As AI’s transformative effect on the events industry increases, navigating its challenges and solutions is a growing ethical concern. Tools to enhance personalisation, streamline logistics, and elevate attendee experiences, raise issues about the ethics of AI in event organising, particularly around data privacy, bias, and accountability.
Firstly, data privacy and security. AI systems often require vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about how this data is collected, stored, and used. A significant 33% of respondents to a 2023 survey expressed distrust toward AI technology providers.
One solution could be to adopt stringent data governance policies that included encryption and anonymisation. Compliance with global data protection regulations such as GDPR and clearly communicated data usage policies might help to alleviate concerns and offering opt-in models and giving attendees control over their data could help build trust.
Secondly, bias and discrimination. AI can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the datasets it’s trained on, potentially leading to unintentional exclusion or discrimination.
By using diverse, representative datasets; implementing fairness metrics to monitor outcomes; auditing algorithms for bias and introducing interdisciplinary collaboration with ethicists and sociologists, these risks can be mitigated.
Thirdly, accountability and transparency. Because of their black box nature, AI systems are difficult to understand or challenge, raising accountability concerns.
Employing explainable AI techniques that clarify how algorithms make decisions, documenting the decision-making processes of AI systems, and establishing clear accountability frameworks within organisations could help to moderate accountability concerns.
According to the survey, the majority of buyers and corporate organisers support government intervention for AI regulation, with 63% and 71%, respectively advocating for legislation. However, scepticism about governments’ expertise to regulate AI effectively is also high, with 65% believing governments lack the necessary knowledge.
So, the establishment of an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for AI use in events could provide clear guidelines on ethical AI implementation, data usage, and accountability. In addition, event industry leaders could create self-regulatory bodies to develop best practices and certifications for ethical AI usage.
When implemented responsibly, AI can promote inclusion and engagement within events by creating personalised attendee experiences such as customised agendas or tailored networking opportunities. However, there should be transparency about how personalisation is achieved.
Nevertheless, AI-powered solutions like real-time translation, captioning, and sign language interpretation make events more inclusive for attendees with diverse needs, and by analysing speaker lineups and event content AI can help identify and address representation gaps, fostering diversity.
As AI adoption grows, event professionals should be able to upskill in areas like data ethics, algorithmic fairness, and regulatory compliance. Workshops, certifications, and collaborations with tech and ethics experts could equip the industry to navigate these challenges effectively.
So what practical steps could be taken to provide ethical AI in events?
- Providing transparency and clear information about how AI is used and ensuring that attendees understand their rights regarding data.
- Implementing ethical frameworks through the development of internal guidelines for AI usage covering areas like data privacy, bias mitigation, and accountability.
- Collaboration between interdisciplinary teams, including ethicists, sociologists, and legal experts, to shape responsible AI practices.
- Supporting the creation of industry-wide standards, such as an ISO for ethical AI usage in events.
- Continually monitoring and reviewing AI systems for ethical compliance and updating practices in line with emerging challenges and advancements through regular audits.
AI will shape the future of events, and its ethical integration is crucial to maintaining trust, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring fairness. By addressing concerns proactively and collaboratively, the events industry can lead the way in setting ethical standards for AI.