Nicolas Montet, Project Manager of the EMDR Conference, on how to Create Engaging Event Experience
Interview with Nicolas Montet, Project Manager of the EMDR Europe Research & Practice Conference 2025, which Kuoni Tumlare Congress is bringing to Prague from 30 May to 1 June. He shared how smart tech choices, participant-centered design, and the expertise of the Prague-based Kuoni team is creating a seamless, inclusive, and engaging event experience.
Nicolas, we must ask, what made Prague stand out as the right place for EMDR 2025?
Prague was a natural choice for the 2025 EMDR Conference. Its central location makes it easily accessible for international attendees, while its iconic venues and rich cultural heritage create a memorable backdrop for any event. Just as important, we have a dedicated local office in Prague with a highly experienced and well-connected team. Their on-the-ground expertise ensures seamless planning and flawless delivery - making Prague not only a beautiful destination but also a strategically smart one.
When planning the EMDR 2025 in Prague, why did you choose to integrate virtual and hybrid event platform as the event's technology backbone?
Our goal is to deliver a seamless, inclusive, and high-impact congress - whether attendees join us in person or online. The platform powers the virtual experience with full access to content, live Q&As, and interaction, while our software ecosystem serves as the operational backbone behind the scenes.
What were the biggest challenges in delivering this multi-track experience, and how did you overcome them?
We have extensive experience managing parallel tracks, including large-scale events with over 10 simultaneous sessions. With a strong project team based in Prague, one of our 17 European offices, and deep experience managing complex events, we’re well-equipped to handle multi-track programs. Our software helps us coordinate multiple simultaneous sessions. It’s all about precision planning and flawless execution.
Which engagement features - like gamification, live Q&A, or networking tools - proved most impactful?
Networking is a top reason people attend, so the Meeting Hub stood out as the most valuable tool. Gamification is gaining popularity and replays and handouts boost post-event engagement. Live Q&A remains essential for virtual participants. But these features only succeed when they’re thoughtfully integrated into the attendee journey - something we pay a great attention to.
What advantages did remote interpretation in seven languages bring to the event?
Interpretation in seven languages was key to making the event accessible. Managing it remotely - under the coordination of our Prague-based operations - cut costs, reduced complexity, and allowed for smoother logistics. We had full control over the process and the flexibility to scale up without the burden of on-site AV setups or interpreter travel.
How do you see event technology evolving congresses in the future of congresses?
We’re moving toward a future where technology powers not just operations, but the entire experience. AI and integrated platforms will soon allow us to deliver real-time personalization - from agendas to networking - based on live participant behavior. That’s the next level of engagement and value creation, and our team is well-positioned to lead that shift.
If you could only keep one feature, which would it be - and why?
The attendee service portal. It’s a personal assistant in your pocket - offering instant access to schedules, documents, invoices, and updates. It simplifies the attendee experience and lays the groundwork for even more personalization in future events.