THE PRESSURE OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN MEETING AND EVENT INDUSTRY UNDER THE COVID-19 INFLUENCE

The innovation in technologies is one of the principal external forces that has a direct influence on competitiveness meeting and event industry. Therefore, implementation adaptation new technological solutions it continuously followed innovations industry itself. However, COVID-19 pandemic with following lockdowns pushed to search for alternatives innovate their way out crisis very short time period. This was first when all events from small family celebrations weddings up international conferences product launch events, have had be cancelled or postponed could happened only limited extent under strict regulations excluding any larger gatherings people. providers were forced find continue business not hibernate minimum downtime allowance granted by state employees. Technologies supporting various types online became ultimate digital tool helped planners execute projects beginning end after March 2020. purpose research explore these changes usage meetings organized Latvia caused COVID-19. quantitative analysis structural on-line survey data provides insights what technology adoption businesses been before during are future prospects supplemented in-depth interview qualitative analysis. Authors investigating amount virtual hybrid COVID-19, platforms organizers used level satisfaction kind challenges faced process technologies. results this current position within framework industry, but also enriches discussion about help some degree strengthen productivity growth long term perspective.