lead Retrieval

Tool exhibitors use to collect attendee details via QR or NFC.

Wayfinding

Digital maps inside event apps for navigation.

Gamification

Interactive challenges, quizzes, points, and leaderboards to boost engagement.

Push Notification

Real-time alerts sent to attendees’ devices.

Why Knowing Event Tech Terms Matters in 2026

As event technology becomes smarter and more integrated, planners must understand the vocabulary behind:

• Event mobile applications
• Mobile conference apps
• Event management platforms
• Event planning software
• Online conference apps
• Event registration software
• Hybrid event software

Whether you’re planning a conference, corporate event, expo, or hybrid meeting, a modern platform like Grupio makes it easy to manage schedules,
content, check-ins, engagement, analytics, and sponsors from one unified event app.